| Pearls
come in various colors: white, white-rose, silver,
gold, pink, cream, peacock-green, purple, and
all shades of grey to black. Overtones are reflective
shades, seen when light plays across its surface.
Pink and yellow overtones are most common. These
color varieties are influenced by the type of
oyster the pearl originates from.
Shapes common to pearls are: round, off-round,
oval, teardrop, baroque, and semi-baroque. These
shapes are created by the oysters themselves,
as layers of nacre are adhered. Very irregular
forms resembling teeth, tadpoles, or mushrooms
have been reported. Smooth pearls, lacking blemishes
or bubbles, have the highest value.
Pearls come in freshwater and saltwater varieties.
Saltwater pearls are found in Australia, and
South Sea Japan. Freshwater pearls can be located
in China, Japan, and the U.S.A. Rare as they
are in nature; most pearls on the market today
have been cultured. This is a process where
captive pearl oysters are implanted with tiny
beads, and given time to pile on the layers
of nacre.
Pearls are measured by "grain." One
grain equals 0.05 grams, or ¼ carat,
and are valued by their luster, color, shape,
size, and surface. The highest value is placed
on large pearls with few to no blemishes.
Choose
your own gorgeous birthstone jewelry at JeGem.com
<<
Back
|
