Pearl Beads - Precious Gems through Time For centuries pearls have been seen as objects of beauty and value and they have adorned the rich, famous and powerful throughout time.
Marie Antoinette was a famous fan of jewellery and pearls in particular and in the 1780s was depicted in a portrait with a pearl necklace around her ill-fated neck, as was Mary Queen of Scots in 1559 and Empress Maria Fiodoravna of Russia in the 1880s.
Pearls have been a symbol of beauty and wealth for hundreds of years and this is still true today, though they are now more easily available.
Types and Grades of Pearl Beads Because pearls are produced naturally each one is unique, meaning that there are a number of different types, shapes and gradesads.
Pearls are rated for quality with the most pure being free from blemishes and perfectly round (or very close to).
These pearls are rated triple A and are extremely rare, but it is fairly easy to find pearls to buy that have an A or B rating, which may have small blemishes such as lines, bumps and tiny holes.
The types available include the following: • Freshwater Pearls • Saltwater • Blister pearls • Baroque pearls • Coin pearls • Stick pearls Stunning Jewellery from Pearls The multitudinous types of pearls that are produced across the world (either completely naturally or by farming), are used to make a selection of jewellery that is as popular today among fans of glitz and glamour, as it was with Marie Antoinette and the doomed French aristocracy.
Pearl beads are used today to create beautiful earrings; there are many fans out there of the classic pearl necklace and they are also used to make striking pendants, bracelets and even head-dresses for those with flamboyant taste.
Pearls, whether on a necklace or as earrings make a beautiful gift and will really show that someone special how you feel, or just treat yourself.