Pearl Jewelry

Pearl jewelry has a history and symbolic appeal that no other gem, not even diamonds, can compete with.  Throughout history and modern times, the pearl, known as the “Queen of Gems," became a revered treasure by kings, queens, nobility and now modern day women of all ages desire and can afford.  Pearl jewelry is never out of style and always in fashion as demonstrated by the vast array of women wearing pearls throughout their lives:  from Queens to Hollywood starlets to young girls and adult women.

Real pearl jewelry is made with either natural pearls or cultured pearls.  Natural pearls are created completely naturally by mollusks with no human intervention at all, but this occurrence is extremely rare in today’s environment.  Also, natural pearls are often more oddly shaped and as a result not as desired as cultured pearls by consumers, and yet a natural pearl is incredibly more valuable.

A cultured pearl grows in the exact same manner as a natural pearl except the stimulant/irritant that causes the animal to produce the pearl is initiated by man (versus by nature).  Technically speaking, cultured pearls are not by definition natural pearls; however, the cultured pearls growth process from a live organism is the same as a natural pearl.   Almost all of the world’s real pearls are cultivated.  Cultured pearl jewelry is synonymous with the pearl terms:  cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, saltwater pearls, real or genuine pearls.

Of course, pearl jewelry can be made with imitation pearls artificially manufactured by man from ceramic, glass, shell or plastic materials.  Artificial pearls are usually coated with plastic or varnish to produce a glossy shine.  When comparing real versus fake pearls, you will notice a distinct difference in the weight, depth of the color and shine.  Real pearls vs. imitation pearls should feel cool to the touch vs. room temperature, have a deep inner glow vs. a glass reflection, and have a surface that feels slightly gritty vs. perfectly smooth when rubbed gently against your teeth.  Imitation pearls are also known as man-made, faux, fake, simulated, Mallorca, Laguna, Tecla, Girasol and Red Sea pearls.  Fake pearl jewelry, which has relatively little gem value, is sold as costume jewelry and is a very cheap alternative to cultured pearl jewelry.

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