The Elegant Pearl

Pearls are considered one of the most majestic and stunning gems in jewelry today. Whilst not as common in engagement rings as they were in Victorian times, they can still look beautiful, especially when paired with other stones. Pearls are created by living creatures and considered organic works of art.

How Pearls Are Made

A natural pearl begins when a foreign object or particle becomes stuck in an oyster or a clam's soft inner body. The object becomes lodged and the oyster cannot expel it. In an act of self-defense the oyster begins coating the particle with layer after layer of a substance called nacre. Nacre is also referred to a Mother of Pearl. Nacre is a crystalline substance that will build up over time creating a pearl.

Nacre will produce a shiny, iridescent appearance. The oyster will continue to coat the foreign article with layers of nacre as long as it remains inside the oyster's body. The process usually takes several years to produce a pearl.

Cultured pearls are created in a similar way. The major difference is that cultured pearls are produced with the help of humans. People who make cultured pearls are often referred to as pearl farmers. They insert beads into oysters in an effort to mimic nature. They place the beads in locations where the oyster cannot expel it.

The oyster then coats the bead with nacre, the same way it would do in nature. The result is a precious pearl. Pearls can be created in both fresh and salt water.

Currently, French Polynesia is the leading producer of cultured pearls. They are responsible for 93 percent of all cultured pearls in the world.

A Pearl's Quality

Both the quality and the strength of the pearl are judged on the thickness of the layer of nacre. Because of this pearls are sold based on their size, measured in millimeters. The thickness of the coat of nacre can be based on several factors including, the type of mollusk the pearl is grown in, the type of water it is grown in, how long it is grown, and how it is harvested.

While the major determinant of the quality of the pearl is its size, there are other factors to consider as well. For example, a pearls luster also helps determine its worth. Luster refers to the way the pear reflects light and shines. Luster is created by surface brilliance. The luster of a good quality pearl will make it appear that a deep glow is originating from inside the pearl. You will be able to see your reflection in a good quality pearl.

Pearls also come in a wide variety of colors. Pearls generally have a body color and an overtone. This means the pearl is basically one color, but hues of another color may slightly modify the appearance.

Another determinant of the quality of a pearl is its surface condition. Because pearls are grown rather that made, it is rare to find one with a perfect surface. However, you should avoid purchasing a pear with a surface that has numerous pits, spots, cracks, bumps, or blemishes (unless you're buying South Sea pearls, which are a different story).

The shape of a pearl also plays a part in its value. It is difficult to find a perfectly round pearl. But the general rule of thumb is that the more round the pearl the more valuable it is. Round pearls are referred to a spherical. Symmetrical pearls are generally pear shaped. And baroque pearls are irregular shaped gems. While baroque pearls are unique they re generally not very valuable.

If you are buying a strand of pearls it is also important that the individual pearls match as closely as possible. Look for pearls that are similar in luster, color, shape, size, and overall quality.