JAPANESE PEARLS

Japanese pearls known worldwide as akoya saltwater pearls generally have thick nacre and intense luster. Japanese cultured pearls are produced by a species of small oysters, Pinctada fucata, no bigger than 6 to 7 cm in size, Akoya oyster is a species of salt-water mollusk that produces this type of pearl. Japanese pearls larger than 10 mm in diameter are extremely rare and highly prized. Best time to harvest these cultured pearls is during periods when the oysters are dormant. This occurs during the hottest and coldest times of the year. If harvested some other time it may bring less layers of nacre and dull luster. Kokichi Mikimoto had perfected the technique of culturing akoya pearls. Mikimoto grew full-round pearls by inserting beads into the pinctada martensii mollusk, now simply called akoya. Japanese pearls luster and luminescent depth rivaled naturals pearls which are rarity now.

Akoya pearl necklaces have become symbols for beauty and elegance and one of the most popular pearls the world over. Japanese pearls are in fact the epitome for the classic beauty, quality and grace when it comes to pearl luster. High thick luster is a hallmark for any pearl. Each pearl is hand-knotted to make full matching pearl necklace. Japanese pearls are indeed adorable and much sought after. White color Japanese pearls are the best and traditional classic pearls. There was a time when only rich could afford pearls and hence it became precious and more so a status symbols among rich people to possess and show off pearl jewelry but not anymore. With the modern improved techniques of culturing pearls, it has now become affordable by everyone. Pearls are always in fashion and always in style.

PEARL NECKLACES

Well, we all know women love jewelry and it is perhaps their inner passion to wear gorgeous piece of jewelry. Among many other choices, pearl necklace is the preferred choice of many women because of its natural lustrous appeal.

When it comes to pearl necklace, usually it’s a white color pearl necklace. White color pearl necklaces are classic, traditional and generally designed with round shape pearls. Pearls come in other natural colors too, like gray, black, golden, light green etc. However, pearls can be color-enhanced to suit fashion and style in lavender, pink, peach, gold, black and blue as well. But natural original color pearl necklaces are always preferred and command higher prices. A typical pearl necklace is hand-knotted with about 40 pearl beads.

Pearl Necklaces are not restricted to round shape pearls only. Tear drop, pear, potato, coin and irregular baroque shape pearls are equally popular among women and commonly used by jewelers and designers alike. Pearl necklaces are designed with various pearl types such as freshwater pearls, akoya seawater pearls, Tahitian and South seawater pearls and their prices vary according to type and quality among other factors. Pearl Necklaces made with akoya pearls are typically very good in quality because of its lutrous appeal and are very popular now. Pearl necklaces go very well with all types of dresses, casual or formal. Pearl necklaces especially blend excellent when wearing evening attires and wedding gowns. You will find many brides wearing these beautiful pearl necklaces. Pearls are natural gems and pearl necklace enhances the beauty of a woman and brings grace and elegance of style.

When it comes to pearl size the most popular sizes are between 6mm to 8.5mm. Small sizes are very common among younger girls and larger sizes are preferred choice of many women. Besides pearls shape and size, pearl necklaces come in various unique stylish lengths:

Pearl Collar – 12 to 13 inches length Pearl Choker ~ 14 to 16 inches Princess Necklace ~ 17 to 19 inches Matinee Necklace ~ 20 to 25 inches Opera Necklace ~ 26 to 36 inches Pearl Rope ~ 37 inches or longer

CULTURED PEARLS

Cultured pearls are natural gems. Its natural beauty is unique and used in pearl jewelry. Pearls achieve their most distinctive beauty that comes from the reflection of light through the layers of crystalline nacre. In other words, the unique luster of pearls depends upon the reflection and refraction of light emanating from its translucent layers. The transparent nacre provides the deep shine and the high reflection. The iridescence or opalescence in pearl is caused by the over lapping of successive layers. The luster is the essence of beauty of all pearls types. A high quality lustrous pearl will emit a brilliant and equal reflection with fine radiance.

All pearls sold now in both domestic and international markets are cultured pearls and are known by various names such as cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, akoya pearls or akoya seawater pearls, Tahitian pearls, south seawater pearls. Natural pearls are rarity now. These pearls culturally grown in fresh waters as well as seawaters and their growth and harvesting period vary from region to region and the methods used by the pearl farms. Cultured pearls are real pearls that are formed naturally by a mollusk with the human help. Pearls emanate certain warmth and glow not found in other gems, due to their unique formation inside oysters’ body. These cultured pearls are very good in quality and their lustrous appeal.

Cultured pearls are formed inside the body of oysters. The mollusk deposits layer of nacre, a combination of crystalline and organic substances, when any irritant or parasite enters or placed inside its body. Over a period of time with nacre building up in layers upon layers, the pearl is formed. Akoya pearls are the classic cultured pearls of Japan and known for its best lustrous appeal. The bead-nucleating technology of producing cultured pearls was developed and perfected by Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan in early 20th Century. Now China is the leading source of all cultured pearls - freshwater and akoya pearls.

Difference in cultured and natural pearls can’t be made with naked eyes; however, distinction becomes very prominent when seen through x-rays. Cultured pearls are used in pearl jewelry as well as in cosmetics. Cultured pearls have always been the preferred choice of all women and revered as one of the most beautiful and magical gems on this earth. Cultured pearls are now available in high lustrous quality and much affordable prices than ever before.

Although white color is synonymous with cultured pearls but they do come in various other natural shades link cream, rose overtones, pink, gray, peacock black, golden and lavender etc. Value of these gorgeous cultured pearls vary according to the type of these pearls and again it all depends upon size, color and brilliance of these pearls and pearl jewelry in each category of these types.

It is very important to take special care of pearl jewelry so that pearls always stay lustrous, bright and beautiful. Cultured pearls are more than just jewels. Cultured pearls are natural beauty. Cultured pearls can be worn with all kinds of dresses – from casual to parties. Pearls are not only symbol of purity; virtue and modesty but are real organic gems on this earth. Enhance your beauty with one of the nature’s best bounties.