Pearl

    Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June and represents the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries.  Pearls were once thought to be tears of God and their shape represented the association between the moon and sea.  The pearl is considered an emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity.  Pearls also symbolize love, success and happiness.

    Pearls are an organic gem, created by an oyster. Today, pearls are cultured by man.  Shell beads are placed inside an oyster and it is returned to the water (fresh or salt).  The oyster then covers the bead with layers of beautiful nacre, creating a pearl, which is later harvested.

    The quality of pearls is judged by the orient, the soft iridescence caused by the refraction of light by the layers of nacre, and the luster (the reflectivity and shine of the surface).  Fine pearls do not have any flaws or spots in the nacre; they have an even, smooth texture.  Other factors which affect value are the regularity of the shape, size, and color; rose tints are the most favored pearls.

    Long ago, pearls were important financial assets, comparable in price to real estate.  This was due to the fact that thousands of oysters had to be searched for only one pearl. They were rare because they were created only by chance.

    Freshwater cultured pearls are primarily grown in China.  Rice is the most common shape with a high or low luster, depending on the quality.  Round freshwater pearls are also in production.

    In the warmer waters of the South Pacific, larger oysters called Pinctada Maxima produce South Sea cultured pearls.  These pearls are known as the "queen" of cultured pearls.  The nacre coating is thicker than other cultured pearls.  This is due to the longer cultivation time South Sea pearls undergo.  These pearls are very beautiful, larger, and more expensive than other cultured pearls; they also have the longest life expectancy of all pearls.

    Tahitian cultured pearls are naturally black and hare highly sought after as the most treasured of all pearls.  The strong iridescence velvety luster, and dramatic range of color helps create an exotic character seen in Tahitian cultured pearls.

    Akoya saltwater cultured pearls are produced primarily in Japan.  They are more perfectly round and have more luster than most other pearls, making them more desirable.

    Pearls are produced in Japan, China, South Seas, Australia, Indonesia, and French Polynesia.  They have a hardness rating from 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale.  Pearls should never be cleaned with an ultrasonic or a steamer.  Heat should not be applied to pearls because it may cause burning.

Return to Our Product

Our Company | Our Services | Product | Locations