The definitive book on Pearls, by Elisabeth Strack
At over 700 pages long, I go to Strack's book whenever I have a question about pearls.
Rare Fijian Saltwater Pearls
Fijian Pearls are grouped in the usual collection of Tahitian Pearls, but they are technically not Tahitian Pearls. They are Fijian Pearls. They are even cultivated in a subset of oyster than the Tahitian Pearls. Tahitians are farmed in the Pinctada Margaritifera oyster, while the Fijian Pearls are farmed in the Pinctada Margaritifera typica oyster.
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What are Blue Akoya Pearls?
There was a question about natural Blue Akoya Pearls that came to the Cultured Pearl Association of America last week. I thought I would pass on this information because I have a Blue Akoya Pearl necklace in this email. The question was, how rare are they and what gives them their intense color?...
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Pearl Qualities-Nacre
This drawing shows you a more detailed look at how nacre is formed. A mother of pearl shell bead nucleus is inserted into the host oyster, along