For me, no gem can be as precious as a pearl. Indeed, it may not be the most expensive jewel in existence, but being the only living gem born out of a living organism, it’s unmatched as a priceless product of the loving symbiosis between humans and nature.
As a quote says, “The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.”
Hence, when Jewelmer invited me to attend their Pearl lecture, I saw it as a rare opportunity to get to know the queen of gems better. From there, I learned several things that I thought were also worth sharing to you all.
Types of Pearls
An important differentiation should be made between the two types of pearls: freshwater and saltwater.
Freshwater pearls are produced by mussels that can hold as much as 50 pearls per shell. Because of this, a fight ensues among them for nutrients resulting in gems that are of sub standard quality, i.e. uneven shapes, small in diameter, lackluster, etc. Moreover, mussels do not necessarily need clean water to thrive and only takes at least 6 months to cultivate, hence these pearls are much easier to produce. As a result, freshwater pearls, often found in Greenhills, can be sold at cheaper prices.
On the other hand, saltwater pearls are produced by oysters, specifically these three with the corresponding pearls they bear: Pinctada fucata (Akoya pearls), Pinctada margaritefera (Black South Sea pearls), and Pinctada maxima (Golden South Sea pearls). Unlike, freshwater pearls, these can only produce one pearl per oyster, each taking between 8 to 36 months to develop. Oysters can only cultivate in pristine water environments so taking care of the sea is a must. Because of the lesser quantities produced and the longer cultivation time, saltwater pearls are much more expensive.
Among these, the Pinctada maxima is the biggest and as such, produces the largest pearls. The silver-lipped species are able to produce silver, white, bluish pink pearls that are also known as Australian whites, while the golden-lipped variety (like the picture shown above) produce pearls that are colored gold, cream, champagne, and cream rosé. These golden South Sea pearls are the Philippines’ pride and joy.
How to Choose Quality Pearls
The worth of a pearl can be determined by various factors: orient (inner glow), luster (outer shine), skin purity, color, shape, and size.
The chart above demonstrates the different qualities considered in pearl grading. Simplistically, the more golden the color, the bigger the size, the higher luster, the clear the surface and the more perfect the shape, the higher the price goes. Of course, besides these, the level of craftsmanship is also a factor that may affect a pearl accessory’s value.
How to Choose the Right Pearl Jewelry
These are the things to remember when choosing the right pearl jewelry:
– Start with the essentials (basic studs and a strand) then graduate to grander pieces
– Size doesn’t always matter. Subtle elegance is the key.
– No two pearls are alike. Choose according to your personality.
How to Take Care of Your Pearls
Because pearls are living gems, it’s important that you wear them often. It is believed that pearls draw power from human warmth thus the longer you wear your pearls, the more lustrous they seem to become.
When storing pearls, it’s important to keep them in a place that has moisture. They shouldn’t be kept in safety deposit boxes for long periods of time. In addition, pearls should be stored in separate compartments from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
To clean your pearl, use a damp cloth and gently wipe the surface. Never steam clean them or place them in ultrasonic cleaners.
Jewelmer: Luster for a Lifetime
Speaking of quality pearls, Jewelmer is one of the finest and trusted producers of Golden South Sea pearls in the world. A Filipino and French partnership established in 1979, each piece by the company is a marriage between French and Italian design and Filipino craftsmanship. All pieces are individually handcrafted, hence you cannot help but gasp in awe as you look at each. Below are some of my favorites:








Pearls, being the Philippines’ national gem, are truly something that we can all be proud of. Remember, however, that a precious Golden South Sea pearl cannot thrive in dirty waters. Thus, to protect this truly Filipino gem, it is our duty to also protect the seas from which it came from.
To end, I say love our seas, take pride our national gem, and behold a luster that lasts a lifetime!
For more photos of during the event, please visit my Facebook page.
For more information about Jewelmer, please check their website and Facebook.
LOVE THIS POST!
I am so happy they have pearl jewelry for men… but like you said, I’d wear it myself for casual days haha
LikeLike
Aww thanks, Patsy! 😀 So beautiful, noh? 🙂 I love Jewelmer! Now if only I can afford to buy their stuff.. haha
LikeLike
I love pearls for girls. Pilipinang Pilipina ang dating. I can see purity and elegance at the same time. Hehehe.
LikeLike
Wow! I love those pearls but they’re pricey. So, I love the priceless necklace 😀 Thanks for sharing this!!
LikeLike
No problem! 🙂 The priceless necklaces are indeed gorgeous 😀
LikeLike
wow.. I love their jewelry pieces Mich! 😀 ang gaganda ng pearls. sooo shinyyy 😀 feel ko ang mamahal niyan XD
LikeLike
Yeah! hahaah Mahal nga but you can see why 😀
LikeLike
pearls are the new diamonds.
LikeLike
Thank you for the information about finding great quality pearls. I might buy one for my mom. And I think, pearls are girl’s bestfriends, next to diamonds. 🙂
LikeLike
I hope you find the perfect pearl for your mom! 🙂
LikeLike
My dear
These are really beautiful pieces
LikeLike
No wonder why that the PH is named as “the pearl of the orient seas” for her rich sources of pearls underneath her deep. Pearls are abounding. I’m amused of viewing the pictures of pearls in various make of jewelries. They’re elegant looking, kingly, very royal!
LikeLike
that was very educational … i plan to get my mom pearls
LikeLike
i want to give one on my GF 🙂
LikeLike
I believe that pearls are unique and beautiful in their own way that would suit different women and men by their own taste, Love this post! 🙂
LikeLike
Though they say that women should not wear pearls unless they’re married (because they will end up alone), I still cant deny the simplicity and elegance it gives.
LikeLike
Ahahaha There’s such a saying? I don’t think that’s true. If you wear beautiful pearls like the ones above, you’re more likely to a attract a man 😉
LikeLike
Lovely! You add total glamor to yourself wearing those!
LikeLike
And I thought I was taking care of my pearls well enough… gosh I love the learning I got from your post. Just wondering… has that huge pearl which is not for sale, come to Madame Imelda M’s attention? She just crossed my mind when I was reading this. She loves beautiful things.
LikeLike
I’m not sure if it has! Haha Thanks, glad you learned something! 🙂
LikeLike
sUPER GLAMOROUS! So elegant and they meant forever
LikeLike
oooh. i love your header.hehe and the pearls too.
LikeLike
Bravo! Your article have taught me that the color of pearl is not only similar to off white. Very informative. ^_^
LikeLike
nice pearls, a perfect gift for your mom and grandmother 0_o
LikeLike
or your girlfriend! 🙂
LikeLike
i love pearls, my favorite earrings. type ko yung last picture but it looks so expensive.
LikeLike
oooh… purty… =)
i love pearls… wanna give me some??? hihi =b
LikeLike