We suggest using this small guide to help you make the right choice.
Let's talk about the varieties of pearls
The first thing you should pay attention to is the type of pearl. All pearls sold are divided mainly into two categories: freshwater and saltwater. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Freshwater pearls are typically obtained from mollusk shells and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Most often, such pearls have an irregular, so-called baroque shape and a size of no more than 6 millimeters.
Sea pearls are formed in the shells of oysters. It is usually classified by place of origin or type of oyster. Sea pearls also come in a variety of colors, so you don’t have to limit yourself to a specific palette.
Although some of the types of pearls described below are quite expensive and out of the price range of most buyers, familiarizing yourself with the varieties of pearls will help you make an informed choice.
- Akoya sea pearls get their name from a species of oyster (Akoya in Japanese), and for many people are associated with the concept of classic pearls. It is characterized by a milky white color (although there are also pearls with a pink tint), and the size most often varies from 3 to 10 mm. Akoya pearl jewelry is great for both informal and formal events and goes well with many types of clothing. As for the cost of these pearls, it varies from $25 to $1000 and above.
- White South Sea pearls, like the Akoya variety, are grown in oyster shells. It is collected from the coasts of Burma, Okinawa, Indonesia and Australia. The stones are larger in size and have a satin shine. Due to the long cultivation period - the pearl size must be at least 9 mm - white South Sea pearls are usually more expensive than other varieties.
- Pearls formed in shells that are unusual in their structure and shape. Pearls can have a bright pink or peach hue, as well as intricate patterns on the surface.
No matter how tempting it may be to purchase the most expensive of all types of pearls, this is not at all necessary. Remember one important thing - for a harmonious combination of pearls with clothing, the shape and appearance of the jewelry is much more important, and not the flawlessness and cost of the stone itself.
Types of pearls: understanding the concepts
Pearl is a “child” of nature that is born in a mollusk shell. The mollusk perceives any insect or grain of sand that gets inside as a “stranger” and covers it with layers of mother-of-pearl. This is how a white ball called a “pearl” is born.
Saltwater pearls are formed in an oyster, and freshwater pearls are formed in a river shell. Due to different types of mollusks, as well as the characteristics of the water, pearls have slightly different properties from each other.
Sea pearls
Today, almost all the pearls we see in jewelry are cultured. It is grown naturally on special farms.
To create sea pearls, 1-3 small balls are introduced into the genital organs of the mollusk, which are then overgrown with nacre. A beautiful deep ball of mother-of-pearl forms around the ball within 1.5-2 years.
freshwater pearls
When creating freshwater pearls, the ball-implant is placed in the mantle of the mollusk. One mussel produces approximately 12 to 20 stones in river/lake water. It takes up to 3 years to form a high-quality pearl. However, due to high demand, many cultivators refuse to maintain such terms and grow the ball for no longer than 1 year. Because of this, freshwater pearls with a thin layer of nacre and some defects are often found on the market.
Wild pearls
These are natural pearls (oceanic, sea, river), which are formed in mollusks without human intervention. Today, wild pearls are rarely found on the jewelry market due to the official ban on their extraction. For this reason, most pearls that are passed off as “natural” in stores are actually cultured.
It is rare to find wild pearls in jewelry, except in old designer, designer, or specialized stores. Its value is great, so this pleasure is not cheap.
Artificial pearls
This is an imitation of natural pearls made of plastic, glass or porcelain. Often such beads have defects, unevenness and poor strength. The only advantage is the rather low price compared to natural stones.
Natural or cultured pearls?
Another thing to pay attention to when purchasing pearls is the way they are shaped. Cultured pearls are grown in natural conditions with the participation of people - farm specialists. They introduce a foreign body into the mantle of oysters, thereby accelerating the process of pearl formation. Natural pearls, which form naturally, are obtained from the wild. Due to the difficulties associated with finding and collecting quality pearls, natural pearls are considered a rarer and more expensive type.
However, all this in no way detracts from the high quality or beauty of cultured pearls - in shape, size and structure they are not noticeably different from natural ones. You can find jewelry with cultured pearls for as little as $35; and for those who want to pamper themselves, there are options costing several thousand dollars.
“Pearls are always appropriate” - Jacqueline Kennedy
Pearls will never go out of date and are as iconic a piece of jewelry as diamonds. The popularity of pearls has especially increased since 2015, when Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of America, and the famous American actress Sarah Jessica Parker began to complement their outfits with pearl jewelry.
Like all things fashion and jewelry, pearls' popularity comes in cycles as designers and jewelry makers rediscover the stone for modern women. A direct proof of this is the fact that pearls are among the top-selling jewelry on Amazon. Therefore, there is no reason not to wear pearls for fear of looking old-fashioned. In the words of Jacqueline Kennedy, "Pearls are always in," and considering what a style icon she was (and to some extent still is), it's no wonder why pearls are still so popular today.
