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| Pearls: The Treasures Of The Sea |
Formed as a result of secretion of
nacre by an oyster (mother-of-pearl-shell), layer upon layer over
a foreign object within its body, is the pearl, a luscious gem and
the birthstone for June, which is among the most treasured of all
gems.
Natural pearls are dived for whereas cultured pearls are grown at
pearl farms. And it is usual with these farms that half of all nucleated
oysters perish, leaving only 20% of survivers to bear marketable pearls,
and to have a quality pearl among those harvested en masse being an
extremely rare event.
Pearls are available in five kinds, as mentioned
below, in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.
(a) Akoya Pearls
Main product of waters off Japan, these classic round pearls, found
in most quality pearl jewelry, come in a range of hues including white,
cream, pink and peach.
(b)White South Sea Pearls
Prized for their large size, these are cultured in Australia, Indonesia,
the Philippines and other areas of the South Pacific.
(c) Tahitian Pearls
Grown in French Polynesia as very large pearls in a range of natural
colors from gray to black to green to purple, these command very high
prices for their large size and unique dark colors.
(d) Mabe Pearls
Not round in shape but usually flat-backed, grown in Japan, Indonesia,
French Polynesia and Australia, these are often used in earrings and
rings.
(f) Freshwater Pearls
They are cultured, as the name implies, in bays, lakes and rivers.
Often in irregular Shapes, of various colors, and being less lustrous
than their salt-water counterparts, they are substantially cheaper.
Natural oils from the skin, hair spray, lotions, and cosmetics-all
these can dull pearl’s luster.
Pearls, which easily get scratched, should be stored in cloth or cotton away from other jewelry, never
being allowed to come in contact with harsh chemicals, either.
This Birthstone for June is also a recommended gift for couples celebrating
their 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries.
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The factors that determine the value of pearl are:
(1) Luster (surface brilliance)
(2) Surface Cleanliness (having no spots, cracks, etc.)
(3) Shape (the rounder the pearl, the higher its value)
(4) Color (every hue of the rainbow and a few others)
(5) Size Pearls being soft (2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale), they require
special care. |
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