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P E A R L E D U C A T I O N
Overview
Pearls have been harvested for thousands of years to create
beautiful jewels and family heirlooms. They are naturally formed
when a grain of sand or other irritant enters the shell of an
oyster, clam, or mussel and is coated with a shiny substance
called nacre. Because the chance of finding a natural pearl is
less than one in a million, nearly all pearls sold today are
cultured, meaning they were made by implanting an irritant into
an oyster to produce the pearl.
LaMonir is proud to offer not only a wonderful selection of
Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and Freshwater Pearls, but also the
information that you need to make an educated decision when
choosing which pearls are right for you.
So let's begin; here are 7 quality factors to consider when
purchasing your special pearl:
Understanding Color - The beautiful color of a pearl is unlike
that of any other gem. There are 6 main body colors: white,
cream, pink, black, gold and silver.
Understanding Overtone - Pearls are fascinating to
look at because of their spectacular flashes of secondary colors
called overtone. Overtones are the special shimmer or rolling
color that a pearl has when the light hits it just right.
Overtone colors are most often rose or green.
Understanding Luster - Part of the magic of pearls is their
glow. Luster refers to a pearl's surface shine. This is created
by the layers of nacre that have been coated over the irritant.
As the pearl is gradually formed, layer after layer of this
striking substance increases both the size and beauty of the
pearl.
Understanding Shape - During the formation process, not all
nacre coats are layered evenly, creating pearls of differing
shapes. Pearls with a round shape are the rarest and most
valuable. Other shape examples are baroque or button.
Understanding Size - It is fair to say that size has
the greatest effect in determining the price of a pearl. Of the
saltwater pearls, the largest produced are the South Sea and
Tahitian varieties, followed by the Akoya.
Understanding Surface Markings - It is normal for any natural
product to have imperfections or character traits. With regard
to pearls, the marks or bumps are referred to as blemishes. A
lightly or minimally blemished surface is absolutely acceptable.
Understanding Matching - It is very important to carefully
examine pearls to see how well matched they are for size, shape,
surface, color and luster. This is especially important when
viewing necklaces and bracelets. Lack of uniformity detracts
from the overall beauty of the item, and therefore, the value.
Making a Choice - As a simple guideline, select pearls
according to skin color. Rose compliments fair skin, cream
colored pearls enhance olive-toned skin, and black pearls suit
everyone! Fortunately, there is a wide range available, making
it easy for you to find one that suits your needs.
At LaMonir we are pleased to offer beautiful pearls that
will not only fit your budget, but with proper care, will also
become personal and family treasures for years to come.
Now that you have an understanding of the important pearl
quality factors, let's explore the variety of cultured pearls
available:
Akoya Pearls
The most popular pearls, Akoya, are those that have been
cultured and grown in cold saltwater oysters throughout the
world, most notably in Japan. These pearls are difficult to
grow; requiring years of tender care. The yield is certainly
worth the wait. Akoya pearls occur in a range of size, mostly
from 4.00 mm up to 9.00 mm. They are recognized for their
overall smoothness, luster, body color and subtle overtones; all
qualities that make them a classic beauty.
If you are searching for timeless elegance, consider Akoya
pearls.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea Pearls are breathtaking due to their large size, often
10.00 mm to 25.00 mm. These pearls are cultured in warm
saltwater in a species of oyster (Pinctada Maxima) that is the
largest oyster in the world capable of producing a cultured
pearl. These oysters are extremely sensitive, making cultivation
difficult. It is the complexity of the process as well as the
size that causes these pearls to be rare and more expensive than
others. South Sea pearls occur in white, gold and silver.
If you are searching for pearl jewelry that will make a
lasting impression, South Sea Pearls may be right for you.
LaMonir has collected a dazzling array of these treasures from
the sea just for you.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian Pearls are cultivated in a species of black-lipped
oyster (Pinctada Margaritifera) that resides in warm saltwater.
The oyster is capable of producing large pearls of up to 20.00
mm. The pearls occur in captivating colors; hues of metallic
silver to black with overtones of green, blue, or purple abound.
These pearls create an instant dramatic effect that is like no
other.
Tahitian Pearls are large, lustrous and rare, all qualities
that increase their value. For a gift that will delight and
enchant, LaMonir offers these unique pearls in a range of
settings, sure to please even the most discriminating of tastes.
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