When it comes to the types of pearl jewelry, necklaces are considered the most popular. They may differ in length, pearl size and number of threads. A classic Princess-length necklace with mixed-size pearls is perfect for an elegant, casual look, while multi-strand necklaces with matching pearls are perfect for evening outs and formal events. The list of necklaces below will give you a better idea of what the modern jewelry market has to offer:
- Opera style pearl necklace that falls just below the bust. This decoration is perfect for visiting a theater or opera concert.
- A classic Chocker necklace worn at the base of the neck. Ideal for formal or business dinners.
- Necklaces in the Matinee style, just above the bust, go harmoniously with summer dresses.
- The pearl thread of the Rope necklace reaches a length of 90-120 cm. Such jewelry can complement both an elegant and everyday look.
However, you should not limit yourself to choosing necklaces alone. There is a wide range of pearl rings, earrings and bracelets available in the market. The only question you have to ask yourself is whether this jewelry matches your wardrobe and style. In addition, we should not forget about the correct combination of necklaces with other types of pearl jewelry. Earrings, for example, look great paired with long strands of Rope pearls, while bracelets pair perfectly with Matinee or Chocker necklaces.
Expert advice on choosing pearl jewelry
- If your budget is limited, take pearls of smaller diameter, but of higher quality. Thanks to the inner glow, they always seem larger.
- For young women, shorter Choker jewelry (40 cm) is recommended. They will be clearly visible in any cutout. If you wish, you can add new pearls to the thread over time.
- A pearl string 120 cm long will go perfectly with an evening dress. It can be worn in several layers or tied in a knot.
- Remember, the richer the shine and the more iridescent the tints, the less noticeable minor imperfections are. Choose the shiniest pieces. Don't forget that the light should come from the depths, as if the core were glowing in it.
- Choose a clasp that will help turn the beads into a bracelet. This will add variety to your look.
- Like everything else, pearls are subject to fashion trends. Today, irregularly shaped baroque pearls are highly valued.
Whatever pearl jewelry you choose, it will undoubtedly indicate your sophisticated taste and add elegance to your look.
Pearls need careful and caring handling
Pearls are a precious stone of organic origin, which explains their fragility and the need for special care. Although this fact may discourage many from wearing pearl jewelry, most damage can be easily avoided by regular careful care of the stones.
Two things that you should pay special attention to are perfumes and hairsprays. They can affect the color and quality of the pearls, so wear jewelry only after using it, and when you return home, remove the pearls first.
If you notice that your pearls are dirty or dull, gently wipe them with a dry, soft cloth. Use water only as a last resort - if dirt and stuck particles cannot be removed using the method described above.
To wash your pearls, you will need mild soap (or baby shampoo) and a soft brush (the kind you use for manicures). After wet cleaning, blot the stone dry with a soft cloth so that no traces of moisture remain on its surface.
Always remember that the elegant look of your jewelry does not depend on the type of pearl (cultured, akoya, natural, etc.) or even on its cost. The only thing that matters is the well-groomed appearance of the stones and your efforts to maintain it. Due to their fragile nature, even the most expensive pearls can look bad if you don't take care of them.
WHAT DOES PEARL YIELD DEPEND ON?
Another difference between river pearls and sea pearls is “yield”.
In an oyster at the bottom of the sea, as a rule, only one pearl matures. Whereas in shells from fresh water bodies you can find ten mother-of-pearl beads.
The costs of cultivating ocean pearls are higher and so is their price.
More mother of pearl, larger size
The quality of pearls directly depends on the thickness of the nacre layer. This indicator has a significant impact on the price of the product. Another important factor in determining the quality of a pearl is the condition of the surface, how smooth it is and whether it is evenly colored. The presence of chips, dents, spots and other damage greatly reduces the value of pearls.
According to their shape, pearls can be:
- round (most often);
- spherical;
- in the form of drops;
- fantasy outlines (“baroque”);
- look like silhouettes of animals or various objects (they have a separate name - paragons). It is believed that such pebbles are endowed with special mystical properties and are natural talismans. Most often, the frame for paragons is gold.
The shape of pearls is best viewed against a black background, then any defects will become more noticeable. In a high quality finished product, all pearls should be the same size and lie flat. The holes should be in the center.
With sizes, everything is simple - the larger the pearl, the higher the price. The size is determined by the diameter, counted in millimeters. River pearls, being smaller ones, usually range from 3-11 mm, while sea pearls can reach 22 mm.
For jewelry, the weight of large pearls is usually determined in grains or carats. Small pearls are called grain pearls and are sold by weight. Large pearls are very rare. The largest pearl was discovered in 1934 near the Philippines. This miracle of nature weighs 6.35 kg, looks like a head in a turban, and therefore has the name “Pearl of Allah”. Large elite pearls are usually included in the register of the state's foreign exchange reserves along with other precious stones.
Making a Pearl
Natural pearls are a formation that arises during the life of sea and river mollusks. When a foreign body (a grain of sand, a shell fragment, etc.) gets into the shell, the mollusk begins to envelop it with nacre, and after a certain time a pearl is formed. Natural pearls are rare and dangerous to mine, so they are so highly valued that they become the subject of auctions.
