In the past, pearls were more than just jewelry; they showed power and differentiation. For Romans pearls were the tears of gods or angels. This enigma of pearls has continued through different cultures and eras, with countless stories created around these extraordinary gemstones. In the past, individuals sought out natural pearls, which were highly valuable due to their rarity. They were mainly discovered in the Persian Gulf and later in the Americas. These days it's very rare to find natural pearls.

In the 1890s, the pearl industry changed dramatically with the advent of cultured pearls. Mollusks underwent a delicate procedure in which a tiny nucleus was inserted, initiating pearl development. After a few months or years, cultured pearls formed and marked a new era in pearl farming. Pearl cultivation techniques have brought about a vast range of stunning colors, each type representing its unique origin.

Prices and qualities of pearls are determined by size, shape, color, luster, and surface quality. Each pearl has its own unique characteristics influenced by its regional environment. Natural factors such as tides and water composition interact to produce pearls with varying colors and qualities according to their geographic location.

To date, demand for pearls has been steadily increasing, and recent socio-political developments, such as Japan's decision to release contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, have raised concerns about the potential impact on pearl quality, particularly in Asia. As a result, people are rushing to buy pearls, which is causing prices to rise. Moreover, this pattern could persist if we consider the decline of our environments, significantly influenced by: Shipping and Maritime Activities, overfishing, contamination, climate change, and coastal development.

Excessive farming of pearls without sustainable practices can also damage ecosystems and the quality of pearls. Fortunately, more and more farmers are realizing that it's in their best interest to protect the oceans, but there's still a lot of room for improvement, and change can come faster if buyers ask for more information about origin and environmentally friendly practices. 

Therefore, if you're thinking of getting your first pearl necklace or adding some to your collection, now is a great time because prices will likely go up and quality could decline. Nevertheless, consider that transparency and sustainable practices in pearl sourcing are paramount. Seek out jewelers who provide detailed information about the origins of their pearls and who are committed to environmentally friendly practices. This not only ensures that you're investing in high-quality and ethical jewelry but also supports the broader effort to protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystems for future generations.

At AGUAdeORO, we know how important it is to balance nature's bounty with our responsibility to the environment. As we offer you our treasures, we make a promise to ethically source and safeguard the environment in this era of sustainability. Our farmers are hand-selected, and we ensure that their practices align with our societal and environmental values. We are proud to be the first jewelry in Switzerland to provide fairtrade gold ( certified by the Max Havelaar Foundation) and lab-grown gemstones. Experience the exceptional qualities and timeless allure of our pearls.

Visit our stores in Geneva or Zurich to explore our new collection of unique and timeless pearls. We're happy to provide information on each pearl type, including their characteristics and value.