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Quality Designations
AAA - Extra Fine
AA - Fine
A - Good
BB - Semi-commercial
C - Commercial

Gemological Data
R.I. - 1.53 - 1.685
Hardness - 2.5 to 4.5
S.G. - 2.61 to 2.85

Typical Enhancements
Bleaching, dyeing, non-typical irradiation.

Enhancement Stability
Bleaching - Excellent
Dyeing - Variable
Irradiation - Very good

Varieties, Non-cultured
Saltwater: Naturals, whites, blacks, fancies, Burmese, Persian, Tahitian, South Sea, abalone, and conch pearls.

Freshwater: Natural, whites, blacks, fancies, and mussel pearls.

Varieties Cultured (Major)
Saltwater: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and Chinese cultured.

Freshwater: Biwa, blister, freshwater, keshi, mabe, potato, and cultured rice pearls.

Birthstone
June

Throughout history, the term “Pearl” referred to an organic gem found in a variety of mollusks. This natural rare treasure is conceived as a result of a defensive process in mollusks. Sometimes, a parasitic worm or some type of irritant lodges in the mollusks, and the oyster secretes nacre to defeat the invader. In time, a pearl is born. Natural pearls are RARE, and hundreds of oysters have to be harvested to find a single gem quality pearl.

Unfortunately, as European royalty continued their obsession with pearls, the population of pearl producing oysters were nearing extinction. At the end of the 19th century, several inventors were experimenting with culturing oysters to produce pearls. The 13th century Chinese were successfully implanting small Buddha’s medallions in oysters. The pearl nacre, which covered the medallions, was later recovered from the oysters and worn as amulets. An ingenious businessman, named Kokichi Mikimoto, refined the ancient process and is the accredited genius of the modern day “cultured pearl empire”. Although he was not the first person to cultivate a pearl, he is credited with being the first person to cultivate a completely spherical pearl. Mr. Mikimoto registered his patent (No. 13673) on February 12, 1908. Eventually pearls were given three (3) classifications: a) “natural”; b) “cultured”; and c) “imitation”.

Legend has it that Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone was pearl. She adorned herself in hundred of pearls and became a legend. History records dozens of European kings and queens obsession with this rare treasure. The Duchess of Marlborough (early twentieth century) wore hundreds of pearls around her neck, and it was her passion.

Many ancient people ground up pearls and used them as medicine. Some used it as a beauty cream, and today, the practice still continues.

Today, most cultured pearls are, in fact, harvested and bleached. Some are dyed to improve color, and some are even irradiated to create new color hues. Some cultured pearls are subsequently lightly polished, sorted, and sent to market.

Over-harvesting and pollution have nearly destroyed the natural pearl industry. Few natural pearls are available in today’s market. However today, cultured pearls are plentiful and simply dazzling in the better qualities. Modern cultured pearls come in a huge variety of color hues and can have high luster. Technology continues to improve upon nature, and many cultured pearls surpass their natural counterparts.

Cultured pearls have seven (7) value factors, and each affects price. Size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching are all factors that need to be considered by an expert to determine overall quality.

Jewels & Diamonds™ stocks a large supply of assorted cultured pearl products. The web site only shows a tiny portion of our inventory at lower price points. When considering purchasing “fine” cultured pearl jewelry items, it’s also best to buy from a professional who can actually evaluate quality factors.

"Dr. Gem"® is a renowned expert who actually hand picks our selections to unconditionally guarantee satisfaction with every purchase. Connoisseurs who wish to purchase items beyond our website's price point must make other financial arrangements outside of credit cards. No need to worry about computerized voice message systems. Just call "Dr. Gem"® direct at 352-621-4653 and he'll assist you personally.

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