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January 10, 2025

Pure Pearls Weekly Newsletter: Exploring the Beauty of Natural Pearls

 

Pure Pearls Weekly Newsletter

 

"But the pearls were accidents, and the finding of one was luck, a little pat on the back by God or the gods both." – John Steinbeck

See What's Inspiring Pure Pearls This Week
Pure Inspiration:Chatoyant Natural Clam Pearl 7.63cts, and Sapphire Convertible  Pendant / Ring / Brooch, 18K Blue Gold, Jewelry by J Zheng

 

Chatoyant Natural Clam Pearl 7.63cts, and Sapphire Convertible  Pendant / Ring / Brooch, 18K Blue Gold

Pure says: An Icy January Bloom

Jewelry by J Zheng

 

Pearl Science, News and FAQs - Your Questions, Answered!

 

EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF NATURAL PEARLS

 

Happy 2025!! A brand new year, a new beginning ... it's exhilarating, isn't it? We seem to be off to a bit of a rocky start nationally, but I think it's important to still try and focus on the wondrous beauty all around us every day.

One of the most beautiful things we can focus on in the Jewelry Industry is obviously the natural wonders that are gemstones and of course, Pearls! At Pure, we tend to focus almost solely on cultured pearls (obviously - it's our bread and butter!), but every once in awhile, I like to explore the world of natural pearls and marvel at these incomparable gifts from Mother Nature. 

In this post, I'll tackle some of the more well known beauties (Conch pearls, I'm looking at you!) but I definitely want to highlight some of the rarer, and more obscure natural pearls of the world for all of us to enjoy. 

Onto the show! 

Natural Pearl Types: Abalone Pearls and Shell

Iridescent Abalone snail shells - aren't they gorgeous?? 

 

Abalone natural pearls are mesmerizing and exceptionally rare gems formed in the abalone mollusk, a type of marine gastropod found along the rocky coastal waters of regions like California, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa.

Unlike traditional pearls formed in oysters or mussels, abalone pearls are non-nacreous but are infamous for their vibrant, iridescent colors, including brilliant shades of blue, green, pink, purple, and even gold, often blending together in a way that resembles the shifting hues of a rainbow. This unique and vivid coloration makes abalone pearls stand out as some of the most visually striking gems in the world.

 

Natural Pearl Types: Abalone Pearls and Pearl Jewelry

Matched Abalone pearl "shark tooth" pair courtesy of Kojima Pearls. "Dancer" Abalone pearl and Sapphire Pendant by Kirk Milette Jewelry, CA. 


The pearls themselves are freeform Baroque in shape, often taking the form of a "tooth", which is a product of their formation process. Abalone pearls cannot be cultured regularly (there are farms and attempts, most notably in New Zealand but they mostly produce mabé pearls at this time); these animals are hemophiliacs which means that once they have been cut or operated upon, they will continue to bleed until they have died. So culturing whole abalone pearls remains a dream for the future, and only wild caught pearls are available for purchase. 
 
The iridescent colors of the Abalone pearl mirrors its close relationship to the ragingly colorful interior of the its shell, known as mother-of-pearl. Valued by collectors and artisans alike, abalone pearls are not only exquisite examples of natural artistry but also symbols of the beauty and diversity of marine life. Their rarity, combined with their kaleidoscopic colors, ensures their status as unique and treasured gems.


Natural Pearl Types: Purple Quahog Clam Pearls

A stunning collection of loose Quahog clam pearls courtesy of Mercenaria Pearls

Quahog clam natural pearls are utterly unique, and exceedingly rare natural pearls formed in the hard-shelled Quahog clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), native to the Atlantic coast of North America - think Rhode Island up through the rocky and majestic coast of Maine. 
 
Unlike traditional cultured pearls, quahog pearls are non-nacreous, meaning they lack the iridescent layers of nacre, but possess a distinctive porcelain-like luster. We call these pearls "porcelaneous" pearls. 
 
Quahog pearls are most famous for their natural purple colors, which range from deep purple and lavender to pale lilac. But even are found in white, cream, and even brown! The rich purple hues, often with subtle color gradients, make quahog pearls particularly prized among collectors and connoisseurs. A few lucky diners have found Quahog pearls in their clam stew dinners throughout the years, so it still pays to keep your eyes peeled!


Natural Pearl Types: Quahog Pearl Jewelry
Left: An exceptional semi-matched suite of rare Quahog clam pearls formed into a necklace and drop-earring layout. Photo courtesy of art and jewelry historian Alain Truong and Bonhams Auction House. Right: the famous Goulash Quahog brooch, featuring a stunningly large 14mm Quahog pearl, set in enamel and 18K Gold. Photo courtesy of Mastaloni.

What makes Quahog pearls truly special is their extreme rarity and natural formation. They are found purely by chance, often discovered accidentally while shucking clams for food, or in soups, stews or clam bakes, which can damage the pearls. 
 
It's thought that only 1 in 5,000 Quahog clams produces a pearl, and even fewer are of gem quality. Their unique shapes, typically irregular or baroque, and their variety of sizes add to their charm and individuality. Prices range from $1,000 to $10,000 for loose pearls, and up to $200,000 for matched suites, like the layout featured above. 
 
