June 2007 , Volume 18 Number 7
Community Paper
copyright ©2007 by Community Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

JUNE BIRTHSTONE - PEARL!
by Phyllis Stewart-Tuell, Gemologist, Stewart Jewelry
2212 Edgewater Drive, 407-425-1496
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Pearls have been cherished from the earliest times of mankind and are still among man’s most prized possessions. Pearl, together with moonstone and alexandrite, shares honors with the birthstone for June.

Pearl is mentioned in the book of Job and in the Talmud. Hindus, Egyptians, Persians held the pearl in great esteem, and through them the Romans became acquainted with it. Pearls brought back from the Orient by the Crusaders probably aided in spreading the appreciation for these gems in European counties. Pearls have been worn by royalty since 1530 as garnishes on clothing, pins, slippers, caps, ornaments as well as jewelry. One of the largest salt-water pearls is the Hope Pearl and is displayed in the British Museum of Natural History.

There are a variety of pearls from all over the world. Such as, salt-water natural; salt-water cultured; fresh-water; Abalones; Conch; South Sea pearls; Tahitian; Mobe; and Biwa. Pearls are graded by the luster; color; texture; shape; size; artificial treatment; nacre thickness and matching. Pricing is also influenced by naturally grown and farmed.

Typically, the only sure test to determine a cultured pearl from a naturally grown is by careful X-radiography.

Since pearls are an organic material, heat, perfume, excessive perspiration, makeup, hair sprays and contact with other metal jewelry may damage the outer surface. With proper care, pearls should last many lifetimes.