In the Spring of 2017, my world suddenly became a lot more radiant… Having no history or experience in the jewelry business, I was unprepared for the wow-factor that awaited me. I walked in to my first day of work at the Assael office in New York City and my jaw literally dropped. I gazed in awe as my eyes locked with the incredible strands of pearls laid out on the table in front of me. I have never seen so much radiant, glowing beauty in one place! I couldn’t help but try on every single piece – choker length necklaces, multi-strand necklaces, bracelets, earrings, gorgeous cluster rings. It felt like playing dress up but I was actually at work! I quickly came to realize that at Assael, every day I would be in the presence of the most magnificent pearls in the world.

Not only had I never held a real pearl necklace before, but I had little understanding of the origin and history of this mysterious gem. As a 25-year old who has only ever worn imitation pearls to 1930s flapper-themed parties, I was eager to learn about what made these real pearls so enticing to me, and to every woman since the beginning of time.

It’s difficult to describe the formation of a pearl without sounding overly scientific, but trust me –  the process is just as beautiful as the pearl itself!  It all begins when a highly skilled pearl farmer inserts a nucleus, or small round bead, into the soft mantle tissue of an oyster. Then Mother Nature takes over as the oyster naturally secretes nacre to wrap the bead. The nacre is similar to the Mother-of-Pearl that lines the shell of the oyster. It is comprised of microscopic crystals of calcium carbonate, which create a gorgeous glowing appearance. Over time, the oyster continues to create this nacre, wrapping layer upon layer year after year, and as a result, a pearl is ultimately born. Unlike other gemstones that have to be cut and polished, pearls are the truest forms of natural beauty. No wonder they make me look and feel so radiant and beautiful when I wear them!

At Assael, we believe that pearls symbolize freshness and renewal. Much like a flower blooming at the start of spring, a pearl embodies the creation and rebirth of beauty. From the inside of an oyster to a pair of luminous earrings, pearls have forever hypnotized us by their magnificence and natural wonder. I, for one, am hooked for life!