3 things you didn’t know about good old pearls 

Pearls are precious gems used in ornaments such as necklace, earrings and finger rings. But are you aware that the good old pearls come from living organisms like oysters and mussels? The type, size, colour, surface quality and other characteristics of pearls decide their price. A pearl is often valued between $300 and $1500! Expensive, right? Let’s dive into the world of these shiny precious pearls and explore some fascinating facts about them. 

Pearls are derived out of oysters’ protective mechanism 
You’d be surprised to know that pearls are not something oysters produce willingly! These gems loved by all and sundry, are the results of the defence mechanism employed by these marine creatures. 

We humans have internal organs for which the first line of defence is the soft skin. On the contrary, the soft, slimy bodies of oysters are protected by a hard outer shell covering. 

Oyster shells comprise two halves, connected by an elastic ligament. These halves open and close allowing the oyster to feed and protect itself. The layer of tissue that connects the oyster’s body with the hard outer shell, is known as mantle. A natural pearl forms when a foreign object or an irritant enters the oyster between the mantle and the shell. This is how it works: When faced with irritants like a grain of sand, food particles or a parasite, the mantle creates two things around them (they also make up the shell!): A calcium carbonate mineral called aragonite and a protein called conchiolin. These two substances combine together to form a new one nacre. Pearls are formed when more and more layers of these substances accumulate.  

There are two types of pearl: Oriental and freshwater  
Oriental pearls are those that has formed naturally. The term ‘orient’ describes the organic lusture on a pearl making them highly prized. These are bigger and have a limited variety of shapes and hues than freshwater pearls. They also cost more than freshwater pearls, as they are sturdier and more water-resistant. Akoya pearls, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are most popular types of natural pearls. Japan and China are the leading producers of Akoya pearls (white or cream). Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines produce South Sea cultured pearls (white to silver or golden hue). Tahitian pearls produced near islands of French Polynesia have grey, black or brown colour with a pink, green, purple or green hue. 

Freshwater pearls are produced by soft-bodied creatures known as mussels, which are found in lakes, rivers and ponds. These are a popular option for everyday jewellery because they are less expensive than oriental pearls. However, you cannot wear freshwater pearls in the shower or while swimming since they are not as durable. Most freshwater pearls are grown in China, but they are also produced in the US, Japan and other regions of Asia. The popular types include baroque freshwater pearls, semi-round freshwater pearls, coin freshwater pearls, oval freshwater pearls. 

The most expensive pearl is 26 inches long and 12 inches wide 
Pearl are the only gems formed and grown within a living creature, and this aspect makes them unique! An oriental pearl necklace typically costs around $200, whereas a freshwater pearl necklace typically costs about $50. However, a saltwater black pearl was sold for a whopping $1,00,000! Moreover, a necklace with a 26-carat freshwater pearl costing $3,57,000 was the most expensive freshwater pearl ever sold. 

In 2006, a Filipino fisherman discovered a 2-foot-long pearl in a huge clam, off the shore of Palawan Island, the Philippines. He brought it home, kept it as a lucky charm and hid it beneath his bed. One fine day, his modest house caught fire and charred all things but the 75-pound (34 kg) jewel. It was finally made public in 2016. Philippine officials confirmed that the pearl, worth $100,000,000, is 26-inches long and 12-inches wide.