FAQ

1. What is a pearl?

A pearl is a formation inside the shell of a living mollusk, generally a clam or an oyster. The pearl is produced in the soft tissue hidden inside the hardened shell of the mollusk. It is usually round in shape and hard to touch. Pearls have been used since ages as gemstones in precious jewelry, as adornments on clothing, as an ingredient in medicines and so on.

2. How is a pearl formed?

Sometimes a microscopic object, for example a grain of sand, enters the shell of a mollusk along with water and remains there. This foreign body irritates the living mollusk and it starts secreting a particular chemical. This secretion comprises chiefly of calcium carbonate. Continuous deposition of calcium carbonate on the microscopic object ultimately results in the creation of the pearl inside the shell of the mollusk.

3. Are all mollusks capable of producing pearls?

All mollusks can produce pearls of different varieties. However, not all pearls have the same value. Only two species of mollusks are capable of producing pearls that are considered to be precious. The value, as a gemstone, depends on the quality of the pearl produced inside the clams or oysters.

4. What is a natural pearl?

A natural pearl is formed when a foreign particle enters a mollusk by a natural process. This usually happens when the mollusk takes in water inside the shell and a grain of sand or any such minute particle flows inside along with it. The presence of the particle triggers the secretion of the calcium carbonate and this eventually results in the formation of a natural or wild pearl.

5. What is a cultured pearl?

A cultured pearl is somewhat different from a natural pearl, because of the process of formation. In a natural pearl, the particle enters the shell of the mollusk without any human intervention. However, in the case of a cultured pearl, the foreign body is artificially inserted inside the mollusk to trigger the secretion of calcium carbonate.

6. Why is a natural pearl more valuable than a cultured pearl?

The natural pearl is a rare thing to find. Thousands of mollusks were fished out and pried open before a single natural pearl was found. This rarity makes the natural pearl more valuable. You can avail a cultured pearl with ease from any pearl dealer. However, it is a rare occasion when one finds a natural pearl. This is the reason behind the difference in value between the two.

7. How is freshwater pearl different from saltwater pearl?

A freshwater pearl is formed inside mollusks living in fresh water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds and such others. They are found inside mussels belonging to the Uniondae family of mollusks. While, saltwater pearls are formed inside the shells of mussels living in seas and oceans. These mussels belong to the family Pteriidae.

8. How are natural and cultured pearls distinguished?

You may not be able to differentiate between natural and cultured pearls. However, there are ways by which a gemologist can distinguish between a natural and a cultured pearl. The most common way used for identifying this distinction is the use of a gemological x-ray. This x-ray reveals the center of a pearl, thus indicating its origin.

9. How to know a fake pearl from a genuine one?

Both natural and cultured pearls are considered genuine pearls. However, there are a number of fake pearls available as well. A microscope can reveal whether a pearl is genuine or not. If you cannot get hold of a microscope, you can use a simple trick. Rub the pearl against a front tooth. If it feels completely smooth, then it is a fake. Genuine pearls give you a gritty feel because of the presence of multiple layers.

10. What is pearl hunting?

Since ages, pearl divers have worked hard to fish out mollusks from the depths of oceans and seas. They went to the bottoms of the ocean bed to retrieve thousands of mollusks. This is known as pearl hunting. Initially, they wore no particular gear or had no special weapons to combat deadly sea creatures. With time, these pearl hunters started using special diving gear as well as weapons for protection.

11. What is pearl farming?

With time, it became difficult for pearl hunters to keep up with the rising demand for pearls. The process of creating pearls with the help of artificial means is defined as pearl farming. In pearl farming, a nucleus is inserted inside the soft tissue of the mollusk by artificial means. This triggers the secretion of the calcium carbonate and results in the formation of the pearl.

12. What should you look for when buying a pearl?

Similar in case of all gemstones, buying a pearl requires adequate knowledge. You need to check for certain things before you buy a pearl. These factors that determine the quality of a pearl are its size, shape, color, texture, luster and finish. You are sure to get the value for your money if you check for these before buying a pearl.

13. In what colors are pearl available?

Pearls are available in myriad hues. The common colors of pearls are the white and pink ones. However, you can find blue, black, cream, yellow, peach, lavender, and many others. The white pearls are considered most valuable. The varied colors of pearls available make it easier to mix and match them with your dresses and create a style statement of your own.

14. Are pearls found in round shape only?

No. The common misconception about pearls is that they are found in a single shape, round. It is common that you come across round shape pearls. However, pearls are found in other shapes as well, like button, pear, drop, etc. Choose a shape that suits the design of your jewelry and use it accordingly.

15. What is a pink pearl?

A pink pearl is just an ordinary pearl but different in color from a white pearl. It is formed by the same process but has a different hue. Pink pearls can be completely pink in color or white with rose tints. A pink pearl is an exquisite jewel because of its soft color and is favored by all for this reason.

16. Why choose a pearl?

Often termed as the ‘jewel of Venus’, pearls symbolize ethereal beauty. The sheer brilliance of pearl is accentuated by the elegance factor associated with it. Be it a Victorian styled necklace or a simple ring, pearls can add that exclusive touch to your jewelry. Moreover, they are not flashy and gaudy, so as to over emphasize their presence.

17. Which to use with pearls-silver or gold?

The best part of a pearl is that it compliments all kinds of metals. You can team up a pearl with a heavy gold necklace or a sleek silver wristlet. A platinum ring set with a pearl can also be an asset for any elegant lady. Choose whatever metal you like for your jewelry, a pearl is sure to add its unique touch to its beauty.

18. What is a 14K pearl ring?

A 14K pearl ring refers to a ring fashioned out of 14K gold and set with a single or more pearls. The different hues of 14K gold from which the rings are fashioned include yellow, white, rose and so on. You can set any colored pearls on these rings to compliment a particular outfit and add to your style quotient.

19. Which to opt for-a white pearl ring or a black pearl ring?

It depends on your taste actually. Both white and black pearl rings are exquisite pieces of jewelry. The value of the pearl is however, dependent on the color of it as well. A white pearl is more valuable than a black one. Buying any one depends on the outfit that you are wearing along with it.

20. How to evaluate a pearl?

When buying a pearl, set down a budget. You can then determine whether you can opt for a natural or a cultured pearl. Then you need to choose a particular color and shape of a pearl in order to buy it. The last things you need to check for are the luster and the texture of the pearl. Good quality pearls have a smooth finish and have a brilliance of their own.