Pearls are some of the most sought after gems in the world, and for good reason. In this article we’ll explore natural vs cultured pearls, where to find the best pearls in the world, their history, and what types of pearls you can get your hands on.
Difference Between Natural Pearls and Cultured Pearls
Pearls come in a variety of shapes and colors, and can be worn with almost any outfit. These little beauties have been around for centuries and there has always been an obsession with them – they’re even said to represent innocence!
There are two main types of real pearls – natural and cultured. The difference between natural and cultured pearls is that natural pearls form without any human intervention, while cultured pearls are created by humans.
What is the History of Pearls?
The history of pearls is quite fascinating. They have been around for centuries, and were once considered to be more valuable than gold. In Ancient Rome pearls were the most highly prized of all objects, according to the philosopher Pliny.
Pearls were highly prized by the ancient Egyptians and were used in jewelry, makeup and even medicine. Cleopatra is said to have dissolved a pearl in wine and drunk it in order to win a bet.
Pearls have always been associated with wealth and luxury, and are still seen as a symbol of elegance today. They are also the main birthstone for those born in the month of June.
What Are The Main Types of Natural Pearls?
Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a piece of sand, becomes lodged inside an oyster’s shell. To protect itself from this irritant, the pearl sac coats the intruder with nacre, which is also known as mother of pearl. This process can take several years and produces only one pearl.
Natural pearls, which are extremely rare and valuable, can be found in warm seas such as the Persian Gulf. They typically come from saltwater oysters of the Pinctada maxima species.
Wild pearls can also be found in freshwater mussels or clams.
What Are The Main Types of Cultured Pearls?
Cultured pearls are formed in the same way as natural ones with one main difference – a bead, piece of shell or other implant is placed on the oyster’s hinge ligament.
The oysters are allowed to mature for about six months, after which time they’re opened up and a nucleus (usually made of plastic) is inserted into each mollusk. The oysters are then closed up again and left undisturbed for another six to eight months. When they’re harvested, the nuclei usually consists of hundreds of layers of nacre.
A cultured pearl that is perfectly round (called “mabe pearls“) or shaped like an egg (“baroque pearls“) is cultured in a mollusk. The majority of cultured pearls are produced in China, Japan and South Korea.
Most pearls on the market today are cultured, as it is much easier to control the size, shape, and color of these pearls. Pearl farms are where most of the world’s cultured pearls are grown.
There are hundreds of pearl farms located all over the world from Australia to Tahiti to China. Pearl farmers employ pearl divers to collect the precious gems.
Who Invented Cultured Pearls?
Kokichi Mikimoto (1858-1954) is credited with the invention of cultured pearls and was the first to produce them on a commercial scale. He founded Mikimoto in 1893, which is still in operation today and known for its exquisite cultured pearls.
How to Tell the Difference Between Natural and Cultured Pearls
The best way to determine whether a pearl is natural or cultured is to have the pearl appraised by a qualified jeweler. There are a few key factors can help you distinguish between natural and cultured pearls:
– The majority of natural pearls (especially saltwater varieties) have low luster, while most cultured pearls have high luster.
– The cultured version are perfectly round pearls, whereas natural pearls may be misshapen or asymmetrical.
– Natural pearls often have irregular coloring or surfaces, while the cultured version are more likely to be solid white pearls.
– Cultured pearls are usually more durable than natural ones because the nacre is stronger and resistant to scratching.
Are Cultured Pearls Real Pearls?
The answer is yes, cultured pearls are real pearls. However, cultured pearls are a lot less valuable than natural pearls. The latter are extremely hard to find, and therefore command higher prices.
Around one in ten thousand pearl oysters may contain a natural pearl, although it may not be the right size or shape to be used in jewelry.
Cultured pearls should not be confused with fake pearls. Also known as costume or imitation pearls, these are made from glass, plastic, shell or ceramics.
What Are the Most Common Types of Pearls?
The most common types of natural and cultured pearls:
- Freshwater pearls – these are the ones you’ll typically find in a jewelry store.
- Saltwater pearls – some of the best pearls in the world, which come from oysters around Australia, Thailand and Indonesia.
- Tahitian pearls – these pearls come in a variety of colors, including black, green, blue and pink. They are usually found in French Polynesia.
- South Sea pearls – the largest and most valuable pearls in the world, they come from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Akoya pearls – the classic pearl, comes from Japanese Akoya oysters. Akoya pearls are the smallest type of pearl and are typically round or semi-round in shape. They are usually found in Japan and China.
- Golden South Sea pearls – a rare type of South Sea Pearl that is yellow or gold in body color.
- Keshi pearls – these highly lustrous pearls are made entirely of nacre and don’t contain a bead nucleus.
What Types of Natural and Cultured Pearl Jewelry Exist?
Pearl jewelry is available in all shapes, sizes and colors including natural and cultured pearl earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. These beautiful pearls make the perfect gift for any occasion.
Double strand cultured pearl necklaces are in high demand right now. They consist of two strands of pearls that are connected together by a clasp. This gives the illusion of wearing two necklaces at once!
Triple strand cultured pearls are even more luxurious. These consist of three strands of pearls, and can be very impressive when worn.
You can also gift loose pearls and then have them made into the design of your loved one’s choice. Whether you choose natural pearl jewelry or cultured pearls, the recipient is in for a truly special surprise!
Where Are the Best Natural and Cultivated Pearls?
So where can you find the best pearls in the world? Well, that depends on what type of pearl you’re looking for. If you want a quality natural pearl, then head to Australia, the Persian Gulf or India.
If you’re after cultured pearls, then China is the place to go – it produces around 90% of all cultured pearls. Japan and South Korea also produce cultured pearls. Here’s a lowdown of the major pearl producing countries:
– Australia: home to some of the finest quality pearls in the world, with a variety of colors ranging from white to black. The Australian pearl industry is worth an estimated $500 million per year.
– Japan: known for its akoya pearls, which are small but of a high quality and can be found in several different colors.
– Tahiti: famous for its black pearls, the main source of income on this Polynesian island comes from pearl cultivation rather than fishing as it used to do previously.
– China: home to freshwater pearls which are cultivated mainly along the Yangtze River and are known for their unusual shapes.
– Myanmar: produces some of the world’s most expensive pearls, which can sell for up to $2000 per piece. These are often referred to as golden pearls because of their golden hue.
How To Care For Natural Pearls vs Cultured Pearls
– Always remove your jewelry before showering or swimming. Not only can the water cause damage to your pearl, there is also the risk of exposure to chemicals or chlorine which can discolor pearls.
– Be careful when wearing natural pearls with other accessories like metal studs that may scratch the surface of the gemstones.
– Do not use jewelry cleaning solutions on cultured pearls as they are less porous than natural ones and it can cause damage to the surface of your pearl.
– Store both natural and cultured pearls in a soft cloth bag away from any heat or light sources which may fade their color over time. If you are looking for an alternative way to store them, consider placing them inside a silk pillowcase for extra protection.
– Make sure you have a good quality clasp on your pearl necklace or bracelet to avoid them falling off.
In Conclusion: Natural vs Cultured Pearls
Pearls are a timeless, classic gem that have been passed down for generations and will always look elegant. Whether you choose to buy natural pearls or cultured pearls, you can find both types at many retailers online and in jewelry stores throughout the country.
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