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Natural pearls are not always available because of their rarity. Found in oysters in the wild they are unlike cultured pearls which have been farmed and harvested. Natural pearls have been one of the most coveted jewellery gemstones throughout history ranging from the Roman Empire to the present day. The ancient Romans believed that they were frozen tears from the gods and the ancient Greeks believed that pearls came from lighting strikes occurring at sea.

There have been many famous stories about pearls - one occurred in 1916. Maisie Plant, a wealthy New Yorker acquired a double string of natural pearls said to be the finest in the Western world at that time. Maisie exchanged her town house at the corner of 52nd and Fifth Avenue in New York for the necklace from Cartier. A year earlier Maisie had asked her husband to buy the necklace priced at the time at $US2.1 million but he had declined. The famous French jeweller Cartier is still at this store location in New York.

An example of a natural pearl jewel from James Alfredson is this highly collectible large Belle Epoque platinum diamond, natural pearl brooch circa 1915. The brooch has removable fittings and can be worn as a pendant in various ways. The incredible look of fine lace is enhanced with diamonds and natural pearls. Visit James Alfredson Jewellers boutique at 26 Howey Place, Melbourne, Vic 3000 for the experience of acquiring a unique jewel that will provide a life time of enjoyment.

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