THE SYMBOL OF PURITY, INNOCENCE AND BEAUTY by NAGICIA
The oldest known gem, and for a long time considered the most valuable, the word pearl itself has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable and valuable.
Each pearl is a unique creation. An organic material produced by living creatures, the pearl’s singular beauty is the result of a process that has fascinated humans for centuries.
A reaction to injury or attack that damages the fragile rim of the shell, a pearl is formed over years as layer upon layer of nacre (calcium carbonate – the same material the shell is made of) is injected into a sac that forms during the healing process. The layers are so fine as to be translucent, giving the pearl it’s iridescence : Light falls on the surface of the pearl and breaks up – reflected, refracted and diffracted in all directions. We call this unique play of light the luster of the pearl, defining it’s individual beauty and value.
Pearls come in many different colours, each colour bestowing the wearer with different gifts.
• All pearls focus personal power in the solar plexus, benefitting immunity and digestion. This wisdom often finds finely ground pearl powder used as an ingredient in Chinese medicine.
• The traditional glowing white orb is associated with the moon – cooling, transforming, reminding the wearer to aspire to be more honest, wise and pure.
• Gold and black pearls communicate prosperity and riches.
• Pink or rose pearls enrich the energy of the heart.
For all of these reasons, pearls have traditionally been a popular choice for the decoration of bridal gowns, jewelry and head-dresses. The pearl becomes a reflection of the flawless beauty, the pure nature and pure intentions of the bride. These south sea pearl pendant earrings set with gold and spinels are designed to hang below the jaw-line, off-setting a bride’s delicate beauty.
Plong – A traditional Balinese technique named for the sound of the delicate hammer stamping out each leaf individually - “plong plong plong”. First the motif is carved into the end of a silver pin, and after the hammering, applied individually onto the base. This necklace matches the unique beauty of a baroque pearl with the skill and precision of the silversmith, creating a exquisitely detailed baby lotus setting.
Mabe pearls are dome shaped, and occur when the pearl forms on the inner shell of the mollusk.Jawan is the name given to the balls made from silver wire. Tiny pieces are cut individually, balled under the heat of a flame and applied to the base. This mabe pearl ring setting includes both the jawan and the plong techniques.
South Sea pearls are known for their perfection – round, richly hued and glowing. This ring (pictured with rings featuring the birthstones for May and July) has it all! The simplicity of the setting allows the pearl to stand out as a statement, a mirror for the unique beauty of the wearer.
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