Pearl beads have been adorning people for thousands of years. Natural pearls, made from irritants entering a mollusk, clam, or oyster in fresh or salt water, were prized for their beauty. Various colors come from water substances in the areas where they are found. From white to black, pearls are produced in a spectrum of colors. First used in China, pearls have been found in the waters of the Middle East, western Asia, Europe, and the Mississippi River in the United States.
In the late 1800's, the cultured pearl was developed by adding a speck into the shelled creature artificially. It would produce the same type of pearl only not under natural conditions. Growth of either can take upwards of eight years. Both have a lovely luster that is unique to these gems of nature. The pearl is the only gemstone made by an actual live animal and can only be found in shells that have mother of pearl. The pearl itself is actually a calcium product.
Another type of pearl produced is a mabe pearl. These are not grown in the tissue of the mollusk, but on the lining of the shell to produce a flat surface on one side. Commonly used for mounted surfaces, they are not used in strings of pearls, but for earrings, pins, and other flat surfaces where pearl adornment is desired. A pearl is developed into a blistered type pearl and resin is applied to the inside. These pearls are more oblong than round.
Pearl beads in strands for necklaces are sometimes an indication of age and status. Generally, the younger the woman wearing the pearl the smaller the pearls should be. A woman of maturity and wealth can wear the largest of pearls stunningly. Various lengths from short to long or with multiple strands maintain popularity. Chokers fit snuggly around the neck and have been worn since the mid 1800's. The classic length, laying just below the neckline, was made popular by Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Longer strands such as ropes are more fashionable with formal evening attire. These may have different sizes joined by clasps to adjust lengths by removing or adding strands. The bib style necklace has various lengths joined together in a cascading effect. Generally, these are not as long as evening formal necklaces.
Strung pearls may be cleaned with a soft cloth. The beads may also be cleaned with a very mild soap, but they are fragile and may loose luster. They also should be restrung periodically if they are worn frequently. Quality is determined by size, luster, shape, nacre thickness, and lack of imperfections. Nacre is the shine in a shell with mother of pearl that produces a depth of color.
Bead work made from pearls has adorned jewelry, tombs, furniture, and anything where a bit of subtle shimmer is desired. Pearl bead popularity has been a mainstay of human decoration for many centuries and will continue to be a beautiful addition for centuries to come.
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