PEARL

The pearl is a gem of organic origin, born inside a living mollusc: in response to an irritant, the shell wraps it layer by layer in nacre until a pearl forms. Natural pearls are rare and costly, so most modern ones are cultured (grown with human involvement). The pearl is prized for its soft, deep glow (the 'orient') and its tender shades — from white and cream to pink, gold and black (Tahitian pearls). For centuries pearls symbolised purity, nobility and femininity, worn by queens and aristocrats. Unlike hard stones, the pearl is soft and delicate: it fears acids, perfume and scratches, so it needs careful handling.