Pearl Jewelry Types

Pearls come in two main categories: freshwater cultured pearls and saltwater cultured pearls. Various types of pearls are the result of different oyster use, the environment in which they live, and different culitivation techniques used by the pearl farmers. Freshwater cultured pearls are grown in lakes and rivers, whereas saltwater cultured pearls are grown in bodies of saltwater such as bays. Saltwater cultured pearls most commonly consist of Akoya and South Sea pearls, also known as Tahitians.

Pearl Make

Stringing pearls is also a large factor affecting the value of pearly jewelry. Pearl “make” is the meticulousness in which pearls are matched for pearl size, shape, color, luster, and complexion. Pure Pearls only offers high value, precision-matched pearls!

Pearl Lustre

Pearl luster is an intense glow emanating from within the pearl as a result of good nacre quality. Pearls with thicker nacre have higher luster. Layers of nacre that have crystallized and aligned properly create pearls with intense glow. When nacre is well-formed, a pearl will exhibit orient. Orient is a prismatic effect that is created in pearls with thick, high quality nacre.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls are measured in millimeters. Pearls are measured in diameter if round and length and width if off-round. The larger the pearl size, the more valuable the pearl.