Though they are nearly identical in appearance, the process of how the pearls are created is what separates freshwater pearls from natural ones. Wang explains that freshwater pearls are farmed, or in other words cultivated, as opposed to natural or “sea pearls,” which are found in the open ocean.
Natural pearls grow in the wild without human intervention. They are very rare, and most natural pearls in the market today are antique. Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms, and are the direct result of human intervention.
The answer is yes. Natural pearls are considerably more expensive than cultured pearls. One might argue that the reason we have cultured pearls is because natural pearls are so much more expensive than cultured pearls.
Freshwater pearls have a soft luster and are a more affordable option for those looking to own a beautiful pearl piece of jewelry. Saltwater pearls are grown in the ocean and are the most valuable pearls around the world with three main types: Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls.
It's pretty much impossible to tell the difference between a natural and cultured pearl by just looking at its outer appearance. The only way to make absolute certain whether a pearl is natural or not is to perform an x-ray of the internal structure of the pearl.
The perfection and exclusivity that comes with natural pearls are the reason they are so expensive, while freshwater pearls can often be found for under $100. If you're hoping to save money on your next pearl purchase, look for freshwater (also known as cultured) pearls, which can be found for under $100.
Wetting pearls is never a good idea, as it begins to destroy the jewel. Pearl necklaces are damaged when they get wet, because the water damages both the thread and the pearl .
Freshwater pearls have no core and are made up entirely of mother-of-pearl – so 98% of these stones are not round but oval, buttoned, drop or baroque in shape. Freshwater pearls are cheaper because they are easier to extract, making sea pearls more valued.
Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.
Pink pearls are more coveted than pearls with green hues, and blues are expensive because of their rarity. Naturally-colored pink and lavender pearls are freshwater pearls, while naturally-colored blue pearls are saltwater pearls.
Size: When other value factors are equal, larger pearls are rarer and more valuable than smaller pearls of the same type. Shape: Round is the most difficult shape to culture, making it the rarest cultured pearl shape and—if all other factors are equal—also generally the most valuable.
Worn often and properly cared for, pearls can look as good in 50 years as they did the day they left the store. Pearls are not the most durable of gems. Most everyday items at home and in the office are tougher than pearls, so careless contact can cause damage them over time.
South Sea Pearls: Large, elegant with a silky luster South Sea pearls are often referred to as the "Queen of Gems". Grown in the warm waters Indonesia and Australia they average around 13mm with some pearls growing over 20mm.
Today, natural pearls are extremely rare, so the majority of pearls available on the market today are cultured. Only one in 10,000 oysters will produce a natural pearl; of those, only a very small percentage of those pearls will be gem quality.
A nacreous pearl is made from layers of nacre, by the same living process as is used in the secretion of the mother of pearl which lines the shell. Natural (or wild) pearls, formed without human intervention, are very rare.
Yes, you can absolutely wear your freshwater pearls every day! Not just for dressing up, freshwater pearls are also a great way to add a touch of elegance and glow to your everyday looks. These durable and dependable gemstones will last a lifetime if you take good care of them.
Your freshwater pearl jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Do not wear your pearl jewelry when exercising, showering, to the pool or to the beach. Yes, freshwater pearls are not as strong as some gemstones increasing the risk of damage if you wear them every day.
Laura Lively freshwater pearls, like the Grace shown here, are not only real and beautiful, but they also offer a great value for pearl shoppers. As with all jewelry, if you don't care for and maintain your pearls, you risk the chance of discoloration and yellowing. Avoid contact with perfume and chemicals in general.
Freshwater pearls, like other types of pearls, can be significantly damaged by water. Moreover, the soap, shampoo, conditioner, or oils you use in the shower contain chemicals that can further damage your pearl jewellery. Hence, wearing your pearl jewellery in the shower is not advisable.
Your pearls should not be submerged in water. So do not shower, wash dishes or swim while wearing your pearls. Chlorine in swimming pools will cause the silk that your pearls are strung on to wear out and tear. Chlorine also eats away at the epoxy that attaches the pearls to their mountings.
It is very important that you take your pearls off before going to bed or before participating in any sports. It is also important that you limit its contact with water, and remove them before showering or going to the pool. This will prevent the pearl from falling off prematurely and degrade the mother of pearl.
Real pearls are cold to the touch. Regardless of the weather, they slowly warm up as you wear them. On the other hand, fake pearls are warm to the touch and don't change temperature. So if you're feeling a cold sensation when you wear your pearls, they're likely real.
Not just because of the unique color, size, shape, and place of origin, but also accounting for the fact that these gems are made by living oysters. The price of a pearl now averages between $300-1,500, and there are a few factors to consider when questioning both quality and value.
Genuine pearls are shinier than fake pearls. You can measure shine in luster, which is the intensity and softness of a pearl's surface, it generally has to do with how bright and clear a pearl looks. Natural pearls have more shine than artificial ones because they're made from natural materials.