An Unbreakable Pearl($13.00Value)

Description

Did you know it can take up to 20 years to form a pearl? It’s a common misconception that pearls are created when a tiny spec of sand enters an oyster or some other mollusk. If you’re not familiar, mollusks categorize a large group of invertebrates. Mollusks can be clams, oysters, mussels, or one of over 300 different species. In freshwater rivers and ponds, mussels produce pearls, while saltwater pearls are produced by oysters. Although the story of a tiny spec of sand creating such a beautiful thing is fun to share in storybooks, it’s not true. Pearls are actually created when an irritant or a parasite enters the shell of the mussel or oyster (sometimes a clam in rare cases). Think of it this way, the particle in essence functions as the nucleus of the pearl. It’s this irritant or parasite that starts the process of creating something stunning. Once the irritant enters, it’s up to the mussel or oyster to begin forming nacre. The nacre is a defense mechanism to protect itself from the irritant. The nacre doesn’t kill the parasite, instead it slowly - year after year - creates beautiful layers that will protect it and form the pearl.This story is not about the ocean. It’s not about mussels or invertebrates. This story is about using the ugliness of a parasite to build beautiful, strong layers and find a way to shine like a pearl.