7730 Wolf River Blvd.
Suite 103
Germantown, TN 38138
(901) 751-8052 Fax (901) 751-8062
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1) Are cultured pearls artificially manufactured? 2) What's the difference between cultured pearls and natural pearls? 3) Is there a standardized grading system for cultured pearls? 4) Do pearls last forever? 5) Why are pearls given two numbers to describe their size? 6) Are white pearls the best? 7) May I leave my pearls in a safety deposit box for years? 8) Pearls are so old-fashioned. 9) How do I care for my cultured pearls? 10) How often should I get my cultured pearls restrung? 1) Are cultured pearls artificially manufactured? Absolutely not. Cultured pearls, like natural pearls, are grown within live oysters. Each begins when a skilled technician surgically implants a host oyster with a shell bead and piece of mantle tissue. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a crystalline substance, called "nacre," over the irritant. Over time, the nacre layers build on one another, creating a surface that glows with a lustre unique to true pearls. Artificial, or imitation, pearls, on the other hand, do not involve oysters in any way, but are manufactured from various chemicals and compounds. Even so, be aware that some imitation pearls are sold as "organic." One popular technique for producing artificial pearls involves dipping a glass bead many times into a fish-scale-and-lacquer substance. While the shine of most artificial pearls is primarily surface reflection, a cultured pearl emanates a deep three-dimensional glow that appears to come from within the pearl itself. 2) What's the difference between cultured pearls and natural pearls? Natural pearls form without human assistance -- when a foreign object, such as a parasite or piece of shell, accidentally lodges itself in an oyster's soft inner body where it cannot be expelled. This happens so rarely that, today, nearly all natural pearls one sees are in estate jewelry collections. 3) Is there a standardized grading system for cultured pearls? Pearls have been bought and sold for thousands of years, but there still is no widely accepted standardized grading system, though individual vendors may use their own. Because no two pearls are ever alike, such a grading system would require hundreds of quality parameters. Also, the fact remains that some gem-quality pearls are so distinctive they defy comparison. 4) Do pearls last forever? With proper attention and handling pearls will last for generations. But if continuously exposed to harmful products -- such as cosmetics or abrasive detergents -- pearls' lustre can diminish. For this reason, light cleaning with a soft, damp cloth after each wearing is recommended, along with periodic deep cleaning by a professional jeweler. 5) Why are pearls given two numbers to describe their size? It's industry practice to measure cultured pearls in a necklace by range: 6 to 6 1/2 millimeters, or 7 to 7 1/2 millimeters, for example. This means that every pearl in the strand falls at or between the two sizes given. Note, however, that this practice does not apply to South Sea and Tahitian pearl necklaces, which are usually graduated in size. 6) Are white pearls the best? When it comes to the color of pearls, there is no "best," though white pearls with slight undertones of other colors are the most popular. As always, preferences are entirely up to your taste. You may want to consider the color that most favors her complexion. 7) May I leave my pearls in a safety deposit box for years? Please don't. Pearls contain small traces of water, so it's unwise to leave them in such a dry environment over very long periods. The conditions may cause the pearls' moisture to evaporate and cause them to lose lustre. Pearls worn frequently retain their moisture by absorbing it from the air or from the wearer's body. 8) Pearls are so old-fashioned. Not so. Fashion magazines have recently featured cultured pearls as one of the top accessories complimenting today's styles. 9) How do I care for my cultured pearls? Because cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals, it's important to take special care of them to ensure they remain bright and beautiful for generations to come. Cosmetics, perfumes and hair sprays all contain chemicals that can dull the lustre of pearls if exposed over extended periods of time. Acids in body oils and perspiration can damage pearls' lustre in the same way. So, we suggest that you put on your pearls after applying your makeup, perfume and hair spray, and then wipe your pearls afterward with a soft damp cloth to remove any harmful build-ups. Occasional washing with a mild soap is also recommended. Also, pearls should always be separated from hard jewelry items, whether metals or other gemstones, to prevent them from being scratched. It's best to keep pearls in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined jewelry box. With proper care of your precious pearls, your pearls will be bright and beautiful for years and years ... and years. 10) How often should I get my cultured pearls restrung? If you plan to wear your pearls several times a week, we recommend that you return for restringing once in a six month period to avoid breakage. If you wear them less often, once a year should suffice. The strand must be knotted between each pearl, both to prevent the pearls from rubbing against each other, and to save them from all falling should a break occur. |
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