Gemstone: Freshwater Keshi Pearls

Freshwater Keshi Pearls are formed as a byproduct of (nucleated) cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a fluid, called nacre, which coats the irritant layer upon layer until a pearl is formed. Once these pearls are removed from the mollusk, however, it continues to secrete the nacre to fill the void left by the cultured pearl. Since Keshi pearls are formed without a nucleus, their shapes are skewed, organic, and pure nacre.
MOHs Hardness: 2.5
Origins: Freshwater farms across Asia
Care: Keep Keshi pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Strands of pearls should not be washed. They should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth before storing. Wetting the silk can cause stretching.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th