Pearl

Natural pearls are formed by concentric deposits of nacre formed around an irritant which accidentally lodges within the body of an oyster. A cultured pearl is essentially the same mineral as a natural pearl but the irritant was placed in the oyster. Natural are many times more expensive than cultured, in fact a world renowned jeweller purchased their first New York show room with a stand of natural pearls. Most pearls are marine although fresh water pearls are available, they tend to be less expensive and not as regular in shape.

The price and desirability of a pearl is based on the following:

• Lustre or orient, a shimmering iridescence or glow. The deeper the nacre and lustre the higher the value
• Size, as it is harder to grow large pearls they are rarer thus more expensive.
• Shape, the more symmetrical the higher the value.
• Surface perfection, ideally smooth the more blemishes the lower the value.

Available in a range of colours from a deep oily black to pale lemon yellow. Personal taste and skin tone normally dictate the choice of colour. Pearls are delicate and should be treated with care, they should be placed either in a box or pouch on their own as they can be easily damaged when scratched against other jewellery. If strung it should be knotted in between each pearl, this will prevent loss if the string should break.