From Ancient Egypt through to the modern day, natural pearls have been held in the highest regard. They were worn as a treasured status symbol by the elite of society and royalty in the form of rings as well as many other types of jewellery. In the Dark Ages pearls were used as a talisman to ensure safety during battle, and have been revered by many different religions, before becoming more popular in jewellery such as antique pearl rings. They were seen as the ultimate display of wealth, coming from the deep seas of the mysterious orient, making antique pearl rings and jewellery very expensive.
Natural pearls are an organic gem formed inside live mollusc shells and come in all shapes and sizes. Their natural beauty made them an obvious choice when making jewellery, particularly antique and vintage pearl rings and necklaces. The major historic source for gathering natural pearls is the Persian Gulf. Finding natural, spherical, sizeable, smooth, lustrous, white pearls with no blemishes is exceptionally rare. The difficulty in gathering pearls from their source is one of the main reasons why natural pearls were so exclusive. All pearls occurred naturally up until the twentieth century, a reason why vintage and antique pearl rings are so valuable today.
These natural pearls are very rarely found nowadays, which again is why antique and vintage pearl rings are in such high demand. Their appeal lies in their iridescent sheen and lustre, their silky whiteness, and their rarity. Only one in a thousand natural pearls are spherical, white, lustrous and unblemished, which makes our vintage pearl rings exceptionally special. Many antique and vintage pearl rings come from and are present in Victorian and Edwardian rings, due to their popularity at the time.
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You can decipher whether a pearl is real by gently rubbing it on the front of your tooth. A natural pearl will feel gritty and if it is fake, it will feel lighter and smooth. Colouring is another indication of whether a pearl is natural. If antique pearl rings and jewellery are very slightly yellow, they are likely to be real, as natural pearls are subject to a change in colour over time. The best way to be sure whether a pearl is natural is to go to a certified jeweller.
When you have pearls, it is advisable to wipe them with a soft cloth every time you wear them. This will help to prevent any build-ups of oils and other damaging materials which the pearl may have come into contact with.
The pearl has many symbolic meanings which are mostly thought of as highly feminine, making them a popular choice in the form of antique pearl rings. Pearls symbolise fertility, long life and are considered as a symbol of the moon. When buried in the Oyster shell, the pearl represents hidden knowledge.
Vintage and antique pearl rings can cost anything from £250 and can rise exponentially, all depending on the quality of the pearl, whether it is naturally made or cultivated, as well as the material of the setting of the ring. All these features make a noticeable difference in the price of the ring.
