The Colors of Pearls
Pearls come in a wide range of natural colors and shades. The type of oyster or mussel determines the color together with the geographical areas where the different molluscs will produce different colors. Iridescence is the pearly lustre caused by the effect of colors which may be like those of the rainbow or a combination of colours such as pink, blue, green, and silver.
Natural (not dyed) colors are white, pink pearls, lilac, cream, grey, black and gold
Pink pearls are extremely popular
The Silver-lipped oyster is found in the South Sea around Australia which produces large white and silvery white South Sea pearls
Natural black are rare and are grown in the black-lipped oyster - Tahitian pearls. The colors of Tahitian pearls range from black, light black/silvery and dark grey. The rare peacock green color is also referred to as a black pearl. The cheaper black pearls, especially freshwater, are usually dyed
The Dark Akoya pearl may be blue or other dark colours
Gold pearls or golden pearls are the colors are found in the South Sea
Where are Pearls found?
Natural Pearls are found in the waters of the following countries:
Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mannar, the South Pacific, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast of Mexico, Europe, Japan and Australia
Names, Types and Makes of pearls - The Akoya Pearl, the Mikimoto pearl and Tahitian Pearls
Some pearls are referred to by specific names:
South Sea pearls - famous for their gold colors
The Akoya Pearl is famous for their blue colors - from the Akoya oyster and are cultured seawater pearls produced in China and Japan. The Japanese Akoya pearl (cultured) have brilliant lustre and a higher quality than Chinese Akoya pearl
Persian Gulf Pearls, Oriental, are some of the finest natural pearls
Tahitian pearls - famous for their natural black colors
Mabe pearls are grown in Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Mabe pearls are cultured pearls grown against the inside shell of an oyster rather than within the oyster’s body producing a flat back pearl which are often used in earrings
The Mikimoto pearl are a leading brand. The company was founded by Kokichi Mikimoto who was the Japanese man credited as the creator of cultured pearls
Lake Biwa Pearls which are freshwater pearls grown in Japan
Birthstone Facts and Information about Pearls
The following list provides Birthstone facts and information about the Pearl:
- The Pearl is the birthstone of the month of June
- Pearls are also the anniversary gemstone for the 1st, 12th and 30th year of marriage
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Gemini dates: May 21 - June 21
- Gemini - The Third Sign of the Zodiac: The sign of the Twins
- Ruling Planet of Gemini: Mercury
- Alternate Birthstones of Gemini: Emeralds, Alexandrite, Agate and Ruby
Symbolism, Significance and Properties of the Pearl
The properties with which the Pearl is associated are as follows:
Loyalty, faithfulness and friendship
Modesty, chastity and purity
The Pearl is also used to enhance personal integrity
Healing Properties of the Pearl
The healing properties of the Gemini birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to:
Pearl Jewelry
Pearl jewelry is extremely popular especially for those nearest and dearest. The tradition of giving gifts of jewelry containing these stones dates back thousands of years. The gemstone, or birthstone Pearl is believed to conduct the energies of the planet Mercury with which it is sympathetic and that wearing jewelry containing the gemstone will focus the energies of the planet and sign through the gem. All different types of jewelry containing Pearls are available including:
Rings
Brooches
Pins
Cufflinks
Bracelets
Pendants
Earrings
Necklaces
Bronzing Pearls
It might be interesting to note that Bronzing pearls are made of a pearlized powder as a type of make-up to add color to the complexion. The key ingredients of bronzing pearls are Rice starch, Nylon and Silica.
