Pearls are gorgeous and evoke images of fifties glamour. Most people are aware that these organic gems form in oysters and are collected in different ways, but if you are considering investing in pearl jewellery it is worth knowing more because the value of pearls is determined in part by their origins.

Pearls are made because molluscs instinctively defend themselves against intruders into their shell. Any foreign body that enters the shell, whether it is a parasite or a small piece of shell, is put into a pearl sac. The oyster then covers the irritant with layer after layer of nacre to protect itself. Nacre is mother of pearl, the inside of a mollusc’s shell is also covered with nacre creating the beautiful iridescent lustre. Mother of pearl is also frequently used in jewellery and is a less expensive product. The best pearls have many layers of fine nacre, it is the patterns created by this layering that give pearls their lovely appearance. After a number of years of layering there will be a pearl of reasonable proportions for use in jewellery. A pearl is valued according to its origin, size, shape and colouring. Larger, rounder pearls are generally of the highest value.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls form in the wild, but they are exceedingly rare, as few as 3 or 4 good pearls can be found from thousands of molluscs. If a pearl is described as natural it means that it has been found in a wild mollusc and there has been absolutely no human intervention in its creation.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls are made by molluscs but the irritant, normally a bead, is put into their shell by humans. The vast majority of pearls available today are cultured pearls, although they have only been available over the last century. Cultured pearls can be either freshwater or salt water farmed. It is easier to farm freshwater pearls as continues are generally more hospitable and they produce larger numbers of pearls, sometimes up to 20 at once, so they are less expensive than salt water pearls.

Simulated Pearls

Simulated pearls are created in many different ways, their value is significantly less than natural or cultured pearls as you would expect. They gain their value through their similarity to pearls. Often they are made by dipping glass beads into pearl powder, the more times that they are dipped the higher their value will be. There are lots of ways of creating simulated pearls although the quality of them varies enormously. You can get simulated pearls that are made to last a lifetime. You can also buy cheaper sets of simulated pearls which may only last a couple of months of wear. Pearls are such a classic item they add instant sophistication to a look so it may be worth investing in a good row that will last you for decades.

Fashion

Pearls are a symbol of elegance and refinement. Queens of vintage style, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, were not often seen without their pearls, many of their most famous photographs show them draped in beautiful pearl jewellery.Coco Chanel bought simulated pearls to the catwalk in order to make high fashion more affordable for ordinary women who wanted to be glamorous without the price tag. The long history of pearls in fashion stretches back much further than last century. Although not always trendy pearls have always been seen as a stylish accessory. This season is one of the times when pearls fit beautifully into the look of haute couture. Louis Vuitton, Chloe and of course Chanel all displayed a mixture of beautiful romantic outfits on the Autumn 09 catwalk. They used neutral feminine tones, soft fabrics and hints of ruffles and frills to create a ladylike sophisticated look. You should expect to start seeing this look on the high street within the next few months. Pearl jewellery is a great way to create an elegant appearance and finish off a cultured look.