Pearl is a wonder from the earth. These gorgeous gems are a gift that we have been given. They do not need any mining or cutting like other gemstones. They come from a mollusk that lives in the sea.
How Are Pearls Made?
A simple oyster which is a type of mollusk is the home of the pearl. When sand enters the oyster’s shell, it starts to cover this intruder with a layer of nacre. This nacre is a mineral substance. The oyster keeps building up the layer of nacre over the intruder sand. This formation or the mother-of-pearl gets a coating that then forms the pearl. This is nature’s way of forming the pearles. This way we see several sizes of pearls from very small to large. These natural pearls are quite expensive and rare.
So now we cultivate pearls to serve the vast number of customers. These cultivated pearls are also made in just the same way. There is only the difference of adding sand in the mollusk. This gives a greater and sure crop for the pearl farmer. Most of the less expensive pearls are cultured pearles. These are still good pearls and are turned into great jewelry items.
We give you information on pearles with wonderful pearl pictures that will guide you. The different pearls are all listed below and they give you a broad outline on what they are used for.
Types of Pearls with Pictures:
Here is a great list of the different types of pearls that are available around the world. This includes
1. Akoya Pearls:
Akoya pearls are wonderful cultured real pearls that come from Japan. Akoya pearls are great in shape and are perfect round pearls with sharp luster. You will find these pearls in the size range of 4mm up to the size of 10mm. These pearls are usually white in color but also have silver blue to gold. So try out these great pearles that are wonderful to look at.
2. Freshwater Pearls:
Freshwater pearls are the ones that are mostly commonly found. They are white and pastel color and have a softer hue and luster. Their shapes are normally baroque. You will get these in round that is perfect to baroque shape and the size will also range from 5mm up to the size of 12mm. These pearls are less expensive so it is most suited by everyone.
3. Tahitian Pearls:
French Polynesia grows one of the best pearls in the world. The Tahitian pearl is a wonder to look at. These are natural pearls that are dark in color. They come in various shades including black. You will find the shapes in Tahitian pearls as baroque, ovals and even round. Tahitian pearls will be in the size of 8-15mm. The wonderful color of the Tahitian pearls is something that is most sought after. These pearls are used to make masterpiece and statement jewelry.
4. South Sea Pearls:
The South Sea pearls are grown in the area of Australia, Philippines and Indonesia. They are large saltwater pearls that come in colors of white and gold. These are quite large so normally the pearls are baroque shaped or oval and drops. They are quite attractive and expensive. These sizes will be around the 8-18mm range. The South Sea pearls are normally turned into statement jewelry items.
These great types of pearls will give you an idea of how the pearls pair up. If you are looking for expensive state of the art pearls then go in for the South Sea or Tahitian pearls. The other pearls are still great pearles that are just a bit more affordable.
