Black pearls and seashell.Pearls - The Beauty of Pearls

Natural pearls are formed by a particular species of oyster, mussel, or clam. They are formed as a result of a reaction against a foreign irritant such as a piece of sand or broken shell that enters the inner part of the oyster. As a defense mechanism, the oyster forms a sac around the intruder and isolates it bythe secretion of nacre, or mother of pearl. Layer upon layer the foreign object become sencased until it becomes a lovely and lustrous pearl.

A cultured pearl is formed in a nearly identical manner. In a cultured pearl, humans strategically insert a small piece of shell fragment into the oyster cavity to begin the natural process. Pearls can be found in either salt or freshwater sources. Regardless of the method used to acquire a pearl, the process typically takes several years. In recent years, cultured pearls have taken over the market and this gemstone, once rare and reserved for nobility, has become affordable and widely available.

 

Types of Pearls

South Sea Pearls –Cultivated in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar and the islands of the South Pacific, these pearls are known for their extraordinary size and luster and tend to be among the most expensive of pearls. Their most common colors are white, silver, and gold. South Sea pearls range in average size from 8mm to 20mm and even larger.

Tahitian Pearls – Cultivated in the waters of French Polynesia, they are extremely rare and unique from other cultured pearls. Tahitian pearls can be found in a wide array of colours ranging from silver, green, gray, bronze and peacock to midnight black. Tahitian pearls generally range in size from about 8 mm to about 20 mm. Pearls 12 mm in diameter or larger are considered rare and highly prized.

Akoya Pearls - Cultivated in Japan and China, they have been known for their intense and brilliant luster. Akoya pearls are either white or cream in body color and can have yellow, pink or blue hues. They range in sizes from 4mm to 10mm.

Fresh Water Pearls- Cultivated in China, Japan and United States, the first cultured freshwater pearls originated in Japan but recently have beenproduced in great quantity in China. Generally, they are the most moderately priced of all cultured pearl varieties and range insize from 3mm to 12mm.

Keshii Pearls – Cultivated in Australia, Japan, French Polynesia, Philippines and Indonesia, a Keshii Pearl is a "non-nucleated" pearl that is an accidental by-product of the cultivating or culturing process. Ranging in colour from peacock, white, grey, rose and black, these pearls are normally 1mm to 10mm in size. Their unusual shapes are best used in unique jeweler design.

Mabe Pearls – Cultivated in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines and the French Polynesia, Mabe pearls are hemispherical cultured pearls. Instead of growing inside the body of the mollusk, mabe pearls grow against the inside shell. Mabe pearls come in a wide range of colours from white, pink, to bluish shades. They are generally used in earrings, rings and pendants

Valuation of Pearls

Pearl valuation is the term used to describe the quality and value of a pearl or multi-pearl piece. Pearls should be evaluated based on the following criteria: luster, shape, colour, size, and surface.

  • Luster - Luster is generally considered one of the most important properties of a pearl’s grading and valuation. Luster is the effect caused by light reflecting and diffusing through the layers of nacre. A pearl with no reflection or dull luster is of poor quality.
  • Shape - Pearls come in seven basic shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, oval, pear, and baroque. Round pearls are the most desired and valuable. Asymmetrical or baroque have a unique charm at a more moderate price.
  • Colour - Cultured pearls come in a variety of colours from white to black, and just about every colour in between. While the colour of a pearl is mostly a matter of taste, usually rose, silver or white pearls tend to look best on fair skin while cream and gold colours are believed to suit dark and olive skin.
  • Size - Pearls are measured by their diameter. The standard of measurement is in millimeters and the larger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Sizes of cultured pearls range from 1mm in the case of tiny seed pearls to as large as 20mm for a South Sea pearl.
  • Surface - Cleanliness of the pearl surface refers to the absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or blemishes. With a pearl, the cleaner the surface the more valuable it will be. A good quality pearl will have few blemishes or marks. Tiny irregularities are acceptable and can be a test of authenticity.

Recognizing Pearls

There is little difference in appearance between cultured and natural pearls. A reliable method of differentiating between them is by examining their inner structure. The method commonly employed is the use of x-ray radiography. Natural pearls show concentrically layered structures, while the inner structure of a cultured pearl varies according to the type of bead. A gemologica laboratory can distinguish the difference and evaluate pearls.

Caring for Your Pearls

Wearing, storing, and taking care of your pearls is something that takes a little bit of care and effort in order to preserve their fine beauty. Here are a few essential tips to ensure proper care for your pearl jewellery.

Harsh chemicals, perfumes, makeup, hairspray, and lotions can damage pearls, causing them to lose their shine and luster. You should only put your pearls on after such cosmetics have been applied. Avoid wearing pearl jewellery while cleaning, gardening or swimming.

Pearls should be stored carefully in order to protect them and prevent scratching. The nacre coatingis quite delicate and does not respond well to being carelessly tossed around. Always store your pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch that can protect them from abrasive objects.

Restringing Your Pearls

Since pearls are typically laced together with fine silk threads or thin nylon threads, it is essential to have your pearls checked at least once a year. If you wear your pearls frequently, then you should have them re-strung every few years to prevent breakage.

Gold Craft Jewellery will clean and re-string any kind of pearls on site.

If you have any additional questions regarding Pearls, please call us at (403)252-6880 for assistance.