Introduction

About Pearls

Pearls have fascinated civilizations for thousands of years.  Although it is unknown when pearls were first discovered, civilizations in China, India, and the Middle East are among the first civilizations known to have cherished these rare treasures. Over time, pearls have continued to grow in popularity, and today, they are one of the most popular gemstones.

Regardless of whether a pearl is natural or cultured, both types of pearls are formed through a similar process. Pearls are formed inside the shell of certain mollusks as a defense mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant such as a parasite inside its shell, or an attack from outside, injuring the mantle tissue. The mollusk creates a pearl sac to seal off the irritation.

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

Natural Pearls versus Cultured Pearls

The difference between natural and cultured pearls focuses on whether the pearl was created spontaneously by nature – without human intervention – or with human aid. For thousands of years, natural pearls were the only pearls available to the numerous civilizations that treasured them. Nevertheless, natural pearls are incredibly rare, which has partially led to their value. In recent years, however, modern technology has allowed us to make cultured pearls.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are formed inside of oysters, under a set of accidental conditions when a microscopic intruder or parasite enters the inside of the oyster shell. The oyster, being irritated by the intruder, forms a pearl sac of external mantle tissue cells and secretes natural chemicals to cover the irritant. This chemical secretion process is repeated many times, thus producing a pearl. Because this entire chemical process is entirely natural, it is rather rare for an oyster to create a perfectly round pearl. In fact, most of the natural pearls created come in many shapes other than round.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls are created by transplanting a mother of pearl bead into a recipient oyster shell. Thinking that an intruder has invaded its shell, the oyster will respond by secreting its natural chemicals to cover the “intruder.” Unlike natural pearls, the “intruder” in cultured pearls is always spherical. Accordingly, the chemicals that the oyster secretes will simply cover the sphere, which always results in spherical cultured pearls.

Cultured pearls can be distinguished from natural pearls by X-ray examination. Nucleated cultured pearls are often 'pre-formed' as they tend to follow the shape of the implanted shell bead nucleus. Once the pre-formed beads are inserted into the oyster, it secretes a few layers of nacre around the outside surface of the implant before it is removed after six months or more. When a cultured pearl with bead is X-rayed, it reveals a different structure to that of a natural pearl. A cultured pearl shows a solid center with no concentric growth rings, whereas a natural pearl shows a series of concentric growth rings.

Types of Pearls

Types of Pearls

There are a wide variety of both natural and cultured pearls, each of which we have described below.

• Akoya Pearls
  Akoya pearls are named after the Japanese oyster. These pearls are cultured to produce the traditional round pearl.
• Baropque Pearls
  Baroque pearls can be found in both natural and culture types. These pearls are unique in that they valued for this asymmetrical shapes.
• Biwa Pearls
  Biwa pearls are natural pearls found in Lake Biwa, Japan. Typically, they are oval in shape, and are rarely perfectly round.
• Double Pearls
  As the name implies, Double Pearls are two pearls that were joined together during initial creation.
• Drop Pearls
  Drop Pearls are shaped like a water droplet, with a spherical bottom that tapers off to a point at the top.
• Mabe Pearls
  Mabe Pearls are cultured for their particularly large size.
• Oriental Pearls
  Oriental Pearls are natural pearls that are found only in salt-water. For the most part, these pearls are found in Oriental seas.
• Paragon Pearls
  Paragon Pearls are large in shape, size, and color. These pearls are particularly popular because of their large, round shape.

Factors to Consider

Factors to Consider in Pearl Shopping

When purchasing pearls, you should take into consideration several different factors. These factors include the size of the pearls, their shape, the surface of the pearls, the luster, and their color. We’ve provided a general overview of each of these considerations below.

Sizing

Often the size of the pearls is most important factor in determining the price of a pearl necklace. Because larger pearls take longer to grow, the larger each pearl, the more valuable the necklace becomes. It is also important to note that, all sizes being equal, a large natural pearl is more valuable than a large cultured pearl. The chart below shows the different sizes of some of the most commonly sold pearls.

Shape

Perfectly round pearls tend to be the most desirable pearls. However, there are some pearls found in other types of shapes that are still very sought after. Some of these sought after irregularly shaped pearls include button, drop, egg,  and pear shaped pearls. The image below shows some of the most popular pearl shapes.

Surface

The surface of pearls can vary depending on the specific type of oyster the pearl is harvested in. Typically, smooth pearls are more valuable than rough or grainy pearls. Some pearls also feature uneven surfaces, such as a bump, color spot, or depression.

Luster

Pearl luster describes the quality and quantity of light that reflects from the surface of a pearl. The luster of a pearl can be detected when viewing it under a microscope. Although undetectable with an unaided eye, one can see a plethora of miniscule ridges viewing a pearl under a microscope. Generally, the more ridges a pearl has, the less amount of luster the pearl has. Often times, saltwater pearls are more lustrous than freshwater pearls.

Color

Pearls come in an assortment of colors, including white, cream, white rose, rose, blue white, yellow white, and hard yellow. When determining on which pearl color you like, think about what colors would best compliment your personal styles.

Pearl Necklaces

Types of Pearl Necklace

Pearl necklaces come range of styles and designs. Choosing the right type of pearl necklaces for you depends on your physique, style, and personal preference. We’ve detailed the various types of pearl necklaces below.

• Collar Necklaces
  Collar necklaces measure approximately 12 inches. They often feature three strands of pearls, each of which hugs the middle of your neck. This style portrays a formal and elegant look. Collar necklaces go well with an off-the-shoulder styling.
• Choker Necklaces
  Choker necklaces range from 14 to 16 inches in length. They feature a single strand of pearls, which circle your neck just above your collar bone. The choker necklace is a exudes simplicity, and is great for any type of style and occasion.
• Princess Necklaces
  Princess necklaces measure about 18 inches. These pearl necklaces are adaptable, enabling them to compliment many different fashions. Typically, princess necklaces are used to highlight crew and high necklines.
• Matinee Necklaces
  Matinee necklaces measure roughly 20 to 24 inches in length. These necklaces, as the name suggests, are suitable for a casual afternoon outing.
• Opera Necklaces
  Opera necklaces range from 28 to 34 inches. These necklaces are formal in style, and signal the confidence of the wearer.
• Rope Necklaces
  Rope necklaces are pearl necklaces that measure 44 inches or longer. One of the most versatile types of pearl necklaces, rope necklaces can be worn in a range of settings. These necklaces have proven popular for their ability to be worn as a single strand or by creating a shorter, double strand.