Greetings Beaders, Leah here from Eureka Crystal Beads! I’m excited to bring to you the second installment of 12: Birthstones! At the beginning of each month I’ll bring you a blog that is chock-full of everything you might want to know about that month’s stone. Were you born this month? If so, you might take particular interest in my second blog in this series: PEARL, the birthstone for July.

Pearls are formed inside the shell of certain mollusks as a defense mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant such as a parasite inside the shell, or an attack from outside that injures the mantle tissue. The mollusk creates a pearl sac to seal off the irritation. Pearls are thus the result of an immune response! (Pretty fascinating) The commonly held belief that a grain of sand acts as the irritant is in fact rarely the case. Typical stimuli include organic material, parasites, or even damage that displaces mantle tissue to another part of the mollusk’s body. These small particles or organisms gain entry when the shell valves are open for feeding or respiration. In cultured pearls, the irritant is an intentionally introduced piece of debris in order to begin the creation of a pearl. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries. Because of this, pearl has become a metaphor for something rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.

If you’re a believer in the metaphysical properties of stones, pearls are known for centering and promoting reflection, as well as attuning the wearer to the ebb and flow of life. They are thought to promote faith, purity, charity and integrity. Due to their watery and lunar elements, pearls are said to balance emotions, especially for the water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

PEARL SPOTLIGHT! …Regarded as the largest saltwater natural pearl ever discovered, the Hope Pearl is an impressive specimen. It measures about two inches by four inches and weighs almost four ounces. The pearl ranges from a greenish gold color at the bottom to a pure white at the top. This gem is in the permanent collection of the British Museum of Natural History, where any visitor to London can admire it. The Hope Pearl also led to the popularity of baroque pearl jewelry. Henry Philip Hope once owned this pearl and the Hope Diamond, at the same time!

Swarovski Crystal Pearls are fantastic imitations of natural pearls. These crystal pearls are designed to absorb the warmth of your skin and remain at body temperature when worn. Swarovski Crystal Pearls feel good to the touch and offer that sensual experience valued by pearl enthusiasts. Looking to incorporate pearls into your jewelry? Eureka Crystal Beads offers an enormous selection of Swarovski Pearls, which are the best quality faux pearls at incredibly affordable prices – approximately 40% less than retail! With their crystal core, they feel much more realistic than other faux pearls and have a beautiful luster coating them! We carry both pear shaped Swarovski Pearls and the most popular round Swarovski pearls.

These Pearls are abrasion-proof, resistant to perfume, perspiration, electroplating, UV light and scratches and they can be washed and dry cleaned. In addition, the selection of vibrant colors makes it possible to use with just about any color palette. Using Swarovski Crystal Pearls will give you the look of the most expensive pearls money can buy without the hefty price tag.

Here are a few of my absolute favorite colors in Swarovski Pearls!! What is your favorite pearl color out of the dozens and dozens offered? Comment below to let me know!! 🙂

Until next time, Bead on!

-Leah