|
AKOYA PEARLS are found only in Japan, China, and Vietnam. Japanese Akoya pearl farms are shifting towards the warmer Chinese waters, where these pearls take only half as long to grow. Overtone colours of Akoya pearls include white, cream, rose, silver, and green. Akoya pearl sizes range from less than 5mm to 9mm. Larger Akoya pearl sizes are possible, but less frequent.
SALTWATER PEARLS These are almost always Akoya pearls. (Akoya is the Japanese word for Saltwater) These pearls are farmed in saltwater and are always grown in oysters. Saltwater pearls typically command a higher price than their freshwater cousins.
FRESHWATER PEARLS These cultured pearls are farmed in freshwater and are grown in mussels. The irritants used in making freshwater pearls are often smaller than those used in saltwater pearls, which results in a pearl with more nacre, or more pearl, and less core irritant. Freshwater pearls are typically cheaper because freshwater mussels are larger and can produce up to 20 pearls at a time, whereas saltwater oysters are smaller and can only produce one pearl at a time.
CULTURED PEARLS Made famous by Mikimoto, nearly all pearls sold on the open market are cultured. Cultured pearls evolve in a similar manner as natural pearls, with the distinction being that cultured pearls have an irritant intentionally placed by a pearl farmer to start the formation of a pearl. The process may take one to several years. Japan, China and various places in the South Pacific have traditionally been major suppliers of cultured pearls. All pearls sold on this website are cultured pearls.
CARE A pearl is a natural object and is not designed to be in contact with most manufactured chemicals such as perfume, makeup, skin care products, hair spray, or similar compounds. Contact with these items can affect a pearl's lustre and colour. With this in mind, it's best to make pearls the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. If your pearls do require cleaning, it's best to use a very soft, non-abrasive soap such as soft liquid hand soap. Once you have gently wiped them with water and soft soap, you should let them dry naturally by letting them sit on a cloth or paper towel. Do not wear your pearls when the string is wet. NEVER USE DETERGENT OR BLEACHES OR BAKING SODA OR AMMONIA-BASED PRODUCTS. DO NOT USE SCOURING PADS OR ABRASIVE MATERIALS TO CLEAN YOUR PEARLS. Store your pearls in a soft pouch, separate from your other jewellery. Diamonds and other gemstones may scratch them. (Home)
|
