Did you know that Pearls are created by molluscs indigenous to lakes, rivers, streams, great oceans- all over the world? Almost surely the world’s first gem, pearls emerge from their watery homes without the need for cutting, faceting or polishing. NO human interference. An abnormality occuring in nature.
Known as the Queen of Gems, pearls possess a history and allure far beyond what we believe or recognise. Pearls are commonly known for being the birthstone for June and/ or mere accessories, but throughout our recorded history, pearls have also been known to show incredible wealth.
Ranging as 2.5/3 on the MoHs scale of hardness, means that they are very soft and easily scratched or abraded. Following a strict Pearl Maintenance routine can secure a lasting treasure.
Let us show you the different pearls available -Bring them back to the number one choice for your jewellery collection.
Natural
Natural pearls are found in oysters and molluscs. Without any invention by man. A foreign body/ insect that becomes lodged inside the oyster/ mollusc. It is coated in a substance and this is then the nacre of the pearl. These are no longer fished comercially.
Cultured Pearls
In 1904, the Japanese discovered that if you insert a bead into an oyster and return it to the sea, it would coat the bead with pearl nacre – thus the cultured pearl was born. Grown in Akoya oysters, these range in size from 3mm to 10mm.
Freshwater Cultured
Pearls have been found in freshwater mussels, and again the Japanese discovered how these could be kept, and induced to make pearls. For many years, the results were disappointing, with very irregular pearls. With improved breeding of mussels and care, beautiful pearls in sizes from 3mm to 13mm are produced. Freshwater cultured pearl farming has expanded greatly in China.
These are much bigger pearls – from 10mm to 16mm – usually silver in colour, but occasionally golden. These are produced by silver-lipped oysters mainly in Australian waters.
Tahitian
Produced in black-lipped oysters originally in the Tahitian archipelago, these range in size from 8mm to 14mm and vary in colour from blue-grey, through grey to black.
Others
There are other types of pearl, as many molluscs can produce them. We have even seen a steel blue one, brought in by a customer who found it in a mussel from the North Sea!
Pearl Grading
Like with all stones in the jewellery industry, Pearls are graded. This will determine the setting and price. Pearls are classified according to size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre, and matching.
