Pearl

The pearl is the only precious gemstone created by a living organism.

When a tiny irritant slips into an oyster, it coats it, year after year, in delicate layers of nacre.

A quality pearl can take years to form; composed of calcium carbonate, it is naturally very delicate.

Natural pearls were once pricier than diamonds; today, most are cultured, carefully grown on marine farms.

One of the most famous pearls, La Peregrina, belonged to Queen Mary I of England in the 16th century, and in 1969 Richard Burton bought it for Elizabeth Taylor; it was later sold at auction for nearly 12 million dollars.

Coco Chanel made pearls irresistibly chic in the 1920s, layering mixed strands—real and faux—boldly in broad daylight.

Jackie Kennedy's famous pearls were, in fact, faux (glass), by Kenneth Jay Lane — proof that elegance isn't about price.

Colors range from white and cream to pink, golden, or gray, each pearl boasting a unique luster and shape.

The most prized cultured pearls come from Japan (Akoya), the South Seas, Tahiti, and China (freshwater pearls).

A symbol of purity, elegance, and femininity, the pearl is one of June's birthstones.

With a hardness of just 2,5–4,5 it is highly sensitive to perfume, perspiration, and chemicals.

The golden rule: put it on last, after makeup and perfume, and gently wipe it with a soft cloth after wear. It is beautifully showcased in 925 silver and gold.