A dreamy and romantic legend about the Tahitian black pearl speaks of how the moon bathes the ocean with its light to attract the oysters. When they come to the ocean surface, the moon bestows heavenly dew upon each one of them. In time, the drop of heavenly dew is polished and shrouds itself in garments with blue, green, gold and pink shining in the colors of Tahitian pearls.
There are many myths and legends about all pearls. Cherished by royalty, fashion icons, designers, and passed as heirlooms from mothers to daughters for centuries, the pearl is mesmerizing to those who fall under its spell. But what is the secret story of pearls?
In the book 'Tears of Mermaids', author Stephen G. Bloom travels thirty thousands miles in an effort to trace a single pearl. Blooms chronicles the never-before-told saga of the global pearl trade; from pearl farms in China, to the Philippines, French Polynesia, and Australia to backstage at Christie's for an auction where a string of 68 gumball-sized pearls belonging to an Indian Maharaja are up for grabs. Final price? $6.3 million.
Tears of Mermaids takes us into a world so hidden it might as well be underwater. Bloom weaves a non stop detective story whose main character is the world's most enduring jewel.
So for this summer among your books to read I encourage you to pick up this one! You'll discover pearls in a whole new light, way past the legends...
Tears of Mermaids: The Secret Story of Pearls By Stephen G Bloom
Historically, pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries. They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; later in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial culturing of round saltwater pearls began. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market.
Atelier Leseine specializes in Tahitian Black Pearls. Ancients in French Polynesia believed that Tahitian pearls were the first cases of light, which were given by the Creator to Tane --God of Harmony and Beauty. Tahitian pearls illuminated the vault of heaven with their light.
Their form and brightness inspired Tane to create the stars. Tane then brought the pearls to Rua Hatu -- God of the Ocean in order for him to lighten his domain. Oro -- God of War and Peace, working for Tane, entrusted human women whom he coveted to conceive his descendants, with the first pearls, as tokens of love. With the achievement of his work complete, he gave "Te ufi" - pearl oysters to humans, in memory of his voyage on earth. Ever since, the pearl oyster "Te ufi -- Pinctada Margaritifera, has thrived in the lagoons of French Polynesia.
In Polynesian culture, the first two mythical pearls, which were given to a princess on earth by Oro -- God of war and peace, were Poe Rava -- the extraordinary peacock colored pearl and Poe Konini -- the sculptural circled pearl.
Another myth says that Okana and Uaro - the spirits of Coral and Sand –both adorned Te Ufi with a glistening cloak that utilizing all the hues of every fish that swam the Polynesian seas. For Thousands of years the glory of the heavens has come to rest in the secret hollow of the iridescent mother-of-pearl, as a gift from the sky to the sea.
Another dreamy and romantic story about the Tahitian black pearl speaks of how the moon bathes the ocean with its light to attract the oysters. When they come to the ocean surface, the moon bestows heavenly dew upon each one of them. In time, the drop of heavenly dew is polished and shrouds itself in garments with blue, green, gold and pink shining in the colors of Tahitian pearls.
There are many myths and legends that attribute the black pearls with various powers from being a healer to cupid and even a gift of God. In ancient times, the Tahitian black pearl was a jewel worn only by royalty and hence came to be known as the Pearl of Queens and the Queen of Pearls.
For anyone who wishes to go and explore, here is an article from the LA Times telling you about the beautiful treasure, the unique Tahitian Black Pearl, you can uncover in the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia.
http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-d-gambiers-main-20150426-story.html#page=1
Happy travels!
We all own jewelry with pearls and gemstones, but do we always know the origin, the process, the story behind the gemstones? As a designer mostly involved withTahitian Black Pearls, which I have known their story since 1995, when it comes to gemstones I'm still discovering... and this is why Atelier Leseine was glad to lend support in the making of this important documentary, Sharing The Rough.
Orin Mazzoni is an American director/filmmaker who has garnered many awards and acclaim for his work. His current feature, Sharing The Rough, tells the fascinating and valuable story from miner to faceter to designer.
The world of colored gemstones is still dominated by individuals miners and artisans; and each has a powerful and extremely unique story to tell. Sharing The Rough captures the realism and appreciation of this world.
The film follows a single gemstone through the hands of the East African Miners who bring these treasures to the surface, to the Gem Cutter who breathes life into the gem to make it radiate with brilliance, and finally to the Jewelry Designer who creates a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art that will accentuate the beauty of the gem.
The story needed to be told and glad someone finally did it! This documentary will make for a must watch for all in the industry as well as the general public.
