Cultured Pearl Moon Necklace

The Cultured Freshwater Pearl: Nacre Made of Aragonite and Conchiolin

A pearl is made of nacre, a composite of microscopically thin aragonite platelets and the protein conchiolin, which holds them together. Aragonite is a form of calcium carbonate. The glow does not come from polishing but from light that is refracted and reflected in these stacked layers. This also creates the delicate shimmer of color over the white, which experts call orient. The pearl on this necklace is a genuine cultured freshwater pearl in the shape of a slim crescent moon. Each piece has its own curve and its own shimmer. With a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5, nacre is one of the soft materials and likes gentle handling.

Material and Craftsmanship

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and warm 14K gold-filled. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is applied only wafer-thin, wears off over time, and fades fairly quickly, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years. The crescent is threaded by hand onto a fine box chain whose square links interlock closely and lie smoothly against your neck. That way, the pendant sits in the center but can move, and it keeps settling into its own position as you wear it. You choose the length when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Pearl

Pearls are among the birthstones for June, together with moonstone and alexandrite. Since antiquity, they have been a symbol of purity and quiet elegance, and because of their soft glow, they were linked with the moon for centuries. The crescent picks up this old image. As a piece of June birthstone jewelry, the necklace makes a personal gift, especially for anyone born in June.

Caring for Your Cultured Pearl Moon Necklace

The chain itself is water-resistant and made for everyday wear. The pearl can handle brief contact with water, but it shouldn't be worn in salt water or chlorinated water for long periods. Put on perfume, lotion, and hairspray before you put on the necklace, because nacre is sensitive to acids. After contact with water, it's best to pat the necklace dry with a soft cloth.

Never clean the nacre in an ultrasonic cleaner or with steam, and keep it away from high heat and dry air from indoor heating. Store the necklace dry and apart from harder pieces of jewelry, because nacre is soft and scratches more easily than a gemstone. That way, its deep luster lasts for years.