Pearls

“Pearls are always appropriate” is a famous saying from no other than the style icon Jackie Kennedy-Onassis.

So, if there is a piece of jewellery that is forever trendy, classic, and never goes out of style, it is pearls. With their unique look and elegance, pearls are what every woman should own. Pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets, pearl rings or pearl pendants will definitely elevate your look.

The “Queen of Jewels” (as it is sometimes referred to as) possesses a timeless quality that has continued to captivate people from the time it was first discovered until today. 

“Pearls are always appropriate”
– Jackie Kennedy

 

About Pearls

For centuries, pearls have been a symbol of beauty and purity. Today, they are regarded as both classic and contemporary, coming in many more fashionable styles and see on the red carpet.

pearl fact of the day

(Image Courtesy of Australian National Maritime Museum)

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are extremely rare. Historically, many were found in the Persian Gulf; unfortunately, today, most have already been harvested. You may be able to purchase small, natural pearls, but they will be costly.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms. The mollusks are raised until they are old enough to accept the mother-of-pearl bead nucleus. Through a delicate surgical procedure, the technician implants the bead and then the mollusks are returned to the water and cared for while the pearl forms.

Not all produce a pearl; and not all the pearls are high quality. Over 10,000 pearls may be sorted before a 16” single strand of beautifully matched pearls is assembled.

Pearls can be found in saltwater and in freshwater. There are also different types of mollusks that produce very different looking pearls.

Cultured Pearl
Cultured Pearl
(Baggins Pearls)

Saltwater Pearls

Saltwater pearls include the akoya cultured pearls grown in Japanese and Chinese waters. They range in size from 2mm (tiny) to 10mm (rare) and are usually white or cream in color and round in shape.

Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines produce the South Sea pearl – the largest of all the pearls. They range in size from 9mm to 20mm and can be naturally white, cream, or golden in color.

Tahitian pearls are interestingly not exclusively from Tahiti – they’re grown in several of the islands of French Polynesia, including Tahiti. Their typical sizes range from 8mm to 16mm. These naturally colored pearls are collectively called black pearls, but their colors include gray, blue, green, and purple.

Saltwater Pearls
South Sea Pearls
(Mastoloni)

Freshwater Pearls

These pearls are grown in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, predominately in China. Although many are white and resemble the akoya cultured pearls in shape and size, they can also be produced in various shapes and in an array of pastel colors.

Many freshwater pearls don’t have a bead nucleus — only a piece of tissue — resulting in a pearl with thicker nacre than the akoya.

Some of the World’s Most Influential Women were Huge Fans of Pearls

First Ladies including Michelle Obama and Jackie Kennedy both regularly adorned themselves with pearls while their husbands were in office. In England, Princess Diana was known to have been a huge fan of pearls. Finally, Coco Chanel was a pioneer of fashion and contributed towards making pearls popular as everyday jewellery.

pearl fact of the day

(Image Courtesy of Australian National Maritime Museum)

Pearls Can Take Many Different Shapes

While people believe that all pearls are perfectly round and symmetrical, this is simply not true. They actually come in an array of different shapes. The most common include round, off-round, drop, and baroque. Round-shaped pearls are undoubtedly the most popular ones, but given different budgets and taste, others are admired too.

It Takes At Least 6 Months for a Pearl to Form

Another fun pearl fact! Each type of pearl takes a certain amount of time to develop. Sometimes, the development process can last as long as 24 months. The procedure begins when a farmer delicately implants a tiny nucleus inside the mollusk. The growth of a pearl l is influenced by how long it takes to recover from the implantation. Once this process is over and the mollusk is fully recovered, the pearl begins to grow as the mollusk covers the nucleus with layers of nacre. Chinese freshwater pearls can grow up to 5mm per year while Japanese Akoya pearls only up to 0.3mm.

Pearls are one of the Birthstone For June

Those born in June aren’t just lucky because the month has three birthstones, but more so because one of these gemstones is the pearl. According to the legend, the June birthstone is believed to symbolize purity, clarity, and loyalty. Given its symbolic meaning and captivating beauty, the pearls are an especially great gift for anyone born in this month.

 How to Wear Pearls: FAQs

Is it OK to wear pearls everyday?

Welcome to our exclusive guide on how to care for your precious pearl jewelry. Just like a delicate work of art, pearls require special attention and care to maintain their timeless beauty. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to keep your pearls looking exquisite for years to come.

Wear and Enjoy Your Pearls

Pearl jewelry is meant to be worn and cherished. Unlike other precious gems, pearls thrive when they are exposed to the natural oils of your skin. So, don't keep your pearls locked away in a security box for extended periods of time. Instead, embrace the elegance and sophistication they bring to any ensemble.

Handle with Care

While pearls are undeniably beautiful, they are also delicate. Treat them with the utmost care to preserve their lustrous allure. Avoid exposing your pearls to harsh chemicals, such as perfumes, hairsprays, and cosmetics, as these substances can damage their delicate surface. Additionally, always remove your pearl jewelry before engaging in any strenuous activities or household chores to prevent accidental damage.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential to maintain the longevity of your pearl jewelry. Store your pearls in a soft pouch or a separate compartment of a jewelry box to prevent them from scratching against other pieces. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in excessively dry or humid environments, as extreme temperature and humidity can cause the pearls to deteriorate.

Cleaning Your Pearls

To clean your pearls, gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials, as these can damage the delicate surface of the pearls. If your pearls require a deeper clean, you can use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or residue. After cleaning, make sure to thoroughly dry your pearls before storing them.

Professional Maintenance

Just like any other piece of fine jewelry, pearls may benefit from professional maintenance. We recommend having your pearl jewelry inspected and professionally cleaned by a trusted jeweler at least once a year. This will ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly and that your pearls remain in optimal condition.

Discover More

For further information on how to care for your pearls and to explore our exquisite collection of pearl jewelry, we invite you to read our comprehensive article on pearl care. At Appleby Jewellers Dublin, we are passionate about providing you with the finest quality pearls and exceptional customer service.

Indulge in the beauty of pearls and let them become an integral part of your personal style. With proper care and attention, your pearl jewelry will continue to radiate elegance and sophistication for generations to come.


There is a saying, “pearls want to be worn”. And it’s true. Everyday outfits look even better with our pearls.

How can I wear pearls without looking old fashioned?
Pearls aren’t just for stuffy old women—they can actually brighten up your day and make you look forward to getting dressed for work. With some imagination, pearls can be incorporated into a modern and stylish work outfit.By wearing a pearl necklace, rings, or any other article of clothing adorned with pearls, you convey both timelessness and modernity.

When should you not wear pearls?
Extreme heat and water can both cause significant damage to pearls, so it’s best to avoid wearing them in those circumstances. When enjoying activities such as sunbathing or swimming, be sure to remove your pearls beforehand.

Is it OK to shower with pearls?
Any chemicals, oils, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, or alkaline conditions can harm the gleaming sheen of Pearl. You should never bathe with your pearls on and always clean them gently after wearing them using a soft cloth as a general rule.

Can you wear pearls with jeans?
A stunning jewelry set with matching accessories is an excellent way to complement your favorite pair of jeans. In fact, pearls and a lovely pair of pants may be the ideal combination of classy and casual for getting together with friends, going shopping, running errands, or any other activity.


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