Description
Stones of this color are most often found in the depths of the Pacific Ocean off the sandy shores of Tahiti, in the Red Sea and in the Indian Ocean. For quite a long time, the blue and blue color of pearls was explained by the presence of copper in its composition, but after several studies this statement was refuted. The shade of a natural pearl depends on several conditions:
- type of oyster;
- substances that make up water;
- natural phenomena.
Also, the definition of “pearl color” should be understood as different concepts:
- Pigment or base color. This is exactly the shade that determines the final color of the stone.
- Overtone is a secondary color with the least saturation. For example, the stone itself may be black, but when viewed in the sun, blue or blue tints can be distinguished.
- Gleam. This is an intrinsic characteristic of the hue that mostly appears in the layers of the pearl.
In addition, the final shade of a pearl depends on its age. If, when “young”, it shows a blue color, then after about 10-15 years it will become deep blue.
Pearls of blue or blue shades have a short lifespan. However, like any other type of this formation. After 40-60 years, its surface begins to crack, fade and become cloudy. In addition, the structure of the stone can be greatly damaged when exposed to direct sunlight, human sweat, perfume and cosmetics.
Karelian blue pearls
Back in the 10th century, mining of an amazing organic mineral grown in the shells of freshwater mollusks began in the rivers of Karelia. Karelian pearls were particularly durable and brightly colored. There were also blue specimens there. Fishing began in mid-summer - during the period when the water was as warm as possible. At the end of August, production ceased as the breeding season began.
The pearl contains conquin, a special substance produced by the mollusk. The color of the finished mineral depends on its color. Karelian rivers are characterized by blue pigment in conkhin. If the pearl is inside the shell for more than 20 years, the color of the gem becomes thicker and more saturated - almost blue.
The average lifespan of a pearl oyster is 15-20 years. Currently, it is allowed to lift shells that are longer than 8 centimeters. This size is typical for adults who have already left numerous offspring. Given the poor level of self-purification of Karelian rivers and an excess of silt, the water in them began to become very cloudy. This fact has an impact on the viability of mollusks; they can reproduce only in clean, clear waters, therefore, at the moment, industrial production of blue pearls in this area has been stopped.
Properties
Pearls are considered a stone of youth and longevity. It can save the owner from many health problems and prolong his life.
Blue and blue pearls have healing properties that help a person improve the functioning of the body and improve overall health. It is believed that if the mother-of-pearl has become dull, then this indicates some kind of ailment, so you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo an examination. The most important medicinal properties include normalization of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and blood vessels. Pearl cleanses the blood and normalizes blood pressure. In addition, with the help of the stone you can improve the state of the nervous system, get rid of insomnia and disturbing dreams.
How to choose decoration
Connoisseurs note that colored pearls shine much brighter than their snow-white counterpart. When choosing a piece of jewelry, you should focus on several criteria:
- the quality of the surface of the pearl, it should not have flaws from inaccurate mechanical processing, for example, when a hole was drilled;
- attractive design, you should like the decoration, you should not buy a thing just because fashion, a friend, or mother advises so. Pearls begin to shine when they are worn often and loved, otherwise they will simply fade and crumble;
- harmony with the appearance, when buying pearl jewelry, apply it to your face, hair, the color of the stone should be combined with the tone of the eyes, curls, and skin tone.
How to care for blue and cyan pearls
Any jewelry with pearls of these shades requires a special approach when storing:
- Stones should be stored in a separate box, away from other jewelry, since pearls are quite easily scratched and damaged.
- The air in the room should not be too dry, as this may cause the pearl to begin to crack and peel off. To avoid this, it is better to place the box next to the aquarium, if there is one, or place a glass of water nearby.
- Try to avoid getting perfume, skin care products and cosmetics on your pearls.
Blue and blue pearls are an amazing gift of nature. It is almost impossible to find a stone of such shades, since they are very rare. But if you become the owner of such mother-of-pearl, then rest assured that you will never regret it, and the jewelry itself will take pride of place in your jewelry collection.
Which pearls are more expensive
Jewelry with large white pearls of regular spherical shape was considered a treasure and always cost a lot of money.
But jewelry with high-quality black and gray pearls is considered extra expensive, the most valuable, because even with industrial cultivation this color is quite rare.
An organic mineral gets its special colors due to a number of aspects:
- the composition of the surrounding water;
- climatic conditions;
- a type of mollusk that grows a bead in its body
Natural pearls in India are often soft pink in color; in Mexico, reddish-brown stones are mined; in Australia, they are white and silver. Pearls from the shores of Polynesia have blue, black and purple shades.
