Pearls

Pearls are the rarest and the most unique of all jewels in that they are formed by living organisms. Unlike most of the other jewels and gemstones that are formed due to heat and pressure, deep below in the earth, pearls trace their origin to the deep, calm seawaters, produced by oysters. When a foreign body such as a grain, sand or a parasite finds its way into a pearl oyster, the oyster reacts by coating the irritant with layer upon layer of the pearly substance known as nacre, resulting in a shimmering, iridescent creation. Perhaps it is this unique origin of the pearl that has given it the beauty and magic that has enthralled mankind since times immemorial.

Because of the rarity of the natural pearls, they are cultured these days by implanting an irritant into the oyster to trigger the process of pearl formation.


Color

The natural color of pearls varies greatly depending on the species of the oysters. 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.

Luster

Luster is the shine on the surface of the pearl that reflects light. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl, called nacre, and the luster is greater if the pearl is left underwater for a greater period of time.

shape

A perfectly round pearl is considered to be the rarest of the pearls. Shape, in fact, determines the value of the pearl; the rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls found in jewelery have a tendency to be the roundest, while Freshwater pearls can be oval or slightly off-round.

surface markings

As an oyster creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls.

size

The most popular size of the pearls sold around the world is about seven millimeters. Otherwise, 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.

Types of pearls

Pearls are mainly of two types: The very expensive and very rare natural pearls and the popular and much sought after cultured pearls. Below are the most common types of pearls:

Australian Pearls

South Sea Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

Akoya Pearls

Keshi Pearls

Mabé Pearls

Chinese Freshwater Pearls

Kasumiga Pearls

Care

Pearls need more care than other jewelry because they are porous. They should be kept away from household chemicals such as hair spray, makeup, perfumes, and so on. So they should be the last things to be worn when going out and the first things to be removed after returning home. Pearl jewelry should be wiped gently with a warm damp towel to remove body oils and perspiration.

The best way to care for pearls is to wear them often because the body's natural oils keep them lustrous. Pearls should be wiped with a soft cloth before being stored and kept separate from other precious metals or gemstones that might scratch or dull their tender surfaces