Kalyan Wiki
Pearl
Pearls are unique spherical gemstones produced inside the shells of organisms like oysters and molluscs. Although these glistening objects are not from the mineral ores, they still fall under the category of precious gemstones. These are the only gemstones that we can obtain from living creatures.
Pearl formation takes place inside an oyster shell when an irritant substance enters into the shell. To protect themselves, these organisms secrete a coat to cover those foreign substances, in a configuration of layer upon layer which results in the formation of a pearl.
Pearls used in jewellery are of two types; natural pearls and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those we get naturally from the shells. In the case of cultured pearls, the mussel farmers create them by inserting irritants into the shell of oysters. Both natural and cultured pearls exist in a wide range of colours. Apart from these categories, there is another version of pearls called imitation pearls. Imitation pearls are artificially created objects that resemble real pearls. Beads used in jewellery are an example of imitation pearls.
Pearl jewellery includes a wide range of ornaments such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings. The popular pearl jewellery designs are:
- White pearl rings.
- Golden pearl rings.
- Pearl engagement & wedding rings.
- Pearl stud earrings.
- Pearl & gold necklaces.
- Pearl & diamond necklaces.
- Vintage & modern cultured pearl bracelets.
The GIA pearl grading system defines various shapes for the pearls: round, near the round, oval, button, drop, semi-baroque, and baroque. The round-shaped pearl is the most popular shape and appears to be in a uniformly spherical figure. All other shapes have some minor variations.
A pearl’s colour characteristics include its body colour, overtone and orient. The colour features bright & sharp to dim & diffused lustre. All these factors, such as the type, colour, shape, size, and surface quality, help determine the value of pearls.
The major cultured pearls are Akoya, Tahitian, Southsea & Freshwater pearls. South sea pearls are the most valuable category among these classifications. White and golden south sea pearls are the rarest and largest pearl variety on earth. The Akoya pearls appear in a comparatively smaller size than the other categories. They are usually round with white or cream colour tones. Tahitian pearls are present in dark colours, generally in shades of black. They are more valuable than Akoya and Freshwater pearls. Their size can range up to 20 mm. The freshwater pearls come in various shapes and sizes. Shelled organisms living in freshwater are the creatures that produce these pearls. This category is less expensive compared to all other categories.
