When a small object is embedded in the tissue of either an oyster or a mollusk, a pearl is formed. The mantle tissue of the mollusks then releases a mix of organic and crystalline substances called nacre. When the nacre piles up into lawyers, the irritant then becomes a pearl.

Another way for pearls to be produced is when a certain stimuli, like let’s say a parasite, is lodged in between the shell of the mollusk or the oyster. Then the nacre is also released around the intruder. This then leads to the build-up which produces pearls.

When you say natural pearl, these are the pearls that have been produced in nature. Cultured pearls are the total opposite wherein human beings have a role to play in producing these. Inserting foreign objects into the tissue of the mollusk or the oyster, pearl farmers can trigger the process o making pearls.

Over the years, peals have been in demand in the market, especially in the jewelry market. Pearl is symbolic to modesty and virtue. It is also a precious stone. Though they are technically organic gems, because they came from shellfish or mollusks, history of pearls as jewelry goes way back 4000 years.

How they are acquired and their appearance has changed at the turn of each century but pearl remains to be staples when talking about jewelry.

The basis for the pearl to be really precious is the time the oyster coats the sphere with nacre. Since it is rare for any pearl to have the perfect spherical shape, the rounder the better is the rule for pearl farmers.

Nowadays, pearls that are sold as jewelry today are cultured pearls. Human beings had to play a role in the creation of these jewelry in order to manifest a perfect circle pearl.

Cultured pearls can be rated on five qualities: 1. Luster and orient Luster is the sharpness of the pearl as well as the intensity of the reflections on its surface whereas orient is those iridescent colors that a person sees when looking within the pearl. The pearl is valuable depending on the luster and orient. The higher the better.

2. Color Usually pearls are white, black and yellow. The undertones are normally rose, pink or ever green. For personal preference, the pearls can be dyed.
3. Cleanliness Imperfections are still evident in cultured pearls regardless of the way they were made. Real pearls, be it natural or cultivated, are to be expected on real pearls. But the rule here is the less noticeable these flaws are, then the better.

4. Shape Spherical pearls, because of its rarity, are the most precious types of pearls. There are still imperfections even if it is round. When one looks closely, the symmetry can also be imperfect. That is exactly why there are teardrop shaped earrings made from pearls.

5. Size Cultured pearls are often sold by diameter. They are measured in millimeters. The larger the cultured pearls, then the rarer, thus the more expensive. Therefore, the bigger the pearl, the better the price.

If you would be wearing pearls, then you should choose a set that go with one another. Let’s say that you plan on wearing necklace and earrings. Then go for the pearls that have similar size, color, luster and most importantly shape. You have to match pearls because just like any jewelry, they are also an investment.

Cultured pearls are also sensitive so you have to be really careful in handling them once you bought a set. They can be scratched by other jewelry that comes in contact. Try to keep these pearls separate from one another or also from the other gems in your jewelry box.

Be it natural or cultured, once you own pearls, they are precious stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires and the lake. Pearls have often been deemed as classy and elegant. They can match anything you wear. Take for example Marcia Cross as Bree Van De Kamp in “Desperate Housewives” or Marge Simpson in “The Sampsons”. They both wear pearls. They may be TV characters but they sure look classy in them. What more if a person wears pearls in real life?

The most unique and extra ordinary moment in your life is the moment when your partner slips that diamond ring on your finger! It is just needless to say, that every woman wants to look absolutely stunning that evening. Your wedding dress, your bag, your sandals, and of course your wedding jewelry must be perfect that day. All these things are to be chosen with utmost care. Stylish, classy and elegant; these are the wishes of every bride of her bridal jewelry. Of course, you would wish to follow the most recent fashion trends, too. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, studs and wedding bands may gather your attention when you are doing that purchasing for your wedding day. So keeping informed with the changing trends of wearing what is “in” should be on your priority list while buying your bridal jewelry.

Every bride to be always visualizes the way she wants to look on her wedding day. She would also like to get her pieces custom made to match with her dress and her shoes.

Don’t be let down if you are likely to wear that old family necklace on your wedding day. You are certainly wrong if you believe that your mother’s necklace will make you look like a traditional antique piece walking down the aisle. For your information, old is in, and that too in a big way. Pearls are the most adored forms of bridal jewelry these days. Besides being classy and elegant, they have a timeless quality. No matter what setting it is in – gold, silver or platinum – bridal jewelry pearls can bring out your features and your wedding dress in the most beautiful way ever.

Wide necklaces of gold and silver laid down with valuable and semi-precious gemstones are making a big display these days with the new generation. Big chandelier studs of diamonds, pearls or glass look charming on the graceful necklines as well as pleasing to eye. You will be obliged to wear that old dramatic diamond ornament on your wedding, if you know that the old styles are really in these days. Top it with a crown or some sparkling coronet along with bright matching clips on your elegant wedding gown and you are all set to dazzle the guests. Therefore, when you walk down the aisle with those gorgeous gems accentuating your already beaming beauty, you will be the talk of the town!