Natural Pearls

Pearls are a symbol of power. Pearls are the only gemstones grown inside of a living organism. Pearls are formed within oysters or mollusks when a foreign substance (most often a parasite - not a grain of sand) invades the shell of the mollusk and enters the soft mantle tissue. In response to the irritation, the mantle's epithelial cells form a sac (known as a pearl sac) which secretes a crystalline substance called nacre, the same substance which makes up the interior of a mollusk's shell, which builds up in layers around the irritant, forming a pearl.

There are approximately 8,000 different species of bi-valve mollusks, of which only about 20 are capable of consistently producing pearls. Natural pearls are extremely rare. Because the layers of nacre tend to maintain the irregular shape of the original irritant, natural pearls which are round or spherical in shape are even more rare. Most natural pearls are irregularly shaped. In a completely natural state, only a very small percentage of mollusks will ever produce a pearl and only a few of them will develop a desirable size, shape, and color; only a small fraction of those will be harvested by humans. It is commonly assumed that one in ten thousand mollusks naturally produce gem quality pearls. Obviously, if we relied only on nature, ownership of pearls would still be relegated to the wealthiest and pearl producing mollusks would be on the brink of extinction due to over-harvest. As pearls have been prized for thousands of years, this need has led to the development of cultured pearls.


Stay tuned for my next blog on Cultured Pearls

Trends in Jewelry to Help Buy Your Valentine A New Design For Valentines' Day!!

These times are tough so stick to a budget. We here at Younique Designs have many options that are plentiful in many price ranges which are affordable on an everyday basis.  Remember it is the thought that counts. I know when I receive a handcrafted gift, I know that someone has put alot of thought into it. Pay attention to your intended Valentine's wardrobe and style. Is the person's style sporty/casual or more formal business attire. Fairer toned people wear silver well and gold can pop nicely on olive complexions. Rose gold is a new alternative that complements most skin tones!  Layering necklaces are very in style pairing long chains and pearls are key items. Chunky necklaces and layers of pearls are popular and make the biggest statement. Rose Quartz is the stone of love and rubies which represent wisdom and wealth. If unsure,stick to a classic piece. We can help you with your decision and especially if you are pressed for time.!! 

Birthday Stones for February & March: Amethyst & Aquamarine

This piece I designed and includes Amethyst faceted cut, Kyanite & Topaz crystals.

Featured For February: Natural Arizona Kingman Turquoise is one the official Birthstones for December

Turquoise is one of the official Birthstones for the month of December as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and the accepted gem for the fifth and eleventh wedding anniversaries. Turquoise is also the Planetary stone for Aquarius, Taurus and Sagittarius. Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is one of the most valuable non-transparent minerals used in the jewelry trade. It has been mined by early Egyptians since at least 6000 BC. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals can only be seen by a microscope. The finest Turquoise has come from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Poorer quality Turquoise is often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. Stabilization (without color enhancement) is an accepted treatment for cutting cabochons and inlay work as it hardens the mineral and helps with body oil absorption.