Overview Pearls
have been harvested for thousands
of years to create beautiful jewels
and family heirlooms. They are naturally
formed when a grain of sand or other
irritant enters the shell of an oyster,
clam, or mussel and is coated with
a shiny substance called nacre. Because
the chance of finding a natural pearl
is less than one in a million, nearly
all pearls sold today are cultured,
meaning they were made by implanting
an irritant into an oyster to produce
the pearl.
Sea
of Diamonds is proud to offer not
only a wonderful selection of Akoya,
South Sea, Tahitian, and Freshwater
Pearls, but also the information that
you need to make an educated decision
when choosing which pearls are right
for you.
So
let's begin; here are 7 quality factors to
consider when purchasing your special
pearl:
Understanding
Color - The
beautiful color of a pearl is unlike
that of any other gem. There are 6
main body colors: white, cream, pink,
black, gold and silver.
Understanding
Overtone - Pearls
are fascinating to look at because
of their spectacular flashes of secondary
colors called overtone. Overtones
are the special shimmer or rolling
color that a pearl has when the light
hits it just right. Overtone colors
are most often rose or green.
Understanding
Luster - Part
of the magic of pearls is their glow.
Luster refers to a pearl's surface
shine. This is created by the layers
of nacre that have been coated over
the irritant. As the pearl is gradually
formed, layer after layer of this
striking substance increases both
the size and beauty of the pearl.
Understanding
Shape - During
the formation process, not all nacre
coats are layered evenly, creating
pearls of differing shapes. Pearls
with a round shape are the rarest
and most valuable. Other shape examples
are baroque or button.
Understanding
Size - It
is fair to say that size has the greatest
effect in determining the price of
a pearl. Of the saltwater pearls,
the largest produced are the South
Sea and Tahitian varieties, followed
by the Akoya.
Understanding
Surface Markings - It
is normal for any natural product
to have imperfections or character
traits. With regard to pearls, the
marks or bumps are referred to as
blemishes. A lightly or minimally
blemished surface is absolutely acceptable.
Understanding
Matching - It
is very important to carefully examine
pearls to see how well matched they
are for size, shape, surface, color
and luster. This is especially important
when viewing necklaces and bracelets.
Lack of uniformity detracts from the
overall beauty of the item, and therefore,
the value.
Making
a Choice
As
a simple guideline, select pearls
according to skin color. Rose compliments
fair skin, cream colored pearls enhance
olive-toned skin, and black pearls
suit everyone! Fortunately, there
is a wide range available, making
it easy for you to find one that suits
your needs.
At
Sea of Diamonds we are pleased to
offer beautiful pearls that will not
only fit your budget, but with proper
care, will also become personal and
family treasures for years to come.
Now that you have an understanding of the important pearl quality factors, let's explore the variety of cultured pearls available:
Akoya
Pearls
The
most popular pearls, Akoya, are those
that have been cultured and grown
in cold saltwater oysters (Pinctada Imbricata) throughout the world, most notably in Japan.
These pearls are difficult to grow;
requiring years of tender care. The
yield is certainly worth the wait.
Akoya pearls occur in a range of size,
mostly from 4.00 mm up to 9.00 mm.
They are recognized for their overall
smoothness, luster, body color and
subtle overtones; all qualities that
make them a classic beauty.
If
you are searching for timeless elegance,
consider Akoya pearls. At Sea of Diamonds
we are proud to offer a wide selection
Akoya pearl jewelry.
South
Sea Pearls
South
Sea Pearls are breathtaking due to
their large size, often 10.00 mm to
25.00 mm. These pearls are cultured
in warm saltwater in a species of
oyster (Pinctada Maxima) that is the largest oyster in the world capable of producing a cultured pearl.
These oysters are extremely sensitive,
making cultivation difficult. It is
the complexity of the process as well
as the size that causes these pearls
to be rarer and more expensive than
others. South Sea pearls occur in
white, gold and silver.
If
you are searching for pearl jewelry
that will make a lasting impression,
South Sea Pearls may be right for
you. Sea of Diamonds has collected
a dazzling array of these treasures
from the sea just for you.
Tahitian
Pearls
Tahitian
Pearls are cultivated in a species
of black-lipped oyster (Pinctada Margaritifera) that resides
in warm saltwater. The oyster is capable
of producing large pearls of up to
20.00 mm. The pearls occur in captivating
colors; hues of metallic silver to
black with overtones of green, blue,
or purple abound. These pearls create
an instant dramatic effect that is
like no other.
Tahitian
Pearls are large, lustrous and rare,
all qualities that increase their
value. For a gift that will delight
and enchant, Sea of Diamonds offers
these unique pearls in a range of
settings, sure to please even the
most discriminating of tastes.
Freshwater
Pearls
Freshwater
Pearls are typically those that have
been cultured in China, Japan and
the United States. These pearls are
grown in mussels that may produce
up to 30 pearls at a time. Freshwater
Pearls generally range in size from
2.00 to 7.00 mm. Historically, they
were recognized by their irregular
"rice crispy" shapes. Today,
the freshwater pearl culturing process
has advanced dramatically in China,
where they are now able to grow freshwater
pearls similar in appearance to Akoya
pearls.
Freshwater
pearls are available at a fraction
of the cost of Akoya pearls due to
the fact that they more plentiful,
less symmetrical and typically smaller.
However, they still offer an amazing
level of classic beauty and style.
Sea of Diamonds provides a large selection
of Freshwater pearls in a variety
of settings to ensure that you can
choose an exceptional piece of pearl
jewelry regardless of your budget.
Care
To
maintain the beauty and luster of
your pearls, it is important to understand
proper care and handling of your treasured
gems from the sea. Pearls are soft
and very sensitive to their environment.
Perfume, hairspray, body lotion, perspiration
and make-up attack the pearl's luster
and color.
Apply
perfume, hairspray and make-up prior
to pearls; allow you skin to absorb
before putting on a necklace or
bracelet.
When
touching up make-up or perfume,
place a tissue or cloth over the
pearls first.
In
hot climates where you are prone
to perspire, consider wearing something
other than pearls.
After
wearing, gently wipe pearls with
a soft cloth.
Allow
pearls to return to normal room
temperature prior to storing.
In
strands, check for stretched or
soiled silk, this indicates a weakening.
Have
pearls restrung with knots tightly
up against each pearl.
To
see that your pearls stay beautiful,
be mindful of what you are exposing
them to. It is not recommended to
store them in plastic as pearls need
to breathe. Consider storing your
treasured pearls in a soft cloth or
lined jewelry box to prevent scratching.
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