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Pearls have captivated humans for centuries with their beauty and charm. These gems are treasures in history and are known to symbolize purity, beauty, and wealth. Unlike other gemstones, the pearl stone, also known as Moti Ratans are not mined from the Earth but are created by living organisms – primarily oysters and molluscs.
The journey of a Moti stone from a tiny irritant to a stunning jewel is a marvel of nature. Let's explore this fascinating process. In this blog, we will discuss how are pearls formed and why they are loved so much throughout history.
Pearl stone are highly charming and are known to bring their wearer inner peace and emotional balance. These gems are unique because of their formation as well as their astrological significance and many benefits of Moti.
The formation of this alluring gem begins when an irritant, such as a parasite, a grain of sand, or a piece of shell, accidentally enters the soft tissue of a mollusc. This intrusion can be likened to a splinter in a human's skin – it's unwelcome and uncomfortable. However, unlike humans, molluscs have a unique defence mechanism to deal with such intrusions.
This intruder will later on become a Beautiful gem, what a marvel of nature. Know more about how are pearls created completely in the next section.
To protect itself from the irritant, the mollusc secretes a smooth, crystalline substance called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. This secretion is composed of aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) and conchiolin which is a protein that acts as a binding agent.
The mollusc continuously coats the irritant with layers of nacre, gradually forming a Moti stone. This process can take several months to several years, depending on various factors such as the species of the mollusc, the water conditions, and the size of the irritant.
At last, you will get this gorgeous gemstone. But, why do oysters make pearls? Who knows? It's a wonder of nature, these gems are just adorable and are formed in nature through the mentioned process above. But there are different types of Moti stones. These gems are now made by humans and cultured as well.
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Natural pearl stone are formed without any human intervention. They are incredibly rare, which makes them highly valuable. These are typically harvested from wild molluscs, making the process labour-intensive and expensive.
Most of these gems available in the market today are cultured pearl stone because the natural ones are rare and very difficult to find in the best shape and quality. While its demand is increasing and hence they are cultured.
The process of culturing them involves human intervention, where a tiny bead or piece of tissue is deliberately inserted into the mollusc to stimulate nacre production. This technique was pioneered in the early 20th century by Japanese entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto. Cultured Moti stones can be further classified into freshwater and saltwater pearls, depending on the type of water in which the mollusks are raised.
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Freshwater Pearls - Freshwater pearl stone are primarily produced by mussels in rivers, lakes, and ponds. These Ratans can come in various shapes, sizes, and colours. They are generally more affordable than their saltwater counterparts due to their abundant production.
Saltwater Pearls- Saltwater ones are produced by oysters in oceans and seas. The most renowned types of saltwater Moti stones include Akoya, South Sea Pearls, and Tahitian ones. These gems are typically rounder and have a higher lustre compared to freshwater.
Harvesting these gems is a delicate and skilled process. When a mollusk is deemed ready, it is carefully opened, and the pearl (moti stone) is extracted without harming the mollusk. In the case of cultured Moti gems, the mollusc can often be reused to produce more gems. After extraction, these gems are cleaned, sorted, and graded based on their size, shape, color, luster, and surface quality.
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The allure of pearls lies in their timeless elegance and versatility. They have adorned royalty, celebrities, and fashion icons throughout history. From classic strands to contemporary designs, they continue to be a staple in jewellery collections worldwide. Their natural beauty and unique formation process make them a symbol of sophistication and grace.
Pearls are not just jewels; they are a testament to nature's ingenuity. The next time you admire a Moti, remember the incredible journey it underwent to become the exquisite gem you hold. Whether natural or cultured, freshwater or saltwater, each one carries with it a story of resilience, beauty, and wonder.
If you are also looking forward to embracing a beautiful gemstone then make sure that you buy an authentic one. To ensure authenticity, buy them from a reputable seller like Navratan, the online gem bazaar, where you get lab-certified original gems only.
