A symbol of purity, virtue and modesty, pearls are a sought-after natural material which makes pearl jewelry exceptionally popular. Technically known as "organic gems", pearls are harvested from shellfish just as they have been for over 4,000 years. That said, much has changed in the millennia since the discovery of this natural treasure including the way pearls are harvested, how they are used in pearl jewelry and how that jewelry is worn. To get a strong understanding of what to look for when shopping for jewelry like pearl earrings, bracelets and earrings, let's consider: the basics of pearls, followed by the most popular form of pearl jewelry and finally how to select them.
PEARL JEWELRY BUYERS GUIDE #1
PEARL JEWELRY BASICS
Pearls are clearly one of nature's great treasures, but with a wide range of colors, shapes and sources it's easy to get confused about what to look for in pearl jewelry. Starting with the basics we'll look at how a pearl is formed, the sources and types of pearls, their valuation and how this affects the value of pearl jewelry.
How a Pearl is Formed
The creation of a pearl is remarkably simple to understand, but fairly complex to create. A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a piece of sand, becomes lodged in the shell of an oyster. Sensing the object, the oyster deposits layers of a semi-translucent substance called "nacre" around the intruder, where it builds up over time. It commonly will take years to create a pearl of decent size and perfectly round shapes are rare. As a result, pearl bracelets and necklaces with perfectly round pearls are quite expensive forms of pearl jewelry.
Natural vs. Cultured Pearls
Unknown to most wearers of pearl jewelry, the majority of pearls used today are farmed and not naturally grown. Generally speaking, natural pearls are not widely available due to years of over-fishing and the great demand for perfectly round pearls for use in jewelry. During the start of the 20th century, a new process for growing pearls was developed resulting in what is now known as cultured pearls. Essentially the process involves inserting an irritant into an oyster and then caring for that oyster until it has developed a pearl. Today, almost all pearl jewelry uses cultured pearls.
Types of Pearls Used in Pearl Jewelry
When searching for pearl jewelry, you'll find that pearls differ in color, size and shape based on the variety of the mollusk, the growing conditions, harvesting techniques and many other factors. Akoya, Cortez, Mabe, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are some of the most popular varieties, each of which has its own set of qualities. Akoya pearls are typically white or cream, but they can also be grey or black. Cortez pearls are available in a range of colors, including a shimmering black pearl. Mabe pearls possess a very high luster, while South Sea pearls are among the largest cultured pearls and can be white, cream or gold. Tahitian pearls are naturally grey, silver or black. The most sought-after Tahitian pearl is black with peacock green overtones. As you can see, pearl jewelry choices can move well beyond the traditional white pearl necklace to include an array of choices that include different colors, sizes and finishes.
Related Links:
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #1 : Pearl Jewelry Basics »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #2 : Classic Pearl Jewelry - Necklaces »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #3 : How to Buy Pearl Jewelry »
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