Why Pearls have Always been Trending

Pearls are universally known for being one of the most refined and elegant gems in the world. They have been worn by countless celebrities and people of high status for years, names as big as Audrey Hepburn. But where did this gem originate from? How did it become so widely known? And how has it received its eternal reputation? Pearl Colors Pearls are known as the birthstone for the month of June, in addition to alexandrite and moonstone. Pearls are a round stone that are mostly known for being white and cream colors. But it is also common for them to be black, gray and silver. It is possible to see them in every color. The main color of each pearl is often accompanied by other colors known as overtones. These overtones in pearls are often pink, blue, green or purple. Other pearls are orient, meaning they are iridescent. Cultured pearls are often used for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Cultured pearls are actual true pearls, they are just formed by human involvement. Pearl History The first time a pearl was written about was 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. For thousands of years, pearls have been known as a sign of status and wealth. Royal families in Asia, Europe and other areas have used natural pearls as a status symbol in the form of jewelry, and they passed them down from generation to generation. From ancient times until the New World was "discovered" in 1492, there was an abundance of pearls in the Chinese rivers of China, and Europe as well as the Persian Gulf etc. In 1498 and 1502 (Christopher Colombus's third and fourth journey to the New World), he ran into natives draped in natural pearls. The demand for pearls increased in Europe after Columbus uncovered the already abundant natural pearls in present-day Venezuela and Panama. But, within about a hundred years, the copious amounts of pearls were no longer as bountiful because of pearl culturing, oil drilling, plastic buttons, and overfishing. Pearls in Western Culture and the United States In Western cultures, pearls have astrological associations with Venus, the planet. Pearls have also been associated with the goddess of love that is from the sea. This is not the only association pearls have with water, pearls have been considered tears shed by gods. Throughout the past 100 years in the United States, pearls have been viewed as a symbol of stature and been given as family heirlooms. In recent years there has been a shift to where the youngest and most fashion forward celebrities and style icons are wearing pearls! Many stars like Billie Eilish and Joe Jonas have been known to style their pearls as a statement piece! Many stars wear pearls with monochromatic outfits or layer pearls with casual streetwear for an every day pearl look. Even sports stars in the NBA and NFL adorn themselves with strands of pearls while playing their heart out on the court/field. Below are some cool pearl facts: -Natural pearls are one of the rarest jewels. Less than 1 in every 10,000 oysters contain pearls. -About 99% of pearls being sold are cultured -Kokichi Mikimoto is the credited with creating cultured pearls -The world's most expensive pearl has a value of $100 million dollars Pearls in Fashion Pearls have such a rich history that is continuing to flourish. Pearls continue to be a symbol of status in addition to being a fashion statement. And pearls are not gender specific. Pearls are being worn by males and females. The current pearl trend is pearl chokers for males, as seen on ASAP Rocky. In addition to ASAP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Harry Styles, and Shawn Mendes are just a few of the celebrities who have been rocking this new trend. Pearls are a beautiful statement that have been around for thousands of years and are not going anywhere. Here at Malak Jewelers, we carry a wide variety of pearl jewelry that is sure to live up to your expectations! Visit us at the Arboretum Shopping Center to view our selection and have our gem experts help you pick the best pearl piece for you!