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. 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. About Sterling SilverSterling silver isn’t just for the table anymoreSilversmithing is an ancient art that, like crafting gold, dates back to the Egyptian empires. Throughout history, silver has been valued for its luster and utility, and was particularly prized by native people in Mexico, Peru, and the American West. Like gold, silver is so soft it often needs to be alloyed, usually with copper. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Don’t tarnish your jewelry’s reputation.The easiest way to get rid of a dulling coat of tarnish from your silver jewelry is to polish it right away with a product designed to remove tarnish. Store your silver jewelry in a pouch, separate from your other jewelry to minimize scratching. Be particularly careful to remove your silver when you’re cleaning with chemicals or swimming in a pool. Chlorine and other chemicals can damage silver permanently. Visit the Learning Guide for more information on sterling silver. | 
