Pearls

Today we can enjoy a wonderful range of both natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearl growth occurs when a mollusk protects or soothes itself from an irritation. The irritant may be a parasite or other tiny invader. The layers of protection form what is called "nacre," and is what gives pearl its subtle beauty. Cultured pearls form in basically the same way, except that humans foster the irritation by placing a shell bead and/or a piece of mollusk tissue into the animal. From freshwater to cultured we can supply you with any thing you desire. _______________________________________

WHAT IS A PEARL?

A pearl is a beautiful partnership between nature and chance. When a particle, such as a grain of sand, is trapped in an oyster or mussel, it is coated with layers of smooth, rich nacre. Over time, this natural process produces the luminescent gem we know as a pearl.
Virtually all pearls today are cultured. That is to say, each is created by deliberately inserting an irritant into the oyster's tissue. Because the quality of cultured pearls varies widely, the following information.

WHAT MAKES A QUALITY PEARL?

SIZE
This usually determines price, but a thinly coated large pearl will crack and discolor. Larger is not always better.

SHAPE
Near perfect round cultured pearls are the rarest, and most valuable.

COLOR
Traditionally, cultured pearls with pinkish-white or pinkish-silver coloring are the most highly prized.

LUSTER
To evaluate a pearl's luster, stand with your back to the light, the sharper the reflection of light on the pearl, the higher the luster.

COMPLEXION
Cultured pearls, like all products of nature, will have some imperfections. Make sure they are free from large pits or blemishes.