Pearl Jewelry

Pearl is a birthstone for the month of June and the gemstone representing the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries.  Indians used pearl-adorned swords to honor tears of sorrow wrought by battle.  In the 13th century, pearls were believed to cure mental illness and heartbreak.  Pearls were once thought to be the tears of God, and their shape represented an association between the moon and the sea.  The pearl is considered to be an emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity; and symbolizes love, success, and happiness.  Akoya saltwater cultured pearls are primarily produced in Japan.  They are more perfectly round and more lustrous than most other pearls, which makes them very desirable.  Freshwater cultured pearls are primarily grown in China.  Rice is the most common shape with a high or low luster, depending on the quality.  Round freshwater cultured pearls are also being produced.