Pearls  

A pearl is produced by a living organism, which makes it an organic gem. Pearl formation starts when a foreign object gets inside the mollusk’s shell and irritates its sift tissue. The mollusk tries to reduce the effects of the irritant by coating it with layers of smooth nacre.  

People have coveted natural pearls as symbols of wealth and status for thousands of years. A Chinese historian recorded the oldest written mention of natural pearls in 2206 BC. Homer mentioned pearls in epic poems. And Julius Caesar was known to have a huge admiration for pearls. King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I adorned themselves with natural pearls as did royalty throughout Europe.  

Akoya  

Akoya cultures pearls are produced mainly in Japan and China in the Pinctada fucata oyster. In Japanese language, the common name for the oyster is akoya, so the cultured pearls are also called akoyas. 

Japanese akoya cultured pearls typically range fro 2mm to 9mm, with an average size of 6mm to 7mm. The classic akoya is white with rose’ overtone and excellent luster. Akoya cultured pearls are fairly uniform in size and shape. 

South Sea  

South Sea cultured pearls are produced principally in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines in the Pinctada maxima oyster. The two varieties of Pinctada maxima, gold-lipped and silver-lipped, account for the characteristic golden and silver-coloured South Sea cultured pearls. 

South Sea cultured pearls typically range from 10mm to 15mm with an average size of 13mm. 

South Sea cultured pearls typically have a soft, satiny luster, rather than the mirror-like surface often seen on the finest akoya cultured pearls. Large, round, high-quality South sea cultured pearls are rare so these strands can be very costly.

Tahitian  

Tahitian cultured pearls are produced mainly in French Polynesian lagoons. Tahitian cultured pearls are grown in the Pinctada margaritifera oyster. The cultured pearls typically range from 8mm to 14mm with an average size of 9.5mm. 

The common name for their oyster is black-lipped oyster. It’s the only oyster that regularly produces the unusual colours that characertise Tahitian cultured pearls. In the trade the colours have names like peacock, aubergine and pistachio.

Freshwater 

The mollusks that produce freshwater cultured pearls are called mussels. There are many species of mussels that produce freshwater cultured pearls, but the main producer is the Hyriopsis cumingi mussel.  

Today, China produces the great majority of the world’s freshwater cultured pearls. The production volume is many times more than all other cultured pearls types combined. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that typically range from 4mm to 11mm.  

Taking Care of your Pearls.  

Cultured pearls are not the most durable of gems, but if they are properly cared for, they can retain their original beauty for generations. 

Cultures pearls can be scratched or abraded. They should be protected from contact with metal or harder gems. Store cultured pearls in a cloth pouch or wrapped in a soft cloth.  

As organic gems, cultured pearls are part water. Maintaining that moisture is one key to cultured pearl stability. Heat can dry cultured pearls and lead to discoloration and cracks in the nacre. To keep cultured pearls from dehydrating keep them away from heat and excessive dryness. 

Another key to cultured pearl stability is everyday wear and care. Many chemical and all acids attach cultured pearls. Perfume, cosmetics, hair spray and acids in perspiration can damage nacre. Women should put on cultured pearls after they have applied cosmetics and used hair-care products. To help cultured pearls keep their luster, wipe them with a soft, clean cloth after each wearing. Occasionally using a dampened cloth helps them retain moisture as well.  

Cultured pearls should be thoroughly cleaned periodically, especially if they’re worn often. Warm, mild soapy water is what works well with pearls. Rinse and lay wet cultured pearls on a towel to dry. If string is left wet it can stretch and attract dirt. If they are worn frequently it’s a good idea to restring them about once a year or when the string shows wear.