Pearls: Nature’s Miracle Gem
The freshwater pearl. It’s a favorite choice for everyone from the most classic of collectors to ultra-fashion forward shoppers and designers alike. It’s also the sustainable guilt-free accessory that fits any special occasion large or small. Available in a variety of unique shapes and colors, this jewelry offers the ultimate in beauty, affordability, and durability. No more worrying about kids’ messy hands, our perfume residue, wear and tear, losing our pearls, or meeting our budgets when we accessorize with the gorgeous glow of freshwater pearls. Just how do they offer all of these advantages? It’s all about the way they’re formed and farmed today.
Where do these natural gems come from?
It can be said that freshwater pearls are a miracle of nature. In fact, the number of these underwater gems created by a single freshwater pearl mussel can range from 24 to 50 pearls. These mussels of different shell shapes are found in lakes and riverbeds, in the Mississippi River Basin in the U.S. in particular, as well as being successfully farmed around the world today. However, it’s Chinese pearl farms that provide the majority of freshwater pearls currently on the market. Harvest time sees millions of these pearls sorted according to their shape, size, color, and quality, and then sold individually or strung together. No matter what they’re looking for, shoppers can select the exact gems they desire for their own fashion tastes, or even gift them to mark a memorable moment.
How are the pearls formed?
Freshwater pearls are formed within the pearl sacs of freshwater mussel varieties. Within anywhere from two-to-seven years, clusters of solid crystalline pearls are formed inside the shell. On freshwater mussel farms, a process of tissue nucleation sees mantle tissue from donor mussels placed into the host mussel. This stimulates the pearl sac and the eventual creation of these fascinating freshwater gems, typically clustered within the shell in numbers often exceeding 24. Because the mussels continue to deposit numerous layers of nacre around each pearl over all this time, they are particularly durable when it comes to incorporating them into our jewelry routines.
The sustainable choice
Believe it or not, that freshwater nucleation process can be used over and over on the same shell up to 25 times in freshwater pearl farming. This means more pearls can be produced, and they’re sold at a much more budget-friendly price tag. Even better, the latest freshwater farming technologies are producing larger, better quality, and more desirably shaped pearls. These practices and technology continue to improve the beauty and quality of these gems, so there is much for pearl lovers to look forward to.
The Web Gems guarantee
At Web Gems, we’re proud to offer only premium quality fashion jewelry, including our AAAA freshwater pearl stud earrings. On top of using only the highest quality freshwater pearls, they’re made with 14K solid white and yellow gold baskets and posts with mushroom back silicone sliders. Not only are they dazzlingly gorgeous, they’re hypoallergenic, and safe to wear for all ages. It’s our priority and pleasure to provide the most enjoyable customer service, and products we guarantee you’ll be 100 percent satisfied with. We’re proud to play a part in making people feel and look their best, all while creating lasting and timeless memories. Click here to learn more.