The Pearl is the Queen of Gems and the Gem of Queens

The very mention of the world "Pearl" conjures images that are romantic, luxurious and even adventurous. The classic simplicity of the pearl has elevated the perception of this natural beauty to the highest level of appreciation and admiration. From Style Icons to First Ladies, Pearls have reminded a classic staple necessary in every woman's wardrobe.

Pearls are formed naturally, starting when a foreign object gets inside a pearl-bearing mollusk's shell and irritates its soft tissue. The mollusk tries to reduce the effects of the irritant by coating it with layers of nacre.

"Pearls have an energy about them that diamonds just do not," Yates Miller said. "They take on a whole new personality when your wearing them. It's delicious."

Yates is an old friend and jewelry dealer specializing in Art History with a passion for all things sparkly. After his teaching days, he began traveling all over the world finding only the most beautiful jewels. He's provided us at Joint Venture Jewelry with a vast collection of unique Akoya pearls for our Vintage Pearl Show, April 25 - May 31st, all 25% off.

Yates and Donna looking over all the pearl inventory.

Akoya, an old Japanese term for oyster, is one of the many types of pearls found in the saltwater's of Japan, China and Vietnam in the Pinctada Fucata oyster.  The pearls are typically 2-10mm in size with a white to a rose overtone, having  excellent luster.  Akoya pearls are usually white, cream or silver in hue. There are no black ones, if found they are dyed.

"There is nothing like beautiful vintage pearls," Yates said. "New pearls all look alike. Old pearls have style. You just have to find the right one that matches your skin tone and you can never go wrong."

Our collection of vintage pearls dates back to the 1930's through the 1960's. There is really no way to date the pearl itself, but looking at the handcrafted workmanship of the clasp will give you a better idea of time frame. Nothing was made by hand after the 1960's. Looking at the color of the strands, you can see they come in all different shades. Age of the pearls plays a large factor in the candlelight color. The stock white hue of new pearls today is typically due to bleaching.  None of our vintage pearls have been bleached.

With Graduations, Mother's Day, June's birthstone and wedding season fast approaching, Pearls make the perfect gift! And why give just any strand of pearls, give one with history, elegance, and the romance found in these heirloom pearls.

During our Vintage Pearl Show we are running a number of specials:

• 25% off All Vintage Pearls 
• Learn all about these natural beauty's in one of our Pearl Workshops: Call us today to reserve your spot! Multiple dates and times available. Minimum of 3 people per Workshop, so grab your girlfriends and make a day of it! Free Gift with reservation.
• 10% off Stringing or Restoration: Update your own strand of pearls with a new clasp, or custom create a vintage inspired one!

A small sampling from our Vintage Pearl Show Collection