Jewel School

All About Pearls

Natural Pearls

A natural pearl is formed in the wild by the random intrusion of a natural irritant into a mollusk's shell, without the intervention of man. There are few natural pearls on the general consumer jewelry market today.

Cultured Pearls

A cultured pearl is also grown by nature but with the assistance of man. This patented process involves the insertion of a "nucleus" into the oyster. The oyster is then carefully nurtured for the desired type of pearl. The quality of cultured pearls varies and is judged by the pearl's luster, surface, shape, color and size. Mabe and freshwater pearls fall into this category.

Black Cultured Pearls

The black cultured pearls in our collection come from Japan, China or the South Seas. Japanese or Chinese cultured pearls are dyed black through processes referred to as "irradiation" or "French Dyeing." Irradiation involves bombarding a pearl with gamma rays, which blacken the shell bead of the pearl's nucleus. A "French dyed" pearl is half-drilled and submerged in a black dye chemical. The dye moves from the inside layers to the outside layers and then takes to the calcium carbonate coating of the pearl. The color achieved is even and holds for many years.
The South Seas black cultured pearls are among the largest and most valuable pearls. They acquire their color from a black-lipped oyster found only in the South Seas. The majorities of these pearls are baroque-shaped and range in color from silver gray to black, with peacock being the most valuable.

Imitation Pearls

An imitation pearl is a manufactured product composed of any material or materials that simulate the look of a pearl.

Give Pearls as a Gift

Pearls are classic like the "little black dress" and should be a staple to any woman's wardrobe.� Pearls are very versatile and appropriate for any age.� When you cannot decide what to give your grandmother or maybe the flower girl at your wedding, pearls can save the day and passed on for generations.

Pearls come in many colors, shapes and sizes so finding the style that best fits them will be no problem.

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