TOP 10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PEARLS

Throughout history, pearls have been one of the most used and classic stones in the jewelry sector and one of the most requested jewels by women all over the world, due to their beauty and sophistication. Among the different types, there are natural pearls (very scarce nowadays), those cultivated by man's hand, saltwater or freshwater pearls, Australian, Japanese and imitation pearls and, on the other hand, there are pearls of different shapes, such as mabe, baroque or quite, among others.

Although we have previously dedicated other articles to talk about how to take care of pearls, for this post we wanted to compile a list of what, in our opinion, are the most frequent questions that customers ask us about pearl jewelry.

1. What are cultured pearls?

Cultured pearls are formed by the oyster with the help of man. Pearl growers in Japan graft a small shell nucleus into the fleshy interior of the pearl oyster. The oyster does the rest, coating the nucleus with a mother-of-pearl material that hardens and forms the pearl.

2. What other types of pearls are there?

Natural, cultured and artificial pearls. The first ones are created by the oyster in an act of self-defense against an intruder that has entered it in a completely accidental way. In both natural and cultured pearls, the nucleus is coated with the same pearliferous substance, called nacre. The cultivated ones, as we have explained in the previous question, are formed inside the oyster through the grafting of a nucleus by the hand of man. Finally, artificial pearls are materials that imitate pearls and, therefore, are not natural.

3. How can the difference between a natural pearl and a cultured pearl be found?

Normally it is almost impossible to detect the difference with the naked eye. In order to find out of doubts before so difficult appreciation, it is necessary the use of modern apparatuses. The two most suitable for the precision of the results obtained from them are the following ones:

• The endoscope: it is used for holed beads.
• X-ray diffraction: it is used for partially holed or unholed beads.

4. How can the difference between a natural or cultured pearl and an imitation pearl be detected?

It is easy. Placing them side by side, one of the most noticeable differences is the depth of luster of the natural or cultured pearl. Another method is to pass them softly on the teeth: if you notice it is smooth, it is an imitation pearl and if, on the contrary, you notice a rough or sandy texture, it is a cultured or natural pearl.

5. Are cultured pearls found in different shapes?

Yes, there is a variety of shapes: baroque, pear, barrel, mabe (half sphere), as well as round. Since the cultured pearl is formed by a natural process, the shapes cannot be determined.

6. What are the different styles of cultured pearl necklaces?

The two basic types of necklaces are the graduated and the uniform:

• The classic graduated necklace of cultured pearls paired in shapes ranging from small (at the ends) to larger (in the center), are made up of one, two, three or five strands.
• The uniform necklace composed of pearls of equal size is worn as choker with one, two or three strands. The uniform style is also known as the longer matinee or "opera" (75 cm long).

7. What are the elements of value to look for?

Luster or luster, color, size and shape. A cultured pearl necklace requires all these qualities. The color will be chosen based on the one that most favors the person.

8. Is it possible to obtain cultured pearls in several colors?

Yes, they appear in all pastel shades of the spectrum.

9. How are cultured pearls measured?

In millimeters. A cultured pearl of 2 mm is considered very small, while those of more than 9 mm are considered large. The large ones are usually the most expensive, but the other value points, such as luster, shape and color, will be taken into account when making a purchase.

10. When to give pearls as a gift?

Throughout history, pearls have been the gift of love. When you give a pearl as a gift, you are giving something unique and unrepeatable. Pearls are perfect as a gift for unique events such as anniversaries, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, weddings and birthdays.

We hope this post has been useful for you. In case you want to know more about pearls, we encourage you to leave us your question in the comments, we will be happy to answer you!

In addition, in our online jewelry we have a selection of earrings, chokers, pendants, bracelets and rings of pearls of super modern design and minimalist.

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