THE PEARL GUIDE

Pearls, blending the essence of living organisms and minerals, are renowned for their invigorating and rejuvenating attributes. They embody allure, softness, and femininity, radiating a serene aura with their moon-like gleam and iridescent hues, making them a gemstone of tranquility. Throughout ancient times, individuals adorned themselves with pearls, viewing them as potent talismans endowed with multifaceted powers. Legend held that wearing pearls strengthened bonds of friendship and even quelled feelings of anger towards others. Within religious contexts, pearls have symbolised purity, humility, and reverence for the divine.

Pearls are formed by certain types of mollusks, with oysters being the most common ones. Here's how it happens: when an irritating foreign object, like a piece of coral or a small stone, gets inside the shell, the mollusk reacts to protect itself from this "attack" by producing layers of calcium carbonate to surround the intruder. This mixture is called nacre. This process can occur naturally : natural pearls or be intentionally done by humans: cultured pearls. Cultured pearls can be grown in saltwater or freshwater, depending on the type of pearls desired.

In Western symbolism, pearls are closely associated with Venus, the goddess of love, further accentuating their romantic allure. Additionally, in various cultural narratives, pearls have been linked symbolically to tears, representing emotional depth and sensitivity.

The 30th wedding anniversary is called the Pearl Anniversary. Three decades of love and intense happiness, so it's the perfect time to mark the occasion with an original piece of jewellery adorned with one or more pearls, respecting the tradition of wedding anniversaries. However, pearls also symbolise the 3rd and 12th anniversaries. At Waldemar Jewellers Sydney, we specialise in sourcing top-quality South Sea Pearls for your anniversary jewellery, or if you want to treat yourself to a unique piece of jewellery with a pretty pearl.

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How to choose your pearls?

When selecting pearl jewellery, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you make the right choice. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate through the process made by Waldemar Jewellers: 

• SIZE: Pearls come in different sizes, and this can significantly impact their price. Generally, larger pearls are rarer and more expensive. However, it's crucial to consider your personal preference and the design of the jewellery. Opt for a size that complements your style and fits well with the overall aesthetic of the piece.

• SHAPE: Pearls can have diverse shapes, ranging from round to baroque to oval and button-shaped. Choose a shape that resonates with you and enhances your individual style. Keep in mind that different shapes can create distinct visual effects, so select one that best suits your taste.

• COLOUR: Pearls are available in a plethora of colours, from classic white to pastel hues and vibrant tones. When choosing a colour, consider factors such as your skin tone and wardrobe palette. Look for shades that harmonise with your complexion and add depth to the pearl's appearance.

• SURFACE QUALITY: Aim for pearls with a smooth surface and minimal imperfections. Smooth-surfaced pearls are generally considered higher in quality and exhibit a more refined appearance. Avoid pearls with visible flaws, as they may detract from the overall beauty of the jewellery piece.

• NACRE: Nacre quality is another crucial aspect to consider. The thickness of the nacre directly influence the pearl's overall appearance and shine. Look for pearls with thick, shiny nacre layers for a stunning visual impact.

• MATCHING: If you're considering jewellery with multiple pearls, ensure they are well-matched in terms of size, shape, and colour. This ensures a cohesive and elegant look, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the piece.

• By carefully considering these factors and choosing high-quality pearls, you can invest in jewellery that is not only visually captivating but also timeless and valuable. Remember, selecting the perfect pearl jewellery is an investment in both beauty and sophistication.

How to take care of your pearls?

Taking care of your pearls is essential if you want them to last a lifetime and maintain their beautiful shine. To keep your pearls looking their best, it's important to follow some golden rules:

• First Rule: Pearls are delicate because they're made by living organisms. So, avoid exposing them to harsh stuff like cosmetics, moisturisers, and perfumes, as these can damage both the pearl and its setting. It's best to put your pearl jewellery on last when getting ready and take them off first when you're done.

• Second Rule: The surface of pearls can easily get scratched or stained, which can dull their shine over time. To prevent this, always store them separately from your other jewellery, preferably in a soft satin pouch on a flat surface.

• Third Rule: Pearls need a little moisture to maintain their beauty. If you expose them too much to direct sunlight or heat, or if you keep them hidden away for too long, they might dry out. Moderate warmth and humidity, like what they get from being worn, are perfect for keeping them shiny. So, if you love your pearls, wear them often!

• Fourth Rule: After wearing your pearls, you can lightly wipe them with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to remove any oil or dirt accumulated throughout the day. For a deeper clean, dampen a soft cloth with warm, soapy water and gently wipe your pearls. Avoid soaking them in water, as this could damage the strings holding the pearls together. Once cleaned, let your pearls air dry before storing them away.

What is the hardness of pearls?

The hardness of gemstones is an intriguing trait that sets them apart in the mineral world. Measured on the Mohs scale, pearls range between 2.5 and 4. Despite their relatively low hardness, pearls are still quite resilient. Diamonds, for instance, reign supreme on this scale with a hardness of 10, making them nearly impervious to scratching. Other gems like sapphires and rubies, which are forms of corundum, closely follow with a hardness similar to that of diamonds. This toughness is crucial, giving gemstones the ability to withstand daily wear and shine endlessly in cherished jewellery pieces. However, this hardness isn't without limits, as even the hardest gemstones can be cracked or damaged by strong impacts. Thus, while their hardness adds to their value, they remain delicate treasures to be cherished and safeguarded.

What are the different shapes of pearls?

Pearls come in many shapes. They can be round, semi-round, teardrop-shaped, pear-shaped, button-shaped, baroque, or ridged. The perfectly round pearls are the most wanted, so they cost the most. However, baroque pearls with their unique, harmonious shapes are becoming more and more sought after.

• The Round Pearl: This one has a ball-like shape, and it's known to be the most valuable.

• The Drop Pearl: These pearls are usually symmetrical or teardrop-shaped.

• The Ringed Pearl: This unique shape is a natural thing with many circular bands.

• The Button Pearl: It looks like a round pearl, but it has a flat side and a curved top.

• The Baroque Pearl: This pearl is known for not being uniform with irregular surfaces.

• The Keshi Pearl: These pearls don't have a core and come in different thin flake-like shapes.

Here are some of Waldemar Jeweller's creations to discover on our website: