Pearls, natural and rare gems formed within mollusks, have been revered for millennia, symbolizing wealth, power, and beauty. Sourced mainly from the Persian Gulf, India, and China, their allure led to over-harvesting and scarcity. Cultured pearls, developed in the late 19th-century by Kokichi Mikimoto, revolutionized the industry, making pearls accessible to a wider market. Today, while natural pearls remain prized, cultured pearls dominate the market, highlighting the enduring allure of these lustrous jewels.
Family Lore
My love of pearls started from a young age watching my mother and grandmother wear their pearl jewelry. It was always a precious piece to wear especially for special occasions. This picture below features my mother (left) and my great-aunt (right) wearing the same Mikimoto string of pearls on their wedding day.
Notice the same dress too. Surprise! This is a family tradition that I too will be partaking in next year for my own wedding.
Cinematic Appearances
I remember watching 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, featuring Audrey Hepburn. The iconic look of multi strand pearls with a large brooch at the center inspired many fashion designers and fashionistas alike.
Pearl Fun Facts:
Rarity of Natural Pearls: Only one in about 10,000 oysters naturally produce a pearl, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Largest Pearl Ever Found: Known as the Pearl of Lao Tzu or the Pearl of Allah, the largest pearl ever found weighs approximately 14 pounds (6.35 kilograms) and is valued at over $100 million.
June's Birthstone: Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, symbolizing purity, innocence, and humility.
Tip #3- Pearls Can Dissolve in Vinegar. Pearls are made of calcium carbonate, which can dissolve in vinegar. So, tip of the weblog, don’t soak your pearls in vinegar!
Unless you want to be Cleopatra…
According to the ancient Roman natural historian Pliny the Elder, Cleopatra VII of Egypt once made a bet with Mark Antony that she could host the most expensive feast in history. As the story goes, during the meal, Cleopatra removed one of her pearl earrings, reportedly worth an immense fortune, and dropped it into her cup of vinegar or wine. The pearl dissolved, and she drank it, thereby winning the wager. This event is often used to demonstrate Cleopatra's wealth, power, and her lavish and dramatic nature. However, it should be noted that this story, though famous, is anecdotal and has been passed down through many generations, so its authenticity can't be guaranteed.
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