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Books about Pearls
Pearls are beautiful creations found in oysters and other mollusks. There
are salt and fresh water pearls and the sizes, colors, and value of each
differ. While the pearl industry and trade is booming, there is a great
history to the collection of pearls. There are many pearls that detail the
history of the pearl (perlen)
and the techniques used to harvest these beauties.
The Book of the Pearl: The History, Art, Science, and Industry of the
Queen of Gems, by George Fredrick Kunz and Charles Hugh Stevenson. This
book highlights the history, origin, form and structure of pearls, as well
as their medicinal and medical properties.
Mikomoto, Mikomoto. This books was published by the company founded by
Kokichi Mikomoto in the 19th century. It looks at the history of pearl
diving and how new techniques brought pearl farming to the forefront in
the industry.
Diver’s Luck: A Story of Pearling Days, Clarence Benham. This book tells
the story of a diver in the Torres Strait and the Solomon Islands. Part of
the story detail a fight to the death with a Japanese pearl diver.
 Hekura: the Diving Girl’s Island
and The Island of the Fisherwoman, by Fosco Maraini. These books are the
record of the Ama divers. Ama divers were the Japanese women pearl divers
of years ago. This book highlights their efforts and the difficulties
encountered in their line of work.
Pearl Diving, published by the Emirates Diving Association. This soft
bound edition offers a glimpse into the significance of pearl diving in
the Middle East.
The Pearl Buying Guide, by Renee Newman. This is an all inclusive book
about pearls, their history, how they are made, and what to look for when
buying.
Pearls: A Natural History, by Neil Landman. This book delves into the
history and science surrounding pearls and their scientific makeup.
The Pearl, by Silvia Malaguzzi. This book speaks to the history of man’s
fascination with pearls and the mythology that has always surrounded them.
This is only a partial listing of the hundreds of titles of books
available today on pearls, their history and culture. Pearls have been
highly sought after for many years. There are many different types of
pearls, including fresh and salt water pearls. Depending upon where the
pearls come from, there is a long history of dangerous diving for pearls.
These divers were often slaves in most of older cultures.
Pearls continue to hold our interest even today. It’s difficult to
grasp that idea that a single grain of sand can turn into a beautiful
pearl. There are also many myths and legends that surround pearls and the
industry.
Today, there are many pearl farms that can produce millions of cultured
pearls each year. However, there will also be a draw towards the ancient
pearl diving techniques and a search by novice divers for the giant pearl.
And of course,
pearls are also a popular gift at weddings (Brautschmuck)
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