Pearls have always been a beloved choice in the world of jewelry. These shining stars have captivated people from all walks of life, including members of royal families and Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn. With their timeless elegance and versatility, pearls can effortlessly elevate any outfit, whether you prefer a simple or ornate style.
For over three decades, KDadorn has been providing Gainesville with the highest quality and most exquisite pearls. If you’re looking to add these stunning gems to your collection, we invite you to read on for our comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about pearls.
The Formation of Pearls
Pearls are adored for their unique shape, color, luster, and smooth texture, which exudes sophistication and accessibility.
Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, finds its way into the shell of certain mollusks in lakes, rivers, or seas. The mollusk responds by secreting layers of nacre, a protein, over the irritant, eventually creating the beautiful pearls we cherish.
Natural Pearls vs. Cultured Pearls
Natural pearls, formed without human intervention, are exceptionally rare and thus more valuable than cultured pearls. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are created by introducing a synthetic irritant into the mollusk to stimulate the nacre production process. While cultured pearls are more affordable, they are equally stunning. Many pearls available today are cultured pearls.
Types of Pearls
No matter your personal style, there is a pearl variety to suit your taste.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are slightly smaller than their saltwater counterparts but come in a range of colors, including light pink, white, and cream. These delicate pearls are perfect for creating dainty jewelry pieces like rings.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls were the first pearls to be cultivated in Japan during the 1920s. They are formed in the world’s smallest saltwater oyster. With their round and symmetrical shape, iridescence, and white color, Akoya pearls are ideal for elegant earrings or necklaces.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls, cultivated in the sensitive white-lipped Pinctada maxima oyster, are the rarest among cultured pearls. These large, smooth pearls have a remarkable luster, making them perfect for statement jewelry such as stud earrings, drop earrings, and pendants.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are cultivated in black-lipped oysters and exhibit a range of colors, from dark gray to black with hints of green or purple. These captivating pearls are often used as the centerpiece in earrings, bracelets, or necklaces.
Choosing the Perfect Pearl
With the wide variety of pearls available, it’s important to consider certain factors to ensure you select a piece you’ll cherish for years to come.
Size
When choosing pearls, consider the size that suits your preferences. Freshwater pearls range from 5mm to 13mm, Akoya pearls from 2mm to 10mm, Tahitian pearls from 8mm to 20mm, and South Sea pearls from 3mm to 9.5mm.
Shape
While round pearls are the most valuable and sought after due to their perfectly spherical shape, other shapes offer their own unique appeal. Semi-round pearls may appear perfectly spherical to the naked eye but have slight irregularities, making them slightly less valuable. Drop-shaped pearls resemble teardrops and can be exceptionally valuable if they are flawless. Baroque pearls, with their irregular shapes, offer an affordable option for those seeking something different.
Color
Pearls come in a range of colors, including white, ivory, gray, champagne, purple, black, pink, green, chocolate, lavender, and blue. Naturally colored blue pearls are particularly rare and prized for their uniqueness.