You don’t have to dive deep to find the appeal of a pearl – it’s the only gem that is a product of a living creature. Mollusks use mother of pearl (also known as nacre) to produce these gems, which are actually more rare than you may realize in nature.

Interestingly, the process of producing a pearl is actually a defense mechanism of the oyster to protect itself from irritants that get trapped in their shells. The resulting pearls are naturally shiny, ranking them among the most beautiful natural objects.

Pearls have been long sought after by ancient civilizations, dating back to ancient Greece – they were believed to be tears falling from the Gods. They have always been associated with wealth and status, and at one time only emperors were permitted to wear them. As the commercial culturing of pearls rose to the surface in the early part of the 20th century – that is, creating pearls in controlled conditions – they became more affordable, but are forever tied to high class style.

Visit TSC.ca’s Birthstone Boutique to shop our full assortment of pearl jewellery.