PEARL

A Pearl is unique in the world of colored gemstones as it is the only gemstone formed within a living creature. The pearl is the oldest-known gem, and for many centuries it was considered the most valuable of all. Pearls can either occur naturally or through a process known as cultivation.

Natural pearls are rare. Cultured pearls are separated into two subgroups – saltwater and freshwater. The first cultured pearl was grown in 1893 by the legendary Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan. Today cultured pearls dominate the pearl market and are available in many shapes, forms and beautiful colors, from palest cream and white to rose, lilac, green, gold, gray, and the dramatic Tahitian black.