Just like diamonds, pearls are now fast becoming as girls’ another best friend as they can also effectively put a significant glow on every woman in the form of a jewelry. From fashionable earrings, to magnificently glowing necklaces, pearls have set their own signature as one of nature’s greatest wonders.
Basically, pearls are classified into two types namely sea pearls and freshwater pearls. Obviously, freshwater pearls are grown in lakes, ponds, and rivers while a sea pearl on the other hand are harvested from lagoons, ocean waters, and volcanic atolls. The freshwater type is harvested inside a freshwater mollusk that has the capability of producing 50 pearls at a time.
As a start, small pieces of mantle tissue are placed inside the mollusk. They are referred to as pearl starters which are later on covered by the mollusk with its natural coating called nacre. Usually, it takes between 4 to 6 years to have a fresh water pearl fully grown for harvest. Sea pearls on the other hand only produce one pearl per oyster. Such type of pearl ahs three different sub groups which is the Akoya, Tahitian, and the South Sea pearls. Among the three types of sea pearls, the South Sea pearls take the longest time of culturing which usually takes up to 6 years. Smaller types of South Sea pearls on the other hand can be harvested after a two year cycle.
Sea pearls are noted for their lasting magnificence that can still be witnessed through generations. But unlike sea pearls, freshwater pearls only have a short and limited time frame for them to showcase their beauty. Their luster quickly fades eventually becoming chalky or milky. This basic property of freshwater pearls gave them the title of “the pearls to enjoy now.” Due to the fact that sea pearls are more genuine both in quality and appearance, they usually cost a lot more expensive compared to freshwater pearls. One strand of sea pearls can have a price of $3,000 to $100,000 while freshwater pearls have a price of $300 to $1,500 per strand.
Generally, South Sea pearls are similarly colored unlike freshwater ones that have various appearances. When it comes to the quality of their nacre, South Sea pearls are notable with their prominent halo and have more depth with regards to iridescence.
Akoya pearls are white with no strong overtones of other colors like silver, pink, and rainbow. In some cases, an orient pearl is produced out of saltwater pearls through the perfect combination of nacre thickness and quality.
Related posts:
- Saltwater vs. Freshwater Pearls
- What are the Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?
- Exquisite South Sea Pearls
- Why Pearls are Different Colors
- Lesser Known, But Beautiful Pearls
- Akoya Pearl Quality
- Advice When Buying Pearl Necklace Jewellery
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