Pearl is the modern birthstone for June as adopted by American Association of Jewelers in 1912. The gem also is the gift of choice for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries.

Pearls come with luster that captivates. They are believed to possess metaphysical and medicinal properties. They were thought to cure stomach and heart related illnesses. In some other traditions, pearls were used for cosmetics and said to be admired by Cleopatra. While these beliefs are no longer popular these days, pearls are still treasured because of their organic origin.

The creation of pearl occurs inside a particular species of mollusk of some sort, such as oysters, clams and mussels. Pearls may be produced naturally but nearly all that are available in the market today are cultured.

Natural pearl begins when a parasite or foreign object accidentally gets inside the internal surface of the mollusk’s shell. Any foreign particle that lodges inside the shell irritates the internal soft tissues. In order to protect itself from potential harm, the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of nacre forms into one of the most adorned gem, the pearl.

Cultured pearl is produced with the help of a skilled technician. Instead of waiting for an irritant to enter the mollusk, a nucleus bead is surgically implanted in the shell’s reproductive organ or gonad. Concentric layers of nacre are secreted around the spherical bead, thus pearl is born. China and Japan are major producers of Akoya cultured pearls. Other varieties such as South Sea cultured pearls are mainly sourced in Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.

Pearl jewelry looks exceptionally beautiful when set in sterling silver, white or yellow gold, and platinum. All these precious metals complement the excellent luster and iridescence of pearls, whether crafted into a gorgeous necklace, bracelet, ring and a pair of stud or drop earrings. Likewise, adorning a pearl jewelry with diamond accents adds some spice and dazzles your outfit regardless of the occasion. With such overwhelming variations, pearl jewelry can never go unnoticed.

At John S. Cryan Jewelers, we pearl and bead restringing services. Wearing a strand of pearl in a daily or weekly basis tends to wear out the string and breakage is imminent. To secure your precious pearls, it is best to custom-string your jewelry once a year or so.