Pearl Types
Pearls are an organic gem, called that because they are created by living creatures. Each pearl begins its existence as a piece of grit or other particle that makes its way into the shell of a saltwate or freshwater clam or oyester. (Not all clams and oyesters make pearls). A defense mechanism kicks-in and coats the particle with layer after layer of a substance called nacre, or mother-of-pearl, which eventually becomes thick enough to form a pearl.
Natural Pearls
Natural pearls are formed when an accidental intruder enters a mollusk's shell and continuous layers of nacre grow like onion skins around the particle. Natural pearls vary in shape depending on the shape of the piece being coated.
Natural pearls have always been considered rare and are quite expensive. They are usually sold by carat weight. Most natural pearls on today's market are vintage pearls.
Cultured Pearls
Like natural pearls, cultured pearls grow inside of a mollusk, but with human intervention. A shell is carefully opened and an object is inserted. Shapes of objects vary, depending on the final shape of pearl that's desired.
Over time the object becomes coated with layers of nacre. The depth of the nacre coating depends on the type of mollusk involved, the water it lives in, and how long the intruder is left in place before being harvested. As nacre thickness increases, so does the quality and durability of the cultured pearl.
Cultured pearls are sold by their size in millimeters.
Saltwater Pearls
Saltwater pearls originate within a saltwater mollusk. Saltwater pearls can be either natural or cultured.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls grow inside of a freshwater (river or lake) mollusk.
Pearl Shape Classifications
Spherical pearls are round, which is traditionally the most desirable shape. The rounder the pearl, the more expensive its price tag.
Symmetrical pearls include pear shaped pearls and other shapes that have symmetry from one side to another, but are not round.
Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped pearls. They are often the least expensive category of pearls, but are unique and quite beautiful.
Color
The general color of a pearl is also called the body color. Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. A pearl can also have a hint of secondary color, or overtone, which is seen when light reflects off the pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined more closely, a pink overtone may become apparent.
Size
The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls range in size from about 3.0–7.0mm, Akoya pearls range from about 6.0–8.5mm, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes as large as 13mm.
Care
Pearls can last a lifetime if properly maintained. The best way to care for pearls is to wear them often as the body’s natural oils keep pearls lustrous. Perfume, makeup and hair spray can damage your pearls by dulling the luster. It is recommended that you put your pearls on last when getting ready and make them the first thing you take off when you come home. Before placing them in your jewelry box, wipe them with a soft cloth and store them separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching the surface.
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