 View Akoya earrings
Caring For Pearl Jewelry
Cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals. So it is important to care of your pearls so that they remain bright and beautiful for generations to come.
Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl over extended periods of time. Even acids and salt contained in body oils and perspiration can damage the luster. These chemicals also lead to deterioration of the thread on which the pearls are strung.
It is a myth that body oils are good for pearls and that wearing them often helps to protect them. It is best to put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray. Wiping the pearls with a soft damp cloth after you wear them will remove harmful compound build-up. Periodically, the pearls should be washed with a mild soap and water solution and rinsed with clean water. This should also be done if something is spilled on them or if they have been exposed to perspiration.
They should be placed flat on a soft cloth to dry since hanging wet pearls with stretch the thread. Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items, such as metals and other gemstones, to prevent them from scratching your pearls. Pearls are best kept in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined jewelry box.
If you wear your pearls several times a week, it is best to take them back to your jeweler for re-stringing about once a year to prevent strand breakage. When having your pearls re-strung, many experts advise silk thread. However, nylon thread is an acceptable alternative. Make sure that the string is knotted between each pearl. Individual knotting will prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off should a break occur. Knotting also prevents the pearls from rubbing against each other and damaged the nacre. |
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Akoya Pearls
(Grown in Japan and China)
Akoya pearls are the classic saltwater cultured pearls of Japan. They are a high luster and highly valued pearl. In recent years, China has been successful in producing Akoya pearls within their own waters. However, at this time they are unable to produce as brilliant a luster as high quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearls. The Akoya oyster is a small mollusk, so the pearls are small to medium sized (2 to 9 mm or inches).
They are versatile gems, with different colors and shapes that can even be used for many one-of-a-kind pieces. The colors are sometimes enhanced and it is important to ask if the color is natural. Learn more about these gems at the Japan Pearl Exporter's Association.
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Cultured
Saltwater Pearls
After the oyster is grown to maturity, which takes about three years, a polished shell bead (mother of pearl) and a piece of mantle tissue are surgically implanted into the oyster. This bead is the nucleus of the future cultured pearl; in nature, it would be the piece of sand or parasite that would irritate the oyster.
The oyster secrets nacre to cover the bead. Nacre is composed of microscopic crystals that are uniquely aligned perfectly with one another. Light passing along the axis of one is reflected and refracted by the other. This is what gives the pearl its unique "glow". The oyster secretes and covers the bead with layer upon layer of nacre. The longer the pearl stays in the oyster, the more nacre will be layered and, usually, a better quality pearl will result.
The average time to make a cultured pearl is two to three years. Afterward, the pearls are harvested and sold to processors. The pearls are sorted, processed, and strung into hanks for export. The following characteristics are used in judging cultured saltwater pearl jewelry.
* The best luster is "bright" - the ability to see an object's reflection on the surface.
Higher luster levels command higher prices.
* Cleanliness refers to bumps, cracks, or spots on the surface of the pearl.
The cleaner the surface the more valuable the pearl.
* Pearls are formed in nature, so a perfectly round pearl is rare.
The rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is.
Baroque is the name given to off-round pearls. It is not unusual for Baroque pearls to have high luster. Their non-uniform, natural shapes and high luster have made them a fashionable favorite in recent years.
* Pearl size
The size of a pearl also influences price because larger pearls require more time within the oyster and therefore more cost to the grower. A large but imperfect pearl may be more expensive than a more perfect smaller pearl.
* Color is a matter of personal preference.
Rose or silver/white usually look best on fairer skin types.
Cream or gold pearls look best on darker complexions. |
