Quality Gold & Silver Pearl Rings & Jewelry

Pearls are no doubt a very recognizable and popular gemstone, but what is the history behind this precious gem? Pearls have been talked about in the annuls of history for thousands of years. There is a lot more to pearls however that what meets the eye. Just about everyone knows that pearls are created by oysters but what people may not know is just how diverse this gemstone is.

The pearl is the only gemstone that is "born" inside a living organism. Every other stone known to man comes from the earth and minerals - not from something living. The pearl however, is created by a unique relationship between organism and parasite. The oyster reacts when a parasite or grain of sand comes in contact with its inner parts. It coats the irritant over and over again with a “pearly” substance. Here in lies the birth of a natural pearl.

This process is rare in nature, thus the incredibly high cost of natural pearls. Because of consumer demand, man created the cultured pearl. There really isn’t much difference in a cultured pearl except that instead of the parasite coming to the oyster naturally, it is forcefully introduced to help speed up the process. If the cultured pearl is of high quality, it is very difficult to tell the difference between it and a natural pearl with the naked eye.

Creating cultured pearls is still no easy process. It takes a steady hand with almost surgeon-like precision to place the irritant correctly inside a live oyster. Once this is done, the oysters are returned to the sea where they are kept in protected bays. Oysters are suspended beneath the water in nets and are cared for around the clock. Bacteria is removed, water tempuratures are tested - all to make sure these oysters are in a perfect environment ot grow their pearls. After many months of care, the oysters are harvested and opened to reveal their iridescent creation.

The creation process of pearls is one that eluded the brightest minds until the turn of the twentieth century. Pearls were often worn as symbols of wealth and power - likely because of their mysterious beginnings. Pearls have come to symbolize many things over the years - such as purity and femininity. Pearls were thought to cure illness and to ward off evil spirits.

Pearls are noted throughout history, in the bible and are the subject of many myths across every religion and culture. Pearls were asscociated not only with wealth, but also with love and marriage. There are many stories of pearl jewelry taking center stage at weddings or used to prove affection for someone like Cleopatra did for Marc Antony. It is said that she dissolved a pearl in a glass of wine and drank it to prove her love for him.

Science may understand the origin of pearls now, but that does not diminish their desirability. Pearls are still very much in high demand and are still synonymous with love. They are still often the jewelry of choice for a bride on her wedding day or given as a wedding gift. While many of the myths of the pearl’s “>mysterious powers may have been debunked, women still seek to include this gemstone in their jewelry collection. The solid and diverse history of this precious gem makes it one of the most sought after jewel even thousands of years after its original discovery.

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A Guide to Buying Pearl Jewelry

Buying pearl jewelry for your wife or girlfriend is one of the most thoughtful, meaningful and romantic gestures you can ever make, Few items can express your lasting love and devotion like a special ring, necklace, bracelet or pair of ear rings made from pearls. The magic, mystique and enduring appeal of pearl jewelry make it a natural gift for special occasions and milestones in your loved one’s life.

But, if you’re like most guys, you probably know as much about buying pearl jewelry as you do about brain surgery or rocket science. The good news is that buying fine jewelry for your special someone does not have to become a daunting, agonizing task.

When you know the basics about pearls, jewelers and their grading systems you can set your mind at ease. You can select the perfect pearls that will stun and amaze your loved one. You can become her hero for life.

How to Select the Perfect Pearl Type for the Woman of Your Dreams

Since pearls come in a variety of shapes, colors and overtones they are the versatile, perfect choice to support any woman’s look, style and personality. Here are my top 4 pearl types:

Akoya Pearls

These pearls known for their brilliant luster, elegance and infinite versatility are perfect for your loved one if she has a more traditional personality and fashion style.

Cultured Freshwater Pearls

These are the latest best-kept secret. Cultured Freshwater Pearls that look very similar to South Sea pearls in size and luster are the affordable alternativee to the Akoya. With uniformly round shapes, exceptional luster, shimmering orient, and an array of natural colors such as peach, lavender and white, these pearls are sure to charm and surprise your more modern and contemporary girlfriend or spouse.

Tahitian Pearls

If you’re looking for something truly one of a kind. If you’re looking for a pearl that’s as individual as her owner, look no further. Available in a tantalizing array of bold colors such as peacock, pistachio green and silver or black Tahitian Pearl rings are perfect for the more exotic girlfriend or spouse.

White or Golden South Sea

Available in an array of colors from the palest moonlight to molten gold, these pearls display a satiny luster that begs to be touched. Celebrated by collectors everywhere for their amazing sizes, your loved one will feel very sophisticated when wearing these pearls.

How to Carefully Select the Perfect Grade

Pearls are a diverse group, and vendors have had a difficult time agreeing on a scale that can be used universally. However, vendors have adopted a grading system that grades surface quality, luster and shape.

Here are my top tips to put your mind to ease so you can choose the right grade for your girlfriend or spouse’s pearl jewelry:

A/A+: "A" quality is the lowest quality that is commercially available. They will be off-shape and only moderately matched. The surface will have wrinkles, small cracks, white or brownish spots, dimples and other nasty blemishes that can affect the long-term quality of the pearl.

AA: This quality has less than 15% surface inclusions, and will have fair to good luster. You should see a hazy reflection of yourself when looking at the surface. The shape will be round or with freshwater pearls, near-round and the matching job should be well done.

AA+: The luster will be slightly sharper than the AA pearl. You should be able to see your reflection in the pearl and some background detail. Surface inclusions will be down to 10%. These pearls will be perfectly round in shape and well-matched.

AAA: The ‘gem-quality’ pearl has less than 5% inclusions over its surface, and can be completely free of inclusions. Luster can vary slightly from pearl to pearl, but it will be sharper than AA+ quality. The nacre will be at its’ thickest, and should present a glowing surface that is slightly translucent. The shapes and matching of a strand of rounds should be excellent with little to no variation.

*HANADAMA: These pearls radiate light with a strong silvery-rose overtone, and display Orient rainbow iridescences that shimmer on the pearl’s surface are the absolute best Akoya pearls that you can buy.

Now that you received a little crash course in pearl selection, you are ready to venture out and buy some amazing pearl jewelry for the woman of your dream. I guarantee, she’ll treasure it for a lifetime!

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