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Pearl Education

Pearl Education

Pearls: The Gem of the Sea

Different types of oysters produce different pearl colors, sizes and shapes. Different types of oysters produce different pearl colors, sizes and shapes. Different types of oysters produce different pearl colors, sizes and shapes.

oyster

Natural Pearls

A natural pearl is created organically when an irritant accidentally finds itself inside the oyster's soft tissue muscle. Irritants, such as seawater, sand, or dust, activate the oyster's defense mechanisms, causing it to produce layers of secretion. The secretion, or nacre, slowly develops into a natural pearl. Because of this, Natural Pearls are much rare and more valuable.

necklace

Cultured Pearls

Most pearls on the market today are cultured. A cultured pearl is a natural pearl produced by an oyster or mollusk, but with human assistance. The survival rates of Cultured Pearls are much higher because they are created in controlled environments. Pearl farmers are then able to produce high-quality, authentic pearls at a higher rate than what can be obtained by oyster divers. The two main types of cultured pearls are freshwater and saltwater pearls.

There Four main types of cultured pearls:

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are the pearls with the highest luster and shine of all cultured pearls on the market. They are perfectly round and white.

Natural Colors: Cream, White

Sizes: 5 mm to 11 mm

Parent: Pinctada Fucata Mollusk

Akoya Pearls

Freshwater Pearls

In the 1990s, Freshwater pearls emerged as the new rivals to Akoya pearls. They also come in round, white gems, much like Akoya pearls. However, Freshwater pearl jewelry offers the widest selections of pearl colors, shapes, and sizes than any other cultured type.

Natural Colors: Cream, White

Sizes: 2 mm to 15 mm

Parent: Hyriopsis Cumingii or Hybrid Mollusk

Freshwater Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

If you're looking for genuine pearls that are naturally black in color, Tahitian pearls or "Pearls of Queens" are what you want. They are babies of the Pinctada margaritifera, the only oyster that naturally produces black pearls.

Black Tahitian pearls are extremely rare and unmistakably vibrant. Their nearly perfectly round shapes, brilliant luster, and grander size differentiate them from other cultured pearls.

Natural Colors: Gray, Brown, Green, Blue, Purple

Sizes: 8 mm to 21 mm

Parent: Pinctada Margaritifera Mollusk

Tahitian Pearls

South Sea Pearls

The most desirable cultured pearls in the world are the White South Sea and Golden South Sea pearls. They are cultivated in saltwater, are the rarest, and offer the highest luster and extraordinary pearl sizes.

Natural Colors: Cream, White, Silver

Sizes: 8 mm to 20 mm

Parent: Pinctada Maxima Mollusk

South Sea Pearls

Four Criteria Determine The Value of A Pearl:

Shape

The rounder the gem, the more valuable the pearl because oysters rarely create perfectly round gemstones. Round pearls are higher in price than other pearl shapes because they are the rarest.

Surface

Pearls are not flawless. A living creature creates each one, so imperfections are expected. However, the fewer visible flaws, nicks, cracks, or other blemishes, the more valuable and pricier the pearl will be.

Luster

High luster means excellent value. When a mirror-like sheen and shine is visible on the surface of the pearl, this is called luster. The higher quality the gem, the more luster and "pop" is noticeable by the naked eye.

Size

Finally, size comes into play. Size is the most critical factor in the end—because of its rarity, Pearl size matters regarding these gems.

Pearl Necklace Lengths

  • Rope Pearl Necklace:

    40 inches or longer. Typically, two or three strands of pearls with various knots.
  • Opera Pearl Necklace:

    30 inches to 36 inches long. Usually, two strands of pearls are worn for formal occasions.
  • Matinee Pearl Necklace:

    20 inches to 24 inches long. Generally worn with daytime or more casual wear.
  • Princess Pearl Necklace:

    17 inches to 18 inches long. A longer choker version and the most popular of necklace lengths.
  • Choker Pearl Necklace:

    About 16 inches. It can be worn on both casual and formal occasions.
Pearl necklace lengths