A Guide to Pearls

Pearls are an organic gemstone, in that that they are made by Mollusk’s of many varieties. They are formed either naturally or they are cultured.

Natural Pearls are formed without any intervention by humans within a naturally formed pearl sac of conchiolin in the form of aragonite and or calcium in concentric layers.

Cultured Pearls

Formed with human intervention, and are formed within a cultured pearl sac. The process of forming a pearl is then replicated by the mollusc in its cultured setting. Most Pearls on the
market today that are available to buy are usually cultured, but there are exceptions where pearl diving still exists, so are exceptionally rare and very expensive.

There are two types of cultured pearls and they are

Saltwater

Method: Bead nucleated – Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian
Colours:  White, Ivory, Cream, Champagne, Gold, Silver, Blue, Pistachio, Green, Brown, Gunmetal, to Inky Black.
Sizes Range:  3mm – 20 mm

Freshwater

Method: primarily tissue nucleated to form near round, irregular shapes , but more recently
the addition of Edison or Ming Pearls (both Trade Names) that are produced in the same way as
Saltwater Pearls
Colours:  Ivory, White, Orchid, Apricot, Pink, Mauve, Lavender,Purple
Sizes Range:  2mm – 18mm

Shapes in both range from Round, Off Round, Oval, Drop, Button, Ringed, Baroque.

You may have also heard of Biwa, Keshi, Fireball, which are variations of ‘Baroque’ Pearls.

Caring for your Pearls

Suzie M Jewllery Pearls are all Cultured from either Freshwater molluscs or Saltwater oysters, that have been chosen for their quality. Being organic in nature they need care to keep them at their best.

  • Always put your Pearl Jewellery on last and keep away from hairspray, cosmetics or perfumes,
    which may damage the delicate nacre.
  • Make sure they are the first thing you take off when you’re finished for the day.
  • Keep them safe and away from other Jewellery by placing them in a pouch or Jewellery
    container.
  • If you need to clean your Pearl Jewellery, just use a soft cloth dampened with a tiny amount of soapy water and gently clean your Pearls. Then dry and buff them with a soft cloth and leave to air dry thoroughly before putting them away.

Remember, Pearls just love to be worn, so enjoy them and wear them often!