For more information on where the film will be shown, please follow this page https://www.facebook.com/orin.mazzoni
You have until October 22nd to bid and win this Atelier Leseineone-of-a kind jewel donated to benefit a wonderful organization; the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation For Cancer Research.
With 89 cents of every dollar directly funding research,Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research is one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support for blood cancer research in the nation. Click through and Bid NOW!
https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/592668
Atelier Leseine appreciate your support on behalf on all the people who need our collective help to find a cure.
The value for Tahitian Black Pearls is evaluated based on rarity and perfection. Each pearl is graded individually. Several criteria are used to evaluate each one. They are: Luster, Size, Shape, Orient, Color, and Surface.
Luster
Always look for luster first when selecting a Tahitian black pearl. The luster or reflective surface shine is the highly mirror-like quality. The better the luster the higher the quality pearl, because the luster indicates a thick layering of pearl material or nacre. Usually this means the pearl has been in the oyster a long time. The thicker the pearl nacre, the better the pearl.
Size
Size is one of the most important criteria for evaluating black pearls. Since the Black Lipped Oyster is one of the largest oysters in the world, the pearls can also be of exceptional size. The size may average 8-10.5mm, or in some cases 11-14mm. The size is affected by the nucleus and the nacreous layer secreted around it, as well as the size and health of the oyster. Size is only one of the factors used to grade black pearls. Each pearl is evaluated individually using all six criteria.
Shape
Tahitian black pearls come in a wide range of natural shapes ranging from pear-shaped, tear-drop, button, mushroom, acorn, barrel, and baroque shapes. All the shapes of black pearls are considered desirable and marketable. Often, the pear-shaped and baroque pearls are set in pendant designs, and the rounder pearls are used for and . Round pearls are harder for the oyster to create and therefore they are more rare and more expensive.
Orient
The orient is the heart and soul of the pearl. The orient is defined as the way the pearl reflects and decomposes light through aragonite crystals. The orient is the play of light penetrating the surface, the depth of color and light that can be observed by looking past the reflective lustrous surface and into the many layers of pearl material or nacre. Each layer reflects light and creates the illuminating glow reflecting light from within the pearl. The best way to observe orient is to hold the pearl in front of a neutral background such as a white shell. As light shines into the pearl, the eye is able to see past the surface color and to the colors of each layer of nacre that surrounds the pearl.
Color
Tahitian black pearls come in a rainbow of beautiful natural colors. Each color is special, and each is sought after by collectors. The most important factor in selecting color is to determine which color looks best on the wearer. The colors comes alive on different skin tones and complexions. All pearls have an under-color ranging from pale silver to dark black. Often, there will also be a layering of iridescent hues in addition to the under color. These shimmering colors can be peach, copper, grey, pink, sea green, turquoise blue, peacock green, burgundy and bordeaux, indigo and navy, purple and lavender to canary and cranberry to deep midnight black.
Surface
The outer skin of the pearl may be analyzed for smoothness and perfection to determine the "beauty-marks" or imperfections of the pearl. Every pearl will have some tiny "surface marks" which add to the character and personality of each pearl. Most birthmarks are imperceptible to the naked eye and give the pearl character. The beauty marks help to determine if the pearl is "real", i.e. a natural color natural shape cultured gem. Simulated pearls, faux pearls and beads will have a perfectly smooth surface.
Our Atelier Leseine one of a kind Moana Mana Tahitian carved black pearl pendant on auction via Charity Buzz benefitting the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation For Cancer Research.
"Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research funds the nation’s best and brightest junior scientific investigators conducting research in the fields of leukemia, lymphoma, and related cancers. We have awarded nearly $25 million making us one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support for blood cancer research in the nation. We are proud that .89 of every dollar directly funds research. Help us on our quest. Help us fund a cure."
Take advantage and BID NOW…your chance to win this one of a kind Tahitian carved black pearl. Hand selected, with an intricate carved " Marquesan Cross", a symbol from the art of ancient Polynesian traditions. This symbol represents Harmony, Balance. The "Ocean" symbol also on the pearl represents Life, Persistence. A simple elegant bail with is clean lines is the ideal juxtaposition to the complex designs carved into this unique pearl.
Created in Argentium (tarnish resistant silver) the modern bail is a take on the popular enhancer style with a mechanism that allows you to detach your pearl and wear it on a leather cord, steel cable or even a chain…the choice is yours. The adjustable clasp also offers versatility to the wearer.
Bid now for this unique gift that will not only bring meaningful beauty into your life but also make a difference in the quest to find a cure for cancer.
https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/592668
Auction Ends: Wed, 22 Oct 2014, 2:00:00 PM EDT
