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KNOW YOUR PEARLS
WHAT IS A PEARL?
The only gemstone in the world that is formed within a living creature. Born from molluscs like oysters and mussels, these precious jewels have been adored since ancient times.
Pearls are most famous for their distinctive glow and exquisite beauty - a timeless allure that radiates elegance and sophistication. They appear in a rich variety of shapes and sizes, but the most popular one continues to be the classic white & almost perfectly round one.
HOW IS IT MADE?
As opposed to most gems, pearls are organic creations found in the sea. They are made by the natural defence mechanism of a mollusc shell to protect itself against foreign substances.
These beauties are a result of a biological process, the oyster’s way of protecting itself from foreign substances.
WHAT IS A NATURAL PEARL?
Natural pearls are formed organically when an irritant finds its way into the oyster’s soft tissue. This irritant could be seawater, sand or anything minute that activates the mollusc’s defence mechanism, causing it to produce layers of secretions. The secretion, called nacre, slowly develops into a natural pearl.
WHAT IS A CULTURED PEARL?
Cultured pearls are created by a mollusc farmer under controlled conditions. Farmers physically insert an irritant like a shell bead nucleus into the soft tissue of the mollusc. From there, the layers of nacre form naturally.
THE JOURNEY OF NATURAL VS CULTURED PEARLS
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NATURAL RADIANCE
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CULTURED BEAUTY
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL & CULTURED PEARLS?
The primary difference lies in the way the secretion process begins.
With natural pearls, the process takes place in the ocean without any human intervention. Cultured pearls require the assistance of pearl farmers to begin the secretion process.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CULTURED PEARLS?
- Freshwater pearls are grown in man-made lakes and reservoirs, especially in China.
- Saltwater pearls, including Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls, are grown in bays, inlets and atolls across the world.
Saltwater pearls are considered more valuable than freshwater ones, although rare and high-quality freshwater pearls can be exceedingly valuable too.
WHAT IS A MANUFACTURED PEARL?
Lab-created or manufactured pearls are mass produced in factories with mollusc shells. They are made from the same material as cultured or natural pearls, and offer the same lustrous beauty and glow. Since these are more affordable and available abundantly, they are used to create quality jewellery that speaks elegance.
WHAT IS A BAROQUE PEARL?
Baroque pearls refer to all those precious gems that aren’t perfectly spherical. They have irregular shapes and sizes with dented surfaces. These imperfections aren’t seen as flaws, but rather as unique qualities that enhance the beauty of pearls. No two baroque pearls ever look the same, and every piece of jewellery made with them is unique and beautiful.