The Story Of A Pearl’s Journey

Pearls—you love them, we love them, the infamous Coco Chanel loved them. They’re the perfect representation of femininity, class and charm. But did you ever wonder how the gems from your grandmother’s favorite necklace went from the depths of the ocean to sitting in her jewelry box?

Here are some pearls of wisdom about the history of this rare bauble.

The Bottom Of The Sea

Pearls are what occur when an oyster goes into self-defense mode after unwanted particles find their way into its shell. The mollusk protects itself by surrounding the intruder in a layer of nacre (also known as mother-of-pearl), and continues adding layer after layer until voilà—a pearl is formed.

Not Just For Protection

Pearls may be the result of a defense mechanism, but that didn’t stop ancient societies from being mesmerized by its luster and shine. The Egyptians decorated their garments with mother-of-pearl. Royal princesses from Persia (now Iran) adorned their necks with pearls. And in some cultures, the love of pearls ran so deep they were accepted as currency.

One More Transformation

For centuries, pearls remained in the domain of the rich and wealthy. So unless you had deep pockets, you were pearl-less and penniless. That changed in the early 20th century when the method of culturing (getting oysters to create pearls on purpose) was discovered in Japan. This paved the way for fashion pioneers like Coco Chanel to transform pearls from a status symbol to a fashion statement that is still favored today.

From the bottom of the sea to Fifth Ave. department stores, pearl necklaces sure have come a long way. Make sure their journey continues with you.

Treasure these gifts from the sea.

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