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The ultimate
must-have in jewelry, freshwater pearls today are as affordable as they are
beautiful. Thanks to their renewed popularity, pearls are making a comeback as
modern designers play with color and texture. Whether your style is
casual, sporty or sophisticated--or a little bit of everything, you'll find
the pearl jewelry you're looking for here. Moon River Pearls
has pearl jewelry for everyone. Our gorgeous cultured pearl jewelry
features stunning, AAA-quality, lustrous pearls that have been expertly
hand-selected to ensure that each item is exquisite.
Read
all about common pearl
types - there is so much to know!
What factors determine
pearl quality?
While no international grading system exists for
pearls, there are seven factors that help determine a pearl's value. They are:
size, luster, shape, color, nacre thickness, and surface characteristics and
matching. These vary from pearl to pearl and should all be considered prior to
purchase.
What is a cultured
pearl?
A cultured pearl is a real pearl, made from the same
substance as a natural pearl. The difference: Cultured pearls get their start
with a little nudge. Rather than waiting for nature to take its course, man
deliberately places an irritant—a mother-of-pearl bead is often used—in the
mollusk to stimulate the secretion of aragonite (calcium carbonate) and
conchiolin. These substances, when layered around the irritant, form a pearl.
Today, cultured pearls can rival the beauty of natural pearls; indeed it can be
very difficult to tell them apart.
What is a freshwater
pearl?
A freshwater pearl is a pearl that has been formed in a
freshwater mollusk, rather than an oyster that lives in the sea. Typically,
people think freshwater pearls are rice-shaped, but in fact they come in all
shapes, including round. Like marine pearls, round freshwater pearls are the
rarest, most desirable and most valuable shape. It is difficult to find
perfectly round pearls of similar size and color to match for a strand, which is
why matched strands are more expensive than other types of pearl jewelry. Unlike
oysters, freshwater mollusks can produce more than one pearl at a time, but the
process is still at Mother Nature's mercy. Out of the thousands of animals that
are implanted with irritants, it is still rare to get a commercially acceptable
pearl.
How much can I expect to
spend?
Today, pearls are wildly popular, both with traditionalists
who prefer classic strands and those who favor more modern designs of pearls
combined with other materials. Pearl jewelry prices are affected by many factors
including color, style, length, and size, among other things, however, compared
to other gems, pearls are very affordable. When purchasing jewelry, keep in mind
that pearls are meant to be worn, so don't skimp on quality. Buy the best you
can afford. You can get excellent pearl jewelry for much less than you would pay
for jewelry made from other desired gems—you don't need to spend a
fortune.
Why do price discrepancies
exist?
Quite simply, because quality can vary so much. Strands of
large, round, perfectly matched pearls with 100 percent solid nacre and
beautiful luster are rare and will cost more than pearls that are
irregularly-shaped, mismatched in size, are dull or have obvious blemishes.
Pearls from jewelry stores may be more expensive because retail outlets have
much greater overhead costs. It is best to compare two or three pieces from
different sources; once you do, the differences in quality will become readily
apparent. Don't be fooled by high prices—they don't always signify quality
gems.
What color pearls should I
buy?
Color is an individual choice. Beautiful pearls exist in a wide
variety of colors, but traditional creamy white pearls are still the most
popular. Although individual color preferences vary, it is best to choose pearls
that will flatter the skin tone of the wearer.
How do I care for my
pearls?
Given some simple care, pearls can last for generations.
Although they have a low hardness compared to other gems, the density of pearls
makes them surprisingly durable. But pearls are perishable. Substances like
perfume, vinegar, hairspray, inks, and perspiration can damage the nacre, as can
chlorine. It is best to remove pearl jewelry before swimming and showering, and
to put pearls on only after makeup, perfume and hairspray have been applied.
Unlike a gemstone, a pearl cannot be polished; once the surface is damaged, it
cannot be restored to its natural beauty. Store pearls in a separate pouch or
box away from other gems that could rub against them and scratch their surface.
To clean pearls, rub them with a soft cloth. If soap is needed, use a
non-abrasive cleaner such as hand soap. Let your pearls air dry fully before you
wear them again. Never use bleach, abrasive cleaners, or an ultrasonic jewelry
cleaner. It may be necessary to have pearls restrung if they are worn
frequently.