Fresh water pearls are suspended from bronze
branches hand cast bronze post earring
Pearls
Throughout history, the pearl, with its warm inner
glow and shimmering iridescence, has been one of
the most highly prized and sought after gems. In
ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate
symbol of wealth and social standing. The Greeks
held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled
beauty and its association with love and marriage.
A natural pearl begins life as a foreign object, such
as a parasite or piece of sand, that accidentally
becomes lodged in the oyster's soft inner body
where it cannot be expelled. In an effort to ease this
irritant, the oyster's body takes defensive action and
begins to secrete a smooth, hard crystalline
substance around the irritant in order to protect
itself. This substance is called nacre. As long as the
irritant remains within its body, the oyster will
continue to secrete layer upon layer of nacre around
the irritant. After a few years, the irritant will be totally
encased by the silky crystalline coatings. The result
is the lovely and lustrous gem called a pearl.
Cultured pearls are formed by oysters in an almost
identical fashion, except that man surgically implants
the irritant - a small piece of polished shell - in the
oyster, rather than leaving it to chance. The process
from then on is the same as with natural pearls.
Made in the USA
Pearls should not be exposed to water, cleansers,
excessive perspiration or prolonged sunlight. They
may be cleaned with a soft cloth.
Sterling silver will tarnish over time. To clean, use a
polishing cloth, commercial cleaner or sprinkle a fair
amount of dry baking powder on a soft cloth. Rub
carefully to avoid scratching stones or glass
components. When done, shake the powder off.
