Pearls have always been a well-known gem throughout history. For example, in Ancient Greece, men and women used necklaces and bracelets made out of pears; another example is in the Middle Ages, where pears where used to produce decorative objects. Since then, pears have beautified dresses, rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.
Pearl hunting called the attention of ancient towns, and, since the pearl wasn’t a common stone among society, it became really popular and worthy stone, which was used by the nobles rather than any citizen.
How are pearls created? As we know, they are created inside an oyster. When something (like a particle) gets inside the oyster, the mollusk reacts covering that particle with a mix of calcium carbonate crystals and a protein called conchiolin. This way, the tiny particle inside the oyster, will transform to a magnificent pearl.
Because there’s a great range of oysters, pearls created will have different traits; pearls will be characterized by their size, shape, color and luster. For example, in the market, the worthiest and more precious pearl is characterized by having symmetry and a particular luster. Nowadays pearls aren’t so worthy as they were before, they are really common to see because they’re cultivated. A good thing about is, is that not only we can see white pearls, but colorful ones.
We can say that pearls are historical, precious stones which had remained and will remain as a beautiful piece of art, made by nature, which humans will use for beautifying things and themselves.
REFERENCE:
Unknown. "Las Perlas." Las Perlas. ClarÃn.com, 19 Aug. 2007. Web. 22 Sept. 2011.
