The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. ~Author Unknown
Valentine’s day is fast approaching. I’ve come to believe that I have never taken advantage of the holiday like I should. For fear of having to put some effort into finding a gift for my husband on a holiday that focuses mostly on flowers and chocolates, we usually just succumb to the old tradition of going out to dinner in lieu of presents.
To be honest, I think it’s time for a change. I love going out to dinner with my husband, but I am in the mood for something a little more special. I want to feel pretty. This past weekend I went shopping for a dress. I have learned to despise trying on clothes. Nothing fits as well as I visualize it fitting, and a fun outing quickly turns to drudgery.
That’s when it hit me, jewerly never makes me feel fat. It never fits wrong, and always makes me feel pretty. So, that is officially my Valentine’s request, I would love a beautiful set of pearls. I know the old saying claims that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but there is just something elegant and timeless about pearls that I can’t get enough of. I mean seriously, just get a load of this article, and you’ll see where my obsession is coming from
The Culturing of the Savage Pearl
A pearl is truly a thing of beauty. Its subtle elegance is something that no other gemstone can match. These stones use to only be available at the whims of nature. Fortunately though we have developed methods which allow us to cultivate, or culture, these fine treasures, enabling us to enjoy pearls more often. The culturing process is one with a long history behind it that actually begins in Australia. William Saville-Kent actually discovered the methods behind pearl culturing. However two mean from Japan, Tokichi Nishikawa and Tatsuhei Mise, are responsible for its true beginning as a commercial process. In 1916 they were granted the patent in Japan for culturing pearls, and Nishikawa’s Father-in-law then began to apply this technology to akoya pearl oysters. This technology was then applied to the south sea oyster in 1917 however it took another 11 years before a commercial crop of pearls was produced.The method for culturing pearls is actually fairly simple. The oyster is brought up out of the water. At this time a small irritant, usually a piece of shell or oyster tissue is inserted into the oyster. The oyster than activates its natural defense system and starts to coat the intruder with a layer of nacre. It keeps doing this until a full pearl is formed. This process, depending on the oyster and size of pearl desired, can take anywhere from 2 to 7 years. A common misconception of this process is that a grain of sand is used to “seed” the oyster. While sand can cause a pearl to be formed it is much more likely that a bead, piece of shell, or chunk of tissue was used. These provide more reliable pearls, and pearl shapes, great for pearl necklaces and pearl earrings.
The culturing of pearls has provided a unique opportunity for those who seek after this jewel. They are able to have a real pearl made through the same process as natural pearls however they don’t have to wait for the rare natural pearl to found. It also provides the chance to have longer strands of matching pearls. Whatever the case may be, the culturing of pearls has truly made the jewelry world a better place.
Go ahead and print this off. Leave it on your husband’s pillow, he’ll be sure to get the hint!