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PEARLS
Today we can enjoy a wonderful range of both natural
and cultured pearls. Natural pearl growth occurs when
a mollusk protects or soothes itself from an irritation.
The irritant may be a parasite or other tiny invader.
The layers of protection form what is called “nacre,”
and is what gives pearl its subtle beauty. Cultured
pearls form in basically the same way, except that humans
foster the irritation by placing a shell bead and/or
a piece of mollusk tissue into the animal. From freshwater
to cultured we can supply you with any thing you desire.
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WHAT IS A PEARL?
A pearl
is a beautiful partnership between nature and chance.
When a particle, such as a grain of sand, is trapped
in an oyster or mussel, it is coated with layers of
smooth, rich nacre. Over time, this natural process
produces the luminescent gem we know as a pearl.
Virtually all pearls today are cultured. That is to
say, each is created by deliberately inserting an irritant
into the oyster's tissue. Because the quality of cultured
pearls varies widely, the following information.
WHAT
MAKES A QUALITY PEARL?
SIZE
This usually determines price, but a thinly coated large
pearl will crack and discolor. Larger is not always better.
SHAPE
Near perfect round cultured pearls are the rarest, and
most valuable.
COLOR
Traditionally, cultured pearls with pinkish-white or pinkish-silver
coloring are the most highly prized.
LUSTER
To evaluate a pearl's luster, stand with your back
to the light, the sharper the reflection of light
on the pearl, the higher the luster.
COMPLEXION
Cultured pearls, like all products of nature, will
have some imperfections. Make sure they are free from
large pits or blemishes. |