Modern jewelers mainly work with cultured saltwater pearls, which first made their presence known in the early 20th century. Pearl cultivation originated in Japan and has spread everywhere where suitable conditions exist. According to the technology, a bead or piece of mother-of-pearl is implanted into an oyster or mussel, and after 18-24 months a pearl grows in the shell. Such pearls have very few differences from their natural counterparts.
People have known about artificial pearls for a long time. It is obtained by applying various compositions to a ball made of porcelain, glass or plastic. Initially, an artificial analogue of jewelry was made from a glass ball filled with paraffin (the so-called “Roman pearl”) or coated with a product based on fish scales to create a pearlescent sheen. Modern technologies make it possible to produce artificial pearls that are indistinguishable from natural ones in appearance.
How to distinguish real pearls from artificial ones?
Usually no one has any difficulties with this. A genuine piece of jewelry can be identified by:
- weight – organic balls are heavier than artificial ones;
- temperature – should be cool;
- surface – should be slightly rough, not completely smooth;
- sections - in natural balls, mother-of-pearl layers are visible in the sections, in ornamental ones - voids or edges of the base;
- elasticity - natural beads bounce high off the floor and do not deform upon impact.
And finally, a natural noble gem is distinguished by its incomparable beauty. It shines, reflects light with a delightful shimmer, and demonstrates an unsurpassed play of color contrasts.
What if you dream of pearls?
Why do you dream of pearls? It is a symbol of hope, love, devotion. By the way, pearls also dream of success, for example, in business. A scattering of pearls in a dream means success in a new endeavor.
If an unmarried girl dreams of pearls, then true love is very close. But for a married woman, pearls in a dream are a real sign that you need to be more sincere with your chosen one. Well, if you dream about pearls very often, then this is a real reason to wear jewelry with pearls as often as possible (and look at Rossyuvelirtorg for a new ring or earrings).
Where to buy jewelry with pearls?
In our online store.
We have more than 35,000 different jewelry made of gold and silver, and you will certainly choose exactly the same, your most beautiful and unique jewelry. We can deliver your purchase by courier directly to your home or to the pick-up point closest to you. Share:
Rings with pearls
Thanks to the variety of design ideas, pearl rings can be chosen in any setting, color and in combination with other stones. Just don’t forget to take into account your skin tone for the most contrasting combination - for example, dark-skinned girls especially look good with snow-white pearls.
A gold ring is complemented with a spectacular combination of several types of pearls and stones of different colors are used.
Rings with pearls (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)
A ring in silver with pearls can become a symbolic gift, because it can contain, for example, an infinity sign or an arrow.
When choosing a ring with pearls, many people are interested in which finger is it worn on? There are no strict restrictions, but some believe that such jewelry is intended for the ring finger, then it can strengthen love and family ties.
Pearl pendants and necklaces
Baroque pearls are also popular in necklaces and pendants. Decorations can be in the form of a long thread that you can simply hang, or you can wrap it in several tiers. The necklace can be combined with other chains, pendants and chokers.
A pearl necklace will fit well not only into a strict office style, but also into a loose look. Pearls, matched to an evening outfit, will add elegance and emphasize impeccable taste.
Necklaces and pendants with pearls (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)
In many countries, it is believed that pearls are a source of peace of mind, tranquility and have a healing effect, so they are often worn closer to the heart and chest.
This is the most universal gift for the holiday, because the necklaces and pendants are almost dimensionless and will suit every girl.
Pearl brooch
A brooch with pearls is considered a very impressive decoration. Designers come up with jewelry for every taste: different colors of pearls, adding rhinestones to non-standard compositions, brutal pearl products with metal details and in a casual style.
Pearls in light blue, green and dark blue are gaining popularity. Designers decorate the brooch with diamonds, exquisite sapphires, cubic zirconia and enamel. Brooches made of silver with pearls look gentle and touching.
Brooches with pearls (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
It is important to remember that when wearing such a brooch, you draw all the attention to it, so limit the amount of other jewelry or combine it with something minimalistic. The brooch is usually attached to the lapel of a jacket or jacket, and worn with shirts on the corner of the collar. And of course, a pearl brooch goes great with coats, scarves and stoles. You should not wear it with colorful clothes - pearls become inconspicuous.
We also note that pearl tiaras and combs are a very popular choice for weddings and graduations. The Sunlight store has a large selection of hair jewelry.
Pearl hairpins
It is impossible not to note the main trend of the season - a hairstyle with an emphasis on pearl hairpins. This is an easy and inexpensive way to make your hair look ultra-stylish. Stylists even advise going a little overboard and boldly combining different styles of pearl hairpins, because with their help you can create a new look every day.
Hairpins with pearls (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
Hairpins in the form of a thin line of pearls are suitable for a romantic date or business meeting. Your imagination will tell you how to wear pearl hairpins.
