are they all real pearls and which ones are supposed to be worth the most?
Posts Tagged ‘Between’
what are the differences between cultured pearls, mother of pearl, and freshwater pearls?
February 18th, 2010
Does any one know the difference between a ” Fresh Water Pearl” and a ” Cultured Pearl”?
February 9th, 2010I was given a ring for X-mas and it is a “cultured” pearl and I noticed that in an ad for jewelery it offers either cultured or fresh water pearls! And how does one take care of a “cultured pearl” ?
Can you tell the difference between Mikimoto’s Silver Label and Akoya pearls?
February 7th, 2010Can you see the difference with the naked eye? From what I can gather, Akoya pearls have a more pinkish undertone in them. Is the difference obvious to the naked eye?
The Fierce Competition Between Akoya Pearls and Freshwater Pearls
February 6th, 2010
There are several differences between the freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls, just like the fierce battles between the cultured pearls and natural ones. To start with, the Akoya pearls are far more expensive than the freshwater ones. The freshwater pearls can be grown easily as they have an easier nucleation process. The pearl mussel, which confers freshwater pearls, has higher rate of nucleation per mollusk. On the other hand, the mortality factor of the Akoya mollusks increases and damages the quality of the product. In addition to it, the mollusks also have to confront the problems faced due to high tides and typhoons. Thus, in now way, the production of Akoya pearls is simple, as cultured pearls, but then, it is not as hard as the production of diamonds.
Akoya pearls are able to draw more attention due to their round shape. They can be easily used for various necklaces and bracelets. A round bead of nucleation envelopes the Akoya pearls while a soft tissue is present near the nucleation area of freshwater pearls. This soft tissue is later absorbed and it later leaves solid nacre pearl. On the other hand, the nacre deposited on the Akoya pearl, is limited as its gets a particular duration time before the harvesting of the pearl.
Though, the elegance of the Akoya pearl might be more, but the freshwater pearl is comparatively more durable. Due to the hard deposit of solid nacre on its periphery, it has greater longevity. Some of the Akoya pearls, which are chemically synthesized, often break off and wear out due to the thinner deposit of nacre. In this case, the freshwater pearl emerges victorious in terms of less tendency of chipping away.
But, the luster of higher grades of Akoya pearls, once again, turns the tide in its favour. But, the bracelets which are made of freshwater have a rainbow iridescence on its beads, which is not found on the former pearls. Though the nacre of akoya pearl, is definitely thin, at the same time, its shine cannot be compared with any other types of pearls.
In a nutshell, the debate still stands open. But then, the freshwater pearls are giving a tough competition to the establishment of Akoya pearls. They might emerge as tomorrow’s heirloom. The jewelry industry is changing rapidly and hence, there is more scope for innovations and different establishments. Though, the akoya pearls have their own essence which cannot be surpassed.
The importance of cultured pearls has risen but still Akoya pearls are able to draw more attention due to their round shape.
How to Choose Between Traditional Fresh Water Pearls and Ayoka Pearls
February 3rd, 2010
Most pearls these days come from two major sources: China and Japan. So when you are buying pearls, chances are you will come across pearls that are from these two countries. Are there any differences between pearls that come from China and pearls that come from Japan? There certainly are some remarkable differences. These differences will affect the quality, the prices, as well as your final buying decision. So you need to be well informed before you can proclaim yourself knowledgeable about choosing fresh water pearls and Ayoka pearls.
First, China is well known for producing pearls in volume. In a single pearl oyster, it’s not unusual to find twenty to thirty pearls. That will surely affect the pearl industry as a whole, as it is now possible to produce a large number of pearls with human intervention. Pearls that are created with human intervention is called cultured pearls. With a large number of pearls being produced each year by the pearl farms, pearls from China are often competitively priced, and comes in a wide variety.
But on the other hand, Japan chooses quality over quantity. Pearls that are cultivated in Japan are often of superior quality. Pearl oysters in Japan produce only one pearl at a time, and great care is taken to ensure that the pearl cultivated is of top quality. As a result of this Japanese pearl culture, Ayoka pearls are considered rarer than other pearls. So it’s natural that they are priced a little higher as well.
So knowing the above information, how does that affect your buying decision? For one, you would surely be able to notice that China fresh water pearls often come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. What accounts for this diversity is that due to the bulk cultivation process, it is common to see imperfections in pearls. This doesn’t mean that pearls that come from China are not good. In fact, because of these imperfections, it is possible to design unique jewelry from these exclusive pearls that come in so many different shapes and forms. And considering that pearls from China are so competitively priced that most people can afford to own them now. This is certainly good news for everyone.
Still, there are some people who would rather own rarer pearls. These group of people are more drawn to perfection. A perfect pearl means that it is perfectly round, and the bigger it is, the better. So for those looking for such pearls, they should most certainly look to purchase Ayoka pearls.
Ultimately, it all boils down to what you are looking for. If you are looking for variety, then you will most certainly find something you like from China. But if you seek pearls that lean towards perfection, then perhaps Ayoka pearls will be a better fit.
In any case, regardless of what your preference is, it’s now possible to browse through a wide selection of pearls from a pearl wholesaler website. If you have any questions, feel free to send them an email. Usually, a pearl expert will be more than happy to clarify any doubts that you may have.
We are a featured pearl strand & Pearl bead supplier. We offer the widest range of shapes and colors to perfect luster of freshwater pearl, akoya pearls, undrilled loose pearls, including potato pearls, rice pearls, nugget pearls, etc
