Archive for the ‘Pearls’ Category
Ahoy, Mateys!
The Black Pearl is a fictional ghost ship in the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, but you don’t have to be a pirate to own your own black pearl necklaces. Since ancient times, pearls have symbolized purity and perfection, representing the moon and magical powers in some cultures, natural beauty and good luck in others. Some legends of the Orient say pearls represent the tears of an angel or mermaid. Still others maintain that the Tahitian black pearl is an enduring symbol of hope.
Originating in Tahiti, the black pearl has long been a sought-after jewel of the sea. The great gemologist of the 19th century, George Fredrick Kunz, has been quoted as saying, “The pearl owes nothing to man. It is absolutely a gift of nature on which man cannot improve.
Avoid Scratches to Precious Jewelry
When I was just a young girl, I inherited a vast selection of priceless jewelry from my grandmother. She had been a scrupulous collector, and each piece was practically in mint condition. The collection came to me in a clunky old jewelry box that didn’t live up to my aesthetic standards. Without knowing any better, I ditched the box and kept the jewelry bunched together in my top dresser drawer. What a mistake.
Before long the pearl necklaces and sterling silver brooches were scratched beyond salvation. I had committed a serious jewelry faux pas by allowing the diamonds to mix with softer stones and precious metals. As it turned out, this whole mess could have been avoided if I knew about the Mohs hardness scale. In general, hard stones like diamonds should be kept away from more delicate pieces.