In America's early history, Quahog pearls were valued by the North Eastern Native American peoples, particularly the Wampanoag tribes, who used them for jewelry and trade. Today, they are sought after as natural wonders and symbols of organic, natural beauty, which collectors and jewelry designers use to blend their rarity, vibrant natural purple colors and fascinating history to create a colorful tribute to nature's artistry, and American history.



Natural Pearl Types: Melo Melo Snail
The Baler Snail in its shell, which produces the Melo Pearl famed throughout China.

Melo pearls are extraordinary and highly coveted gems formed in the Melo volute, a large sea snail found in the warm waters of Southeast Asia, particularly near Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and the South China Sea.

Unlike traditional pearls formed in oysters or mussels, Melo pearls are non-nacreous, meaning they do not have the iridescent layers of nacre. Instead, they boast a unique, porcelain-like luster and stunning natural colors that range from light beige to vibrant orange, with deep orange being the most prized. Over time, these pearls may develop a softer, creamy hue due to their organic composition.

Throughout history, the Chinese revered these singular pearls as symbols of wealth, status, and natural beauty. Melo pearls, formed in the Melo melo sea snail, were revered, particularly among Chinese royalty and nobility, who prized their vibrant orange hues and large, unique forms.

In Chinese tradition, pearls have long been associated with wisdom, purity, and the moon, and Melo pearls were often regarded as treasures of great value and mystical significance. Today, they continue to captivate collectors and jewelers for their rarity, vivid colors, and connection to the rich cultural heritage of China.

 

Natural Pearl Types: Melo Melo Pearls

Pair of exceptional orange-colored Melo Pearls courtesy of Kari Natural Pearls

What sets Melo pearls apart is their exceptional rarity and striking beauty. They form naturally, without any human intervention, and only a small fraction of Melo snails ever produce pearls. Even among these, finding one that is perfectly round and displays vivid coloration is incredibly rare.
 
Melo pearls are typically larger than traditional pearls, often reaching significant sizes, which enhances their desirability. Their unique flame-like surface patterns further distinguish them, giving the impression of flickering light or swirling energy. Highly valued by collectors and connoisseurs, Melo pearls are symbols of natural luxury and rarity, celebrated for their vibrant hues, organic origins, and the mystery of their creation.



Natural Pearl Types: American Freshwater Pearls
A gorgeous selection of natural American Freshwater pearls

American Freshwater natural pearls are rare and beautiful gems that form naturally in Freshwater mussels found in rivers, lakes, and streams across the United States, particularly in regions like the Mississippi River Valley and Tennessee. 

These pearls are formed without human intervention, making them true products of nature. They are typically non-nacreous or partially nacreous, with a range of unique shapes, sizes, and surface textures. Colors vary widely, from classic white and cream to soft pink, lavender, yellow, and even metallic hues, giving them a distinct and diverse charm.

What makes American Freshwater pearls so special is their deep connection to our history and the natural environment. Native Americans were among the first to value these pearls for adornment and ceremonial use, and they were later coveted during the 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the U.S. pearl boom.

Their rarity stems from their organic formation, which occurs by chance when a natural irritant enters the mussel. Today, due to overharvesting and environmental changes, finding an American freshwater natural pearl is increasingly rare, enhancing its allure. Each pearl is a unique creation, celebrated for its individuality and as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of North America’s waterways.

 

Natural Pearl Types: American Freshwater Pearl Flower Brooch Tiffany & Co.

The Tiffany & Co. American Freshwater Pearl Flower Brooch pictured above is the Chrysanthemum Brooch, created in 1904 by Tiffany's chief jewelry designer, G. Paulding Farnham, who fell in love with American Freshwater pearls! This piece is an iconic pearl jewelry design that reverberates throughout American pearl jewelry history.

This brooch showcases a chrysanthemum flower, meticulously crafted using natural freshwater pearls sourced from the Mississippi River. The pearls, often referred to as "dogtooth" pearls due to their distinctive shapes, are arranged to emulate the intricate petals of the chrysanthemum, highlighting Farnham's ability to blend natural elements with artistic design.

These brooch is particularly significant with its use of American Freshwater pearls, which were abundant in the early 1900s, particularly in the Mississippi River Valley.

Today, these brooches are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, symbolizing a blend of natural beauty and exquisite craftsmanship that is emblematic of Tiffany & Co.'s heritage. 

That's it for this week's edition of the Pure Pearls Newsletter - what did you think? I have a few more natural pearl types to review, but I don't want to overwhelm our server, lol! Which one here is your favorite?? 
 
Until next time ...

 

XO,


Ashley M.

 

 The PurePearls.com Wishlist: Weekly Pearl Jewelry Spotlight

 

BRILLIANT BAROQUE

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This pendant features a gorgeous pink 15mm high quality Freshwater Baroque pearl, hand picked for its luster and unique overtones. The pearl is mounted on the finest 14K gold chain with circular bail at the top. The pendant is packaged in a beautiful jewelry box, perfect for gifting.

Each pearl purchase comes nestled in our signature Little Black Jewelry Box and is accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed Pearl Care Instructions and Pearl Polishing Cloth. View our entire collection of freshwater pearlspearl necklaces and pearl earrings

 

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