Pearls are different from other gemstones which are produced inside the Earth's deeps. Pearls are created naturally by living creatures which are mollusks. Mollusks have soft whole body inside and a hard outside shell. Mollusks live as freshwater habitats or main land. History about pearls dated back from 530 million years ago. An average of 100,000 living mollusks abound our world today.
Every mollusk which produces shell can make pearls. However, natural pearls are uncommon and perhaps can be found for one in every ten thousand animals. The pearl industry has begun since 20th century and has developed certain methods to induce pearl production.
Generally, pearls can be classified into two categories the natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those produced when an intruder enters into the shell of any mollusks enabling it to grow into nacre around the shells' particles. Natural Pearls are very rare and thus quite expensive.
Cultured Pearls are pearls also growing inside the mollusk but with interference from human. An object is inserted inside the shell and will be coated with nacre layers. The thicker the nacre coating the more durable the pearl will be. The coating of nacre and its depth will depend on the mollusk type, the water and how long a thing lives in the mollusks.
It is quite evident that many pearls are produced these days. Men have learned how to culture these gems. One process is putting shells beads inside oysters and returning it to the water to let it produced more. Cultured pearls are produced mostly in Japan. In South Pacific where there are warmer waters, larger oysters are
These gems are cherished and symbolize perfection and purity. Pearls have occurred naturally in various shapes, colors and sizes. Pearls' classification with regards to its shapes is as follows:
1.Spherical pearls that are round and the most pleasing shape; rounder pearls are more expensive.
2.Baroque pearls which have irregular shapes. These pearls are the cheapest of all kinds but also beautiful and unique.
3.Symmetrical pearls which can be pear in shape and those shapes with symmetry but not necessarily round.
Pearls can further be classified to different types which are generally from the country where they are produced. Some of the types are:
1.Black pearls which are produced from black oysters. Found in South Sea. Some pearls can be made black by using dyes but the natural colors are dark gray or dark green.
2.Akoya pearls are those representing the most common pearls. When you heard of pearl, Akoya pearl is the image which you are trying to describe. These kinds of pearls are mostly cultured in Japan and the oysters producing them are palm sized thus pearls in them are not those large. Only about 2mm to 10mm.
3.South sea pearls are those from white oysters and which is the largest. They are silvery grey in color and measures 15mm. These pearls are very expensive and very rare.
4.South sea half pearls are hemispherical in shape. They are also silvery grey in color and are quite similar to the Mabe Pearls.
5.Mabe pearls are also hemispherical with a rainbow colored luster. Mabe pearls just differ from south sea pearls in color. These pearls are cultivated and cultured nowadays.
6.Seed pearls are very small and resemble a poppy seed. The shape is oval or distorted.
7.Freshwater pearls are cultured mostly in Lake Biwa Japan; others are imports from China. These pearls are oval in shape and white in color. There can also be orange and wine colored freshwater pearls.
8.Keshi pearls are cultured in Akoya and South Sea also. They are small with white silver and silver grey color.
9.Kasumiga pearls are new types of pearls coming from Tokyo lakes in the northeast. The mollusks producing them are Japan and China crossbreeds. These pearls are rosy, light or dark pink in colors.
Pearls whether cultured or natural are fragile and should be taken cared of. Here are some tips on how to handle your pearls:
Take off the pearls when applying any body creams; put them on when you have applied your make up already.
Clean the pearls by wiping it with soft cloth regularly. You can also wet the cloth with water or mild soap in case the pearls are dirty.
Do not use harsh soaps and detergents and ammonia in cleaning your pearls
In storing your pearls, do not put it together with other pieces of jewelry that can scratched it easily.
Wear the pearls often. The natural body oil can make pearls lustrous.
All pearls carry with them the class and charm any gemstones can have. It is a gift that we have bountiful pearls available in our planet. But with man's given talent, cultured pearls are also made within our reach. We should take care of these stones because their beauty doesn't fade away but lasts a lifetime.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Please, I Need help with my Girlfriend
By: omgitistotallymatt | 21-11-2007
If you have read my earlier threads, i have been talking about my girlfriend and I "touching" so to speak. I have talked with her and found it is against her personal morals to do this sort of thing. While i respect this decision, and I have asked multiple times if it was something else (only to get the reply no), could it be she is insecure, or is she really not ready? Also, being a teenager, I do not totally comprehend the opposite sex, but the only reason why I bring this up is that I have an urge telling me deep down that this is the right thing to do. I know that I should not totally trust it, but I was wondering, could she have the same feeling in her, she is jsut hiding/repressing it?Above all this, I see her this weekend, and personally, I would like to show her a good time, but in order to do this I feel I will have to get her into that "sensual, hot" mood, if you catch my drift, does anyone have any ideas on that.If anyone can help me on this, I am very thankful. I know she loves me, and I love her back, but this urge is starting to kill me a bit inside, so I want to fix it now. Should I ask her if she has the same feelings inside, I have asked her many awkward ?'s and she seems to be ok with them. Thanks for any answers.
Any suggestions for things to do in Vancouver while on a road trip?
By: ILoveTeaching | 20-11-2007
I took a road trip last summer up the California coastline up to/thru Oregon & to/thru Seattle and enjoyed it so much I want to do it again (& take the time to explore some of the places I could only drive thru on the way home because I ran out of time). Next time, I want to include Vancouver in my trip. Any suggestions?
Have you tried Botox injections?
By: DrJames | 20-11-2007
Have you tried Botox injections? If so, how do you like the results? Would you recommend it to others for the price you paid?
Hila Elmalich Dies at 60 Pounds of Anorexia
By: DD.Suzan | 20-11-2007
A model died last week weighing barely 60 pounds. Do you think being 60 pounds is better than being 260?
Israeli model dies of anorexia!
By: JenniferL | 20-11-2007
When Israeli fashion model Hila Elmalich died last week after years of fighting anorexia, she weighed less than 60 pounds. Her death sent a shockwave through Israel's fashion world. Elmalich, who had been in and out of hospitals for several years, collapsed at home and died Wednesday of heart failure. Do you think Israel should follow Brazil in their quest to make models healthier by requiring them to have a minimum Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Hi just wondering where or who stocks the blue ...
By: tone | 19-11-2007
hi just wondering where or who stocks the blue hard wax suitable for brazilian waxing and what its called and or any preferred wax that sets a bit harder than hot rose thanx
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Women's Issues Articles
How Can I Get the Best Cosmetics?
By: Elizabeth Roth | 30/08/2008
Not every woman wears makeup on a regular basis, but most of them at least want to do so on special occasions. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find the right cosmetics because there are so many choices. They all claim to do something different or offer more than others,...
Fine Jewelry Can Be Trendy Too
By: Amy Carrington | 29/08/2008
Within the jewelry world there are classic pieces that seem to always be in style, however there are also those very unique trends that come around every now and then to really shake things up. High end jewelry or fine jewelry lines are not immune to the impact of trends....
New Balance Shoes For Women
By: Junaid Ashraf Mianoor | 29/08/2008
People say that a diamond is a woman's best friend. However, more women out there go gaga over shoes rather than diamonds. Well, it may be attributed to the fact that not all women can easily buy diamonds. But then again, shopping for shoes is always a wonderful treat and...
Natural and Organic Skincare Tactics
By: Matt Gammie | 29/08/2008
For those indulging in a spot of sunbathing - whether in the UK, or more likely, on holiday abroad - sun cream is a necessity. There are natural and organic sun lotions available for those who wish to avoid synthetic ingredients, many of which moisturise the skin via aloe vera...
Sapphires, Rubies, And Emeralds: How Colored Gemstones Are Valued
By: Dee Power | 28/08/2008
The colors of the rainbow caught forever in glittering jewels that take your breath away. Colored gemstones can rival diamonds for their beauty but how are they valued?
Even though sapphires, rubies and emeralds differ in color and weight for example, there is a consistency in how they are valued. And...
An Affordable Solution For Breast Enhancement
By: Ron Avigad | 28/08/2008
For many women, not only can they not afford to splurge on that much desired breast augmentation surgery, but many of these women also may not truly feel safe health wise when considering most any form of invasive breast enlargement surgeries that the advanced medical world has to offer. Another...
The Secrets to a Complete Master Cleanse
By: Dr. Myra A.Lynn | 28/08/2008
The master cleanse program provide you with their secret advises to complete their program. Given are the secrets of the program. Don't miss it and enjoy reading it and successfully complete the program. Nowadays we are often fascinating foods and air that are full of toxins and polluted materials.
Human body...
Use Southwestern Purses As Beautiful Accessories For Western Apparel
By: Craig Chambers | 27/08/2008
Southwestern purses are a must for any woman who likes western attire, or for those who enjoy the southwest. Quite possibly some of the most important elements in women's attire, purses and handbags offer a safe place for keeping important items while being fashionable at the same time. Choosing a...
News and Society 
