Pearl: Gem of Purity

From: Gabriel & Co. - Tuesday Jun 08,2021 10:02 pm

Pearl: Gem of Purity

Pearls are the only gemstones formed within a living organism, making them the most organic gemstones. Pretty much any shelled mollusk (or clam) can produce a pearl, but just two types of bivalve clams can produce rich creamy-colored, opalescent pearls that are valued in the jewelry industry.

It is a common misconception that pearls can form from a grain of sand: If that were the case, we’d all have a lovely set of pearls. They are actually formed naturally by tiny irritants that enter the bodies of the mollusk. Alternatively, pearl farmers can purposefully plant a bead or piece of tissue that the mollusk coats with nacre (mother-of-pearl).