Pearls are the world’s oldest known gem, and the only gem produced by living animals. Evidence abounds that pearls were highly cherished in Middle Eastern and Asian countries as early as 3500 B.C. Eventually, pearl fever hit the Roman Empire. Legend has it that Julius Caesar was so enamored of the lustrous spheres that he ordered the invasion of Britain partly to raid the treasure trove of pearls that lined its shores. Another tale tells of a Roman general who financed an entire military campaign with the sale of one pearl; and yet 1 more suggests that Cleopatra, to demonstrate her undying love for Mark Antony, dissolved a priceless pearl in a glass of wine and drank it.

Sadly, the human race’s obsession with pearls has led to a near depletion of the world’s natural specimens. Finding a natural pearl in the modern age is nearly impossible, even for the most experienced pearl diver. However, innovations in pearl cultivation have made it possible for recent and future generations to continue to marvel at their beauty and even add them to their own collections.

Read more about cultured pearls in Kojima Company’s new Squidoo lens.