How lucky would you feel if you shucked an oyster and found a creamy pearl resting inside? Lucky, but it's not likely. Natural varieties are very rare and most of the world's supply is almost all cultured.

For a rare natural pearl to form, some type of substance has to find its way inside the shell of a mollusk. This substance irritates the mollusks prompting it to secrete nacre, which is the iridescent coating that lines the shell. The nacre forms layers around the foreign substance until it the gem is eventually formed. Nacre is more commonly known as mother of pearl, which makes sense the source of the beautiful orbs.

To get a cultured pearl, the foreign substance is put inside the shell on purpose. This process was revolutionized by Mikimoto, whose cultured varieties are wildly famous and desired today. An Akoya pearl necklace is especially popular in its various shades of rose, silver and cream.

These iridescent orbs don't only come in the creamy white you commonly see. They also come in black and rose colors. A black pearl bracelet is an elegant addition to many outfits.

The only gemstone that comes from a living organism, most think of oysters as their only source, but mussels can also produce these creamy decadent beads.

As for location, most of the supply comes from the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and along the coastlines of India and Sri Lanka. The freshwater variety used to be abundant in the United States, but the supply has been somewhat depleted. They are still found in the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Other freshwater locations include Scotland, Germany and France. Japan, in the tradition of Mikimoto, is a large supplier of the cultured variety as well as Australia and Polynesia.

Birthstone for June

These orbs don't fit the typical mold of a gemstone, but even so they get a month all to itself as the birthstone for June. Pearl ring gifts may be common during this month, but a freshwater necklace is also a classic selection.

Another good excuse to give the precious beads is as a gift is for a 30th wedding anniversary. A sophisticated black pearl necklace with diamond accents is a great way to commemorate your years together.

Caring and Maintenance

Delicate as they are beautiful, the strongest of them rank a 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. So, you must take great care when wearing and cleaning these precious gems. They are very sensitive to chemicals like perfume and hairspray. To clean them, wipe with a damp soft cloth. If chemicals get on them, also use gentle baby soap. The best way to store them is separate from your more durable jewelry so they don't get scratched. A soft jewelry bag or a separate box is the best storage method.

Pearls are classic and fashionable. If you don't like the all pearl look, there are a lot of necklace, ring and bracelet designs that incorporate colored gemstones as well for a truly unique and beautiful piece of body jewelry.