A Guide to Pearls

Pearls are one of the most intriguing of all gems; however, they are also one of the most
misunderstood.

What is a Cultured Pearl?

Cultured Pearls result from a small irritant (usually a natural shell bead and/or piece of fleshy tissue) implanted into living oysters (Akoya and South Sea pearls) or mussels (Freshwater pearls). The oysters or mussels secrete a substance called "nacre" which bonds to the irritant. The resulting layers of nacre form the pearls.


Are Cultured Pearls and simulated pearls the same thing?

No. Cultured Pearls form over time inside the oyster or mussel in their natural environment.
Simulated, imitation and "faux" pearls are man-made from a variety of products.   Simulated pearls are made from the finest materials for a fine, Cultured Pearl look.

What makes some Cultured Pearls more expensive than others?

Because Cultured Pearls are organic gemstones formed by nature no two pearls are exactly alike. A
variety of factors go into determining the quality and price of pearl jewelry. Some characteristics that
determine Cultured Pearl costs are:

Luster

Luster is the glow of the pearl and its brilliance to the human eye. The longer the pearl is left in the oyster to grow its nacre casing the higher the luster.

Surface condition

The fewer the natural markings or spots on the pearl’s visible surface, the more expensive the pearl.

Shape

The more spherical (rounder) and symmetrical the pearl the more valuable it will be. Baroque pearls (any unusually shaped and asymmetrical pearl) can be very attractive and are usually less expensive than round pearls.

Color

Pearls are available in a rainbow of colors, for example, pinkish (often called rose), silvery white, greenish white, creamy, golden, gray, cognac and black. Color enhancement is considered the norm for both colored and white base pearls. Color consistency effects value; however, current fashion trends and color demand conditions also effect pearl prices.

Size

Pearl diameter is measured in millimeters. Generally, the larger the pearl, the more rare it is and the
more valuable.

Matching

For pearl necklaces the overall look is very important, regardless of the quality of the individual pearls. The more uniform and aesthetically pleasing two or more pearls look together the more time was spent matching the pearls. This time to match pearls is reflected in the cost.

Rarity

Because pearls are not cut or polished when removed from the oyster or mussel, certain sizes, qualities and colors may from time to time be in scarce supply. Overall health of pearl growing oysters and mussels effect pearl size and quality availability.


What's the difference between natural and cultured pearls?

Natural pearls, just as the name implies, were formed when irritants entered the oyster by accident.
This is a pretty rare occurrence and doesn't result in many jewelry quality pearls being available.

About 100 years ago a Japanese pearl farmer developed a process whereby a small piece of shell could be inserted into living Akoya oysters. These oysters were then put back into the water and the pearl forming process began. Today cultured pearls account for the majority of pearls used in jewelry

Are cultured pearls and simulated pearls the same thing?

No. Cultured pearls are formed, over time, in oysters in their natural state. Simulated, imitation, and "faux" pearls are man-made out of a variety of products including, glass and plastic compounds.

What makes some cultured pearls more expensive than others?

Because cultured pearls are organic gemstones formed by nature no two pearls are exactly alike. A variety of factors go into determining the quality and thus, the price of your pearl jewelry.

*Luster-The glow of the pearl and its brilliance to the human eye. The longer the pearl is left in the
oyster to form the thicker the layer of nacre surrounding the pearl and the higher the luster.

*Surface-The fewer the spots, discolorations, cracks or blemishes the more expensive the pearl.

*Shape-The more spherical (rounder) and symmetrical the pearl the more valuable it will be. Baroque
pearls (any unusually shaped and asymmetrical pearl) can be very attractive and are usually less
expensive than round pearls.

*Color-Available in a rainbow of colors; pinkish (called rose´), silvery white, greenish white,
creamy, golden overtones, gray, cognac and black. Color enhancement is considered the norm for both colored and white base pearls.

*Size-The diameter of a pearl measured in millimeters. Generally, the larger the pearl the more rare it is to find and the more valuable.

*Matching-for pearl necklaces the overall look is very important. The more uniform the necklace looks the more time was spent matching the pearls and the more costly the necklace.

*Rarity-Because pearls are not cut or polished when removed from the oyster certain sizes,
qualities and colors may from time to time be in scarce supply. In recent years both water pollution
and diseases that effect pearl growing oysters have effected supplies of some pearl sizes and
qualities. This has effected both availability and cost.