Colored pearls: what each shade of stone means
White pearls are a classic, but this stone can come in a variety of shades, from black to gold. What the color depends on and what properties each mineral has - read in our jewelry guide.
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Where do colored pearls come from?
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The color spectrum of natural pearls includes more than 120 different shades - from white to black. When evaluating a stone, color plays an important role; it is taken into account along with the shape and size of the pearl. But not everyone knows how variants of different colors are formed in nature.
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First of all, it depends on the type of mollusk in which the pearl is formed. The color of the stone is also affected by the temperature and composition of the water in which the sink itself lies. In addition, the age of the pearl affects the color saturation. The longer it stays in the shell, the brighter the color and larger the size.
Primary color and highlight - what's the difference?
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Each pearl must have a main pigment. It can be white, silver, cream, gold, green, blue or black. It is this shade that depends on the type of mollusk itself. In addition, the stone can have a variety of overtones - additional translucent colors that can be seen in the reflection in sunlight.
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In this case, the main color will always be dominant. And the overtones only slightly shade the main pigment. It is interesting that one pearl can have several reflections at once - pink, bluish, and green, or it may not have any.
What does each color of pearl mean?
White pearls
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This is the most sought after shade of pearl in the world. Pure white color without overtones is especially valued in jewelry. Such pearls are cultivated on special farms in the People's Republic of China, Vietnam and the Japanese Islands.
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In Asian countries, they believe that white stone has special healing properties. In particular, wearing such pearls can even increase life expectancy and improve heart function. And in Ancient Egypt, white pearls were considered a stone of beauty. Cleopatra herself preferred to wear it.
Black Pearl
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Black pearls are highly valued in jewelry. This is a rather rare type of mineral - this explains its high cost. Minerals of black color or its shades can only be formed by oysters of the species Pinctada margaritifera, which live off the warm shores of the Hawaiian Islands.
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This type of mollusk produces a special pigment. Jewelry with black pearls are considered powerful amulets. The stone is able to protect its owner from negative influences and magical spells. In addition, natural black pearls develop eloquence and help establish communication with others.
Pink pearl
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Pink pearls are the favorite gem of oriental beauties. For example, in Japan it is worn to maintain eternal youth. It is believed that its shade helps the skin always remain fresh and girlishly ruddy.
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Pink pearls also have a calming effect and are recommended to be worn during times of severe stress and anxiety. And in India, pink pearls are used as a talisman for financial wealth.
Golden pearls
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Extraordinarily beautiful gold-colored pearls are created by special mollusks that live in the Panama region in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Natural golden pearls are rare and therefore usually command a high price.
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More often, its cultivated analogues are found in jewelry. The mineral is nicknamed “royal” for its luxurious hue. It looks great in gold jewelry. It is believed that such “royal” pearls attract success and wealth into life.
Blue pearl
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Rare blue pearls are essentially black. Rich overtones give it a blue tint. The original stone can be found off the coast of Tahiti. However, now it is most often grown on special farms. Wearing blue pearls has a beneficial effect on health and normalizes the functioning of internal organs.
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This stone is especially recommended for women who are planning a pregnancy. That is why in different cultures it is customary to give jewelry with blue or light blue pearls to the bride as a wedding gift.
Brown pearl
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Pearls of rich brown color are mined in the area of Panama, Mexico and on the African coast. Unlike golden pearls, brown stones are not particularly shiny and therefore do not have the same value. However, this does not prevent them from being actively used for more budget-friendly jewelry.
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In combination with yellow metal, brown pearls look great on tanned and dark skin. Thanks to its color, the mineral symbolizes natural abundance and also attracts good luck and financial well-being to life.
Photo: 585*Gold, Shutterstock.
Valeria Menskaya
How to Wear Colored and White Pearls
Colored pearls are not suitable for everyday wear, but they are wonderful with an evening outfit. The incredible shine of the mineral attracts the gaze of others to the lady's neckline. Jewelry that shines with purple, black, blue, gray or chocolate pearls is spectacular and memorable.
For a warm spring or summer day and a light dress, pink, peach, lilac and, of course, white mineral colors are suitable. The touching shine of pearls fascinates and makes a woman’s image softer, gentler and more romantic.
Products with natural pearls are considered an adornment for real ladies, adding charm and mystery to their appearance.
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