Types of Pearls

1.Pearls can be classified as either NATURAL or CULTURED pearls.

NATURAL pearls are formed around an irritant, such as a grain of sand, that has found its way into an oyster or mussel without any assistance from a human being. When you come across these mollusks in the "wild" you will only very, very rarely find a pearl of commercial value inside their shells. As a result of its rare, it's of great value.

CULTURED pearls grow and form just like natural pearls. The only difference that the is introduced by man and the mollusks are raised in a controlled environment, on oyster or mussel farms.

Although the Chinese grew pearls in the shape of Buddha as far back as the 13th century, the commercial cultivation of pearls has only taken place within the last hundred years. The natural pearls are still very expensive,

2.Another distinction among pearls is between SEAWATER pearls FRESHWATER pearls.

SEAWATER pearls are usually larger and are found in oysters in parts of the oceans and other bodies of saltwater around the World.

FRESHWATER pearls are found growing in mussels living in lakes and streams all over the world. These pearls tend to be smaller and come in a much larger variety of shapes and colors. They also tend to be less expensive than seawater pearls even in the same size and color.

What QUALITY of pearls should I buy?

There are several factors that determine the quality and value of the pearl: luster, nacre thickness, surface texture, color, shape, size, etc. A combination of these characteristics decides the overall quality and value of pearls.

Luster

Luster refers to the light reflected from the layers of nacre. Good luster gives a lively look to the pearls. The more intense the light reflects, the higher the luster.

Surface

Pearls are cultivated in a natural environment. Most pearls have surface irregularities showing the traces of nature. Perfectly clean pearls are a rarity.

Color

Basic body colors include white, cream, golden, gray, black, blue, green and pink. Overtone is one or two colors that overlie the body color.

Size

Usually the larger the pearl, the more valuable it is if other factors are equal. However, a smaller pearl with better luster can sometimes equal the cost of a larger, less lustrous pearl.

Shape

Round pearls are the most treasured and the most difficult to cultivate. Seawater pearls have shapes in round and baroque (shaped as a teardrop). Freshwater pearls appear as nearly round, button, flat, rice, oval, coin, etc.

Nacre

Nacre is an organic substance deposited layer upon layer by pearl oysters. The quality of nacre is defined by its thickness and layering. All our cultured pearls have substantial nacre thickness and regular layering.

Color

The color of pearls varies with the mollusk and its environment. It is a preference, often based on geographical location or skin tones. It ranges from black to white, with the rose of Indian pearls esteemed most. Other colors are cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender, green, and mauve. All occur in delicate shades.

Cultured pearls are being produced in virtually every color of the rainbow.

Matching

Pearls come in a wide range of colors. Some have subtle overtones giving the pearls a complex hue. As no two pearls share exactly the same nuance, it requires expertise to compose strands and pairs of matching colors.

Packaging

We provide packaging for every pearl product you purchase. Every order comes with a beautiful gift box or a splendid bag for it.

Adorn

For one thing, the pearl's color should suit your skin .For the other, the pearl style and size should fit your dress and occasion.

Care and treatment

Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity. If you wear cosmetics, perfume or a hair spray, put these on before wearing your pearl jewelry. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to not get water into the drill hole as the pearl may discolor. Dry your pearls flat on a soft (preferably lint-free) towel.