About PearlsElegant, classic, and always appreciatedPearls have always had something magic about them, and in many cultures they symbolize purity, love and virtue (though not necessarily in that order). Today they’re considered to be timeless, even sentimental gifts. The pearl is the birthstone for June. How pearls happenPearls are born when a bit of sand, an insect, or some other irritant lodges inside a mollusk’s shell, usually an oyster, usually an oyster. The oyster tries to protect itself by covering the offender with a beautiful, pearly substance called nacre. The oyster does this again and again until eventually, the nacre builds up enough to produce a pearl. Unfortunately, pollution and over-fishing have made these rare accidents even rarer. So today, nearly all pearls are cultured pearls. Pearl farmers simply insert small beads into hundreds of oysters to jump-start the natural process. The oyster gets busy coating the bead, and a cultured pearl is born. You can’t tell the difference between cultured and "natural" pearls without an X-ray. Freshwater pearlsThese are the most affordable pearls, and come in a huge array of shapes, sizes and natural or treated colors. While they used to be irregular in shape, today’s freshwater pearls are usually roundish in shape. They’re cultivated in freshwater streams, rivers and lakes in China Japan and the U.S. Taking them homePearls’ rate only a 2 1/2 to 4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Surfaces can chip and they scratch rather easily. Time, intense light and dryness are not their friends, and neither are solvents, household cleaners, alcohol, many cosmetics and chlorine. Visit the Learning Guide for more information on freshwater pearls. | 
