By Jen Molinera

"The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens." Anon

Through the centuries pearls have been known as beautiful, magical, mystical gems with a lustrous light that glows from within and a smooth, tactile feel.  Unlike other precious gemstones that are mined from the earth, pearls are organic, originating in water: the habitat of the oyster. 

" All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography." Federico Fellini 

Long associated with the moon in both a romantic and symbolic way and with the moon’s effect on tides and oceans, the pearl has come to symbolise everything from purity, love and sexuality to hidden wisdom, patience and peace.  Ancient Greek legend thought that pearls were the tears of the gods and in China the pearl was believed to have the power to grant wishes.

" A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls." Coco Chanel

Although the pearl is the birthstone of June, pearls are a gem for everyone and every month of the year.  There’s never a time or reason not to buy them, for luck, for love, as a gift for a loved one or a gift for yourself.  Coco Chanel suggested that a woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls and no-one here would disagree with that but there are many ways to wear these lustrous gems.   JeDeCo’s jewellers frequently incorporate pearls  into their work; the range and variety of designs matching the range and variety of pearls.