No one ever thought that freshwater mussels could not only
produce pearls that are perfectly round or nearly so on a regular basis
but that they could produce pearls of any size. Guess what? They can and
so went conventional wisdom about cultured pearls! Recently China has been
producing freshwater cultured pearls that are not only round and in sizes
up to 12 mm but in natural colors of white, peach, pink, lavender,
cinnamon, and even butter colors with luster that rivals Akoya (salt water
cultured) pearls of old. Pearls can also be dyed for color as well -
chocolate, black, gray - but natural colors have greater value. The recent
discovery that adding various metals to the water in which freshwater
pearls are cultivated can produce even wider ranges of color. Although
freshwater pearls were originally produced in lakes in Japan, 90% of the
world’s freshwater pearls now come from China.
Pearls of all varieties - always a classic - are enjoying a new found
popularity among all age groups. They make the perfect gift for graduation
for stylish young ladies, wedding gift for the brides of today as well as
a timelessly elegant basic for a lady of any age. Every woman should have
a strand of pearls!
Pearls are the traditional birth stone for those born in the month of
June. (Alexandrite is the faceted stone used for this month). Pearls have
been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. They have
come to symbolize a happy marriage and are the accepted anniversary gift
for the third and thirtieth years of marriage.
Special care should be taken to maintain the beauty of pearls. Properly
cultivated pearls of the highest quality in both freshwater and saltwater
varieties will hold their value provided they are well cared for. Avoid
household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays and perfumes. To clean, wipe
gently with a moist cloth. If necessary, they can be cleaned in a solution
of gentle soap and water then placed on a soft cloth to dry before putting
them away. Store pearls in a protective chamois pouch and away from other
metal and gemstone jewelry as it can scratch or damage pearls. Pearls do
need to be restrung periodically when their silk strand becomes frayed,
stretched, dirty or broken. It is wise to have them strung with knots
between the individual pearls for security.
Pearls are the only gem that comes from a living sea creature: they
require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. Pearls
are typically bleached in hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and stains.
Quality pearls should be relatively free from skin blemishes and have very
high luster which is a product of thick nacre. There are a number of
features besides size that effect the value of pearls.
At Laney’s, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have
about pearls, explain their differences and assist you in choosing the
best pearls to suit your needs. Pearl jewelry is a unique statement of
perfection, grace, and femininity that offers its wearer glamorous
sophistication and timeless elegance. No other jewels make the transition
from day to evening as smoothly as pearls. We have many beautiful strands
of pearls and pearl jewelry in a variety of styles and price points from
which to choose! We can satisfy your personal taste and budget. Come see!
