The Illustrious, Luminous Pearl
Ancient Chinese myths tell of pearls falling from heaven
where dragons fight. A pearl is a hard, rounded
object produced by mollusks such as oysters.
They are unique ___1___ they are the only gems
produced by an animal. They can be used in
jewelry or crushed for use in cosmetics. Usually
white, pearls can have a creamy or pinkish tint
or can be tinged with colors ___2___ from green to
brown to purple. Black pearls do exist and are
prized for their ___3___. Value is placed on a
pearl according to its color, size, luster, and
other factors. Luster is the most important to
jewelers. All things being equal, the larger the
pearl is, ___4___ its value.
Until the 20th century, hunters pulled
oysters from the bottoms of rivers and oceans. A
haul of three tons might only ___5___ three or
four perfect gems. In 1896, Kokichi Mikimoto, a
Japanese inventor, was granted a patent for the
artificial cultivation of pearls. As a result of
its success, ___6___ all pearls used in jewelry
today are cultured.
Pearls have fascinated man for centuries.
They are believed to be the most magical and
feminine of all gems. Pearls are the birthstone
of June, and since they are symbolic ___7___ a
happy marriage, many June brides wear them on
their wedding day. Pearls are also said to give
wisdom through experience, hence the expression
"pearls of wisdom."
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