14K white gold earrings with pink pear shaped Fresh Water Pearls
We love pearls at Precious Metals! They come in a million different colors and shapes. Because there are so many different options on the market, we wanted to give you a brief overview of everything under the sea!
Terminology
Cultured- Almost every pearl on the market, any pearls you would find in a jewelry store are cultured. This means that the pearl developed through human intervention. Pearls do occur in nature, but since the development of pearl farming, which allows for a more consistent product, you rarely see natural pearls in modern jewelry. Often when people refer to pearls as cultured they mean that the pearls are salt water, as opposed to fresh water. People began culturing salt water pearls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The culturing of fresh water pearls began in 1917 in Japan.
Nacre- The outer layer of a pearl which provides it’s luster and surface quality. A natural pearl is comprised almost entirely of nacre covering a small natural irritant to the mollusk that is forming the pearl. A cultured pearl is made as nacre covers a seed implanted by the pearl farmer.
Salt water- There are several varieties of salt water pearls, the most popular being the South Sea, Tahitian, and Akoya.
South Sea pearls are originally from Australia, but are now farmed in Indonesia, Burma, and the Philippines. They typically range in size from about 10mm to 15mm and in color from white to silvery pink to a rich gold. South Sea pearls have a very small seed and a very thick nacre. The many layers of the semi-translucent nacre are what give the South Sea pearl its incredible luster.
Tahitian Pearls are often called black pearls. They range in color from a black or dark silvery gray often with peacock green and purple overtones. They typically range in size from about 8mm to 13mm. Both the Tahitian and South Sea Pearls come in a variety of shapes ranging from perfectly round to slightly oval to baroque (free formed). These two pearl varieties are the most luxurious and expensive of all the pearls.
Akoya pearls are a smaller salt water pearl, growing to be about 10mm at their largest. They are by far the most common salt water pearls available. Because the nacre thickness is less than that of the South Sea or the Tahitian and more than one pearl can be grown in a mollusk at a time, the grow time for the Akoya pearl is considerably less than that of a South Sea or Tahitian, therefore they are usually less expensive. The Akoyas start at around 3mm in size and range from white to off white and white with pink undertones.
Fresh Water- During the early days of fresh water pearl cultivation, the pearls were typically tiny baroque pearls that resembled rice crispy cereal in their size and shape. These first fresh water pearls were almost all from Lake Biwa in Japan, and till this day the term Biwa still refers to that Rice crispy style or stick like pearl. Over decades scientists have cross bred the mussels used in fresh water pearl production and have refined the growing process. Today, fresh water pearls can be found in sizes up to around 12mm. They can be perfectly round and smooth and can often match the luster of the Akoya saltwater. Naturally they occur in whites, off whites, pinks, lavenders, and some light grays, but they can be dyed any color under the sun. The shapes of fresh waters are determined by the seed inserted in the mussel, and the variety of shapes is endless. There are coin pearls, which are flat and circular. Stick pearls which are long and thin. Rounds, pears, potatoes, peanuts, cones, squares, even cross shaped pearls are all common varieties. Because each mussel can produce up to a hundred pearls at a time, fresh water pearls are very affordable. A decent strand of white Akoya 5mm pearls can cost over $1000; while a very high quality strand of 5mm white round fresh water pearls can be under $100. Side by side there is a difference in quality. Typically the akoya have a better luster than the fresh water, but for every day pearls to wear to work with your favorite blouse or on the weekends with blue jeans, fresh water pearls can’t be beat.
Things to think about when shopping for pearls and basic pearl care.
If you are looking for a real investment piece, something to pass down from generation to generation, take a good look at all three varieties of salt water pearls. The South Sea and Tahitian pearls retain their value and incredible luster if properly cared for, and when paired with a stunning platinum and diamond clasp can be the statement piece of a lifetime. For the classic white pearl necklace, Akoyas are a fantastic option, with lots of luster and a smaller more manageable size than the South Seas. For every day pearls or something more fun and funky, fresh water pearls are the way to go. You can still do the classic white pearl necklace, but with a sterling silver clasp you can do it for under $200. While not as popular as they once were, Add a Pearl necklaces are still a fun gift. You start with a gold chain and one or more pearls, then you add pearls for special occasions such as birthdays and communions. As you add pearls the chain gets shorter, and eventually you have a full strand of pearls. Akoya pearls are great for this, because it spreads out their cost and they are typically a better pearl than the fresh water.
Certain types of pearls come in certain sizes. If you want really big, you’ll have to either go with the more expensive Salt water pearls or a simulated pearl. If you want really small, you’ll have to go with a fresh water or a simulated pearl. Simulated pearls come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes and are made in many different ways. If you want a really big pearl necklace to look like Nancy Pelosi but don’t want to spend thousands, check out Swarovski’s line of simulated pearls.
To test a pearl to see if it is real or simulated, rub it lightly on your teeth. If the surface feels smooth it is fake, if it feels like a fine sand paper it is a real pearl.
Your pearls, whether they are fresh water or salt water (or fake!), should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. Never spray yourself with perfume or hairspray or apply make-up while wearing your pearls!!!! It will ruin the nacre of the pearl, damage which is irreversible.
Clean your pearls with a soft dry cloth. Never soak your pearls in jewelry cleaning solution. If your pearl earrings or ring get gunky you can use water and a soft tooth brush to gently clean them, but you never want to get a strand of pearls wet.
The best way to string pearls is on knotted silk. The knots between each pearl allow a necklace or bracelet to lay naturally around your neck or wrist, and if the string breaks you wont loose all the pearls. If you wear your pearls every day, it is best to have them restrung every six months or so. If you wear them less often, the best sign that you need them restrung is when the pearls have lots of room to shift in between each knot or if the silk is looking dirty or dingy. Old dirty silk can really bring down the look of a beautiful pearl necklace.
Come in and take a look at some of our beautiful pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets!
Silver green fresh water pearl bracelet with sterling silver clasp