Where in the world are cultured pearls found?

Most of the world's supplies of Akoya cultured pearls come from pearl farms in Japan; however, mainland China is developing Akoya cultured pearl farms with increasing qualities and quantities.

Freshwater pearls (see the next section) are grown in many countries, including the United States.

Are there other types of pearls?

Yes. Mobe pearls are large, hollow cultured pearls formed by inserting large pieces of
mother-of-pearl into oysters. Mobe pearls are usually flatter than round cultured pearls and are widely grown in oval, pear, and circular shapes. Of course, since nature is not always predictable other shapes are also found.

South Sea Pearls are very popular. As their name implies these pearls are found in the warmer climates of Australia, Tahiti, Marutea and other exotic locations. These pearls can grow up to 20mm in diameter. The same oyster can produce pearls at different time periods with different hues ranging from greenish black to light gray to white bases. These beautiful and spectacular pearls can be very costly. Of course, just like more traditional pearls imitations do exist.

Freshwater pearls are pearls grown in mussels. These pearls can range from rice shaped to an almost round "potato" shape. Less expensive than cultured or natural pearls these unique and highly affordable gems are used extensively in jewelry designing.

How should I clean and store my pearl jewelry?

Do NOT let your pearl jewelry come in contact with hairspray, perfume, fingernail polish or
alcohol/solvent based products as the chemicals in these cosmetics can ruin your pearl's finish. Most regular jewelry cleaners are alcohol based. After wearing pearls it is a good idea to wipe them off to remove any cosmetics (which usually contain abrasives) and any perspiration which may have come in contact with the pearls. Generally, a mild dish soap, warm water, and a clean, soft towel are all you need to keep the pearl part of your jewelry in good shape. Occasional restringing for necklaces with knots in between each pearl is also recommended. Pearls contain a small amount of water. Storing pearls for long periods in safety deposit boxes or vaults will allow the pearls to dry out and dull them. Frequent wear and regular care will allow your pearls the chance to re-energize themselves with moisture from the air and your skin.



Pearls of Wisdom

It takes over 91 oyster years in order to grow enough cultured pearls for a very high quality,
matched necklace.

Out of 100 pearl growing oysters, only about 5 will produce gem quality pearls.

Pearls have been highly regarded as gemstones for thousands of years. The Bible, Talmud and
Koran all refer to pearls as symbols of wealth.

Cleopatra, legend has it, at a banquet in the first century A.D. crushed an expensive pearl and
drank it in order to impress Marc Antony.

In ancient Greece, pearls were believed to promote marital happiness.

Pearls have been appreciated for thousands of years, long before diamonds, silver and gold were mined and used for jewelry.

Knights wore pearls during the Crusades to protect them from harm.



Necklaces

Some favorite lengths:

Collar 12-13" of three or more strands. This style looks great with V or scooped
necks
Choker 14-16", a single-strand favorite with any attire.
Princess 17-19", this single-strand works very well with high necklines.
Matinee 20-24" for day and evening wear.
Opera 28-34" which can be worn as a single strand or doubled and worn as a
choker.
Rope 45" and longer this style often has multiple, unique clasps so that the
necklace can be shortened with the removable sections worn as bracelets

Throughout history, pearls have been the gift of love. That’s why tradition has made them the bridal jewel. No other jewel conveys the warmth, depth of feeling and eternal qualities of that emotion.

Giving the gift of love is easy with cultured pearls. As cultured pearls come in a wide variety
of styles and jewelry choices, there’s a perfect pearl gift for everyone.

Suggested occasions:
Sweet Sixteen • Birthdays • Valentine's Day
Mother’s Day • June Pearl Birthstone Month
Weddings • Anniversaries
Christmas • Graduation
Business Promotions

Pearl Gifts:

Necklaces • Multi-strand Bracelets
Mabe Pearl Pendants
"Add-A-Pearl" Necklaces
Pearl Cluster Ring • Single Pearl Rings
Stud Earrings
Mabe Pearl Earrings • Tassel Earrings
Cluster Earrings • South Sea Pearl Drop
Earrings
Brooches • Cufflinks • Tie tacks

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