About Cultured Pearls
Varieties Of Cultured Pearls And Where
They Are Grown
 Akoya
(grown in Japan and China)
Akoya pearls are the classic cultured pearls of
Japan. They are the most lustrous of all pearls
found anywhere in the world. In recent years, China
has been successful in producing Akoya pearls within
their own waters. However, at this time they are
unable to produce as brilliant a lustre as high
quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearls.
White South Sea (grown in Australia, Mynamar
and Indonesia)
White South Sea cultured pearls are grown in large
tropical or semi-tropical oysters in Australia,
Mynamar, Indonesia and other Pacific countries.
They generally range in size from 10mm to 20mm
and command premium prices because of their relative
rarity and large size.
South Sea Black (grown in French Polynesia)
South Sea black cultured pearls are grown in a
variety of large pearl oysters found primarily
in French Polynesia. Their beautiful, unique
color and large size can command very high prices.
Freshwater (grown in Japan, China and
the United States)
Freshwater pearls are easily cultivated from freshwater
mussels rather than saltwater oysters. They are
produced in great abundance, and are therefore
generally the most moderately priced of all cultured
pearl varieties. Their unique shapes and gentle
pastel colors make them perfect gems for those
on a budget.
Mabe Pearls (grown in Japan, Australia, French
Polynesia, Indonesia, and the Philippines)
Mabe pearls are hemispherical cultured pearls grown
against the inside shell of any oyster rather than
within the oyster's body. They are generally used
in ring, earring and pendant settings which cover
their flat backs or reverse side.
Keshi Pearls (grown in Japan, Australia, French
Polynesia, Indonesia, and the Philippines)
Keshi pearls, though not nucleated cultured pearls,
are created by accident as a result of the sulturing
process and these must be considered cultured pearls.
Their unusual shapes and sizes are best used in
unique jewelry designs.
Caring for Cultured Pearls
More delicate than other gemstones and precious
metals, cultured pearls need special care to
ensure they will remain clean, bright and lustrous
for generations to come. Cosmetics, perfume and
hair spray all contain elements that may dull
the lustre of a pearl. Even acids present in
the body oils and perspiration may have a damaging
effect.
Here are a few suggestions that will surely
help preserve the beauty of cultured pearls:
1. Pearls should be put on after the application
of makeup, perfume or hair spray. After they are
worn, a soft, damp cloth may be used to wipe them
free of any of these harmful elements. Cultured
pearls should be washed periodically with a mild
soap.
2. Cultured pearls must be kept away from hard
or sharp jewelry items that could scratch them.
Pearls are best stored in a soft cloth pouch, or
a separately lined segment of a jewelry box.
Necklace by David Yurman
3. Body oils and cosmetics also can damage the
silk or nylon thread on which the pearls are strung.
If the pearls are worn often, it is best to have
them restrung by your local jeweler once a year
to avoid strand breakage.
4. To prevent all the pearls from coming loose
should a strand break, make sure the string is
knotted between every pearl. Individual knotting
also protects the pearls by keeping them from rubbing
against each other. |
The
word "diamond" comes from the ancient
Greek "adamas," meaning unconquerable.