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Treasures of the Ocean
...Exquisitebeautyfrom agrain of sand
By Caroline Kamp
udrey Hepburn understood the allure of pearls. In the in the same way as other precious gems with the focus being on
1961 filmBreakfast at Tiffany’s her character Holly size, shape, quality of surface and lustre. Singlenatural pearls areA
Golightlygazes into the eponymous jeweller’s windows so precious they become collector’s items; even more rare are
clutching acup of coffee. She is wearing ablackcocktail dress, matched strands of natural pearls. In 1917 Pierre Cartier
elbow-length black gloves and adecadent five-strand pearl purchased the flagshipCartier store on FifthAvenue in New York
necklace. It’sanimage that has been abyword for style for the for $100 cash and adoublestrand of matched natural pearls
past 40 years. It speaks volumes about the understated yet utterly valued at $1million.
captivating effect of pearls. Wear them night or day and they
Muchismade of the difference between natural and culturedinstantlyelevateanoutfit.
pearls. But the process of actuallymaking apearl is almost entirely
The oldest recorded pearl bedswere found in the Persian Gulf in in thehands of the mollusc. Natural pearls are formed in a
300BC. Butthe existence of natural pearls was considered serendipitous act of nature when amicroscopic particle penetrates
something of adivinemiracle forcenturies. In the Middle Ages, abivalve mollusc. In thecase of cultured pearls this accident is
pearls were believed to be the teardrops’ of angels and there has engineered by human intervention.The mollusc will then entomb
long been asense of mysteryand awe surrounding them. Natural the particleinconcentric layers of nacre, also known as mother of
pearls peaked in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century pearl, and this process eventuallyforms the pearl. Pearls are the
whenthey were often used to complement other gems such as oldest gem known to man and for centuries have been asymbol of
diamonds, sapphires and rubies. High-quality natural pearls are purity,wisdom, beautyand wealth. Pearls are said to glow and
veryrare jewels and are treated as such. Theirvalue is determined reflect their beauty on the wearer.
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