Forget white pearls. If you really want to turn heads, wear pink, peach or purple ones instead.

Concho pearls are found in freshwater mussel shells that live in San Angelo lakes and rivers, and no two pearls are alike.

The naturally produced jewels come in radiant colors, and harvesters have been attracted to the gems for at least 400 years. Legend has it that Concho pearls are included in several pieces of the Spanish Crown Jewels.

Concho pearl jewelry may be found at select jewelry stores in town, most notably at Legend Jewelers, where the owner, Mark Priest, is considered among the first to incorporate the pearls in modern designs.