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Pearl Buyers Guide Info
The Provenance Of A Pearl
Natural, uncultured pearls are the most expensive of all pearls but are very
rarely seen in todays market. Nowadays they only make appearances as
antiques.
Pearl culturing is now absolutely standard across the industry. .
The first thing to consider is the provenance of the pearl. Different pearl
varieties from different locations command different prices. Japanese akoya
pearls, white South Sea pearls, golden pearls and black Tahitian pearls are
considered the highest quality and command premiums. However, Chinese akoya
pearls and freshwater pearls dominate the market and offer buyers attractive
pearls at affordable prices.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya Pearls are very popular and are named after the Japanese word for the
relatively small Pinctada Fucata oyster. Mostly grown in Japanese and Chinese
coastal waters, these oysters are nucleated with as many as five beads
ranging from 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter. Only about one out of five
nucleated Akoya produces Pearls and only a fraction of these are of gem
quality.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea Pearls come from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Cultured
in varieties of Pinctada Maxima, these large, warm water loving, gold and
silver-lipped oysters produce fabulous colors. Highly expensive they are
often unobtainable for many consumers. Fortunately, South Sea Color Akoya
Pearls exhibit the same splendid orange, golden-yellow and pinkish fancy
colors, at far better value.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian Pearls are from French Polynesia and are named after the tropical
island of Tahiti. Grown in the large black-lipped oyster Pinctada
Margaritifera, these Tahitian Pearls are usually very expensive. Well known
for their very attractive black, gray and silver colors, Tahitian Color Akoya
Pearls make a far better value but equally beautiful alternative.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearls are cultured by slightly different methods without a bead.
Although historically originating in Japan around Lake Biwa, Chinese
freshwater pearl production congregates on the Yangtze River in Eastern
China. These equally beautiful pearls are produced at prices that the offer
best value of all types of the pearl family.
With provenance considered, it is time to start looking at the pearls
themselves. Generally, when examining pearls it is best to view them on a non-
reflective white surface under diffused light.
The Two Colors Of Pearl
While predominantly colored by body color, there is actually a second color
to consider when evaluating pearls. This second color is actually a result of
subtle iridescence. While not instantly obvious, especially when similar to
the body color, this effect lends pearls much of their allure and beauty.
Typically, this iridescence is seen most strongly on the crest of a pearls
horizon. This beautiful, shimmering effect is known as the OrientE Pearls
with rich colorful orients are generally valued higher than those that have
little or no orient.
The body colors themselves can be white, cream, pink (rose), golden, silver-
grey and black. Preference for color is subjective, meaning that generally
there is no such thing as a bad body color as the orient of the pearl
provides much of their beauty. Most people choose a color that flatters their
natural skin tone. Regardless of body color and orient, pearls on a single
strand should always match one another.
Virtually all black and golden pearls are dyed akoya pearls. Natural black
Tahitian colors and golden South Sea colors are comparatively rare, with
their high prices making them inaccessible to most consumers. While the
traditional method of coloring pearls has been to bathe them in a silver
solution, the more modern irradiation method gives a deeper, more uniform
body color that contrasts well with their natural metallic orient.
Luster, Coating & Surface Condition
Pearls at their best are bright, reflective gemstones - high luster generally
equals high quality. If this is important to you, try looking for pearls with
clean and even surfaces, as they reflect more light and do so more evenly
than pearls with blemished surfaces. However, please remember that most
pearls do have blemishes; intelligent pearl manufactures solve this problem
by concealing blemishes near the drill holes.
Weight, Size & Shape
As with their gemstone counterparts, the heavier the pearl, the greater its
desirability. However, there is one important difference, pearls are measured
and expressed by their size not weight (e.g. 8.5 millimeters). Often pearls
over 9 millimeters are generally disproportionately expensive in comparison
to their price-to-weight ratio. When weight is needed for buying multiple
pearls, it is usually stated in grams.
Round pearls should be as perfectly round as possible. However, even top
quality strands can contain the occasional semi-round pearl. Described as
being round, semi-round, off-round, or baroque, as with color preference,
shape preference is personal.
Gem Stone Lore
Amethyst - is a spiritual stone, it brings serenity in times of grief and
stress, and is a good aid to meditation. As a calming stone, if placed
against the forehead it can ease headaches, and if place under the pillow can
aid in restful sleep. It can be used to strengthen commitment, and as an aid
to chastity. Amethyst stones have a violet and purple hue, and are
associated with the birth signs of Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Aquamarine - is a water stone, it is used for calming the nerves,
strengthening the spirit, and as an aid to healing internal organs. When
used to aid communication, it helps calm and relax the overactive mind. If
used in conjunction with meditation, it inspires love, peace, serenity, and
greater self-awareness. Aquamarine stones are associated with the birth
signs Virgo and Aquarius.
Bloodstone - is a healing stone, and is helpful in clearing energy. It is
used with blood related disorders and to strengthen blood circulation, as it
is thought to toughen and oxygenate the bloodstream. Women may find
bloodstones helpful in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and for painful
periods. Bloodstones are also used to stimulate physical strength, and are
revitalising and balancing. Bloodstones are green with red flecks and are
associated with the birth sign Aries.
Carnelian - is a healing stone, it vitalises the blood and aids tissue
regeneration. It is used to aid concentration and helps to open the heart
bringing joy, sociability and warmth. It is also used as a protector from
evil. Carnelian stones are orange in colour, and are associated with the
birth sign Virgo.
Celestite – is a peace stone, it reduces stress and provides a sense of
relaxation, bringing with it peace of mind. It is also used as an aid to
creativity, and clarity of words and thoughts.
Citrine – is a healing stone, believed to be of great benefit to sufferers
of diabetes. It also aids tissue re-generation and is especially efficacious
to the digestive system. Used to improve self-confidence by encouraging self-
esteem, it enhances friendships and relationships in general. Citrine stones
have a pale to deep or smokey yellow colour, and are associated with the
birth sign Gemini.
Clear Quartz - as a healing stone, it is physically good for the heart and
spine. As a protective stone, it is a generator and activator of energy that
repels negativity on all levels. As such it is beneficially used to aid self-
confidence, and against real or imaginary slights and injustices. Also used
to bolster courage and as an aid too peaceful sleep. The milky or opaque
quartz has a receptive feminine aspect, while the clear quartz have a
stimulating male force.
Fluorite – is a healing and spiritual stone. Associated with the
strengthening of bones and teeth, it also aids knowledge, spiritual growth,
and unconditional love. Fluorite is a variable coloured stone often
containing purple, white and green.
Garnet - is a peace stone. Used to balance sexuality and soothe emotional
disharmony, while encouraging love and compassion. Its healing properties
protect from infection and aids with mental fatigue. Garnets are a deep red
in colour, and are associated with the birth signs Scorpio and Capricorn.
Jade - is a healing and protecting stone. Red jade serves to stimulate the
emotions; it aids friendships while promoting prosperity. Green jade serves
to calm and soothe. Both have a general influence on the inner motivations
and urges. Jade is associated with the birth sign Taurus.
Lodestone - is a metallic and magnetic stone with both drawing and repelling
properties. It helps to draw out and alleviate illness and pain from the
physical body, and eases emotional trauma by increasing resistance to stress
and disease. It provides protection when around people or in places that
impart feelings of depression or agitation, it repels these feeling and helps
you grow strong. Black in colour, its energies are clearing and building.
Moonstone – is a spiritual stone used to draw the aid of the Moonfs spirits
and the favours of the Moon goddess. They are also used to aid the
development of the subconscious and psychic mind. Moonstones have a watery
white, pearly sheen that is supposed to open the heart to giving and
receiving love, and when exchanged between lovers, arouses passion.
Moonstones are associated with the birth signfs of Cancer and Pisces.
Malachite - is an inspirational stone used to aid eyesight and visionary
powers by raising hopes and expectations. It helps to combat fear by
understanding its source, and assists us to back free from limitations by
increasing courage and determination. It is also good for arthritis and is
thought to attract prosperity. Malachite is an opaque green striped stone,
and is associated with the birth sign Sagittarius.
Peridot - is a healing and spiritual stone used in divination. Peridot is a
semi-precious stone and known as the gstone of the seerh. It counteracts
negativity and aids the development of inner vision by attracting occult
powers to the seer. It also enhances feelings of inner joy and lightness and
opens you to giving, receiving, and expressing this joy. Used in healing, it
has a beneficial affect on cleansing the liver when gchargedh in water. It
accelerates personal growth, resonates well with the heart, and aids in
reducing stress. Peridot is light green in colour, and associated with the
birth sign of Leo.
Rose Quartz - is a feminine love stone. Used to draw positive energies, it
increases fertility, friendships and brings contentment to the aged. Placed
over the heart area, it filters and harmonises energies passing through it in
either direction. It is a very comforting stone that promotes tenderness and
sweet things, joyfulness and peace. It also soothes heart pain. Rose Quartz
as its name suggests, has a pinkish rose colour.
Sodalite - is a calming and balancing stone. It alleviates fears and
strengthens the metabolism. It is a slightly sedative and grounding stone
that lowers blood pressure and aids sleep. It also clears and calms the mind
bringing clarity, enhanced communication, and creative self-expression that
widens the perspective. Sodalite is a bright blue stone, often criss-crossed
with white lines and flecks; these symbolise the spiritual light that comes
with a balanced mind.
Sources
An Insight into the Magical World of Crystals
(A pamphlet issued by Rainbow Crystals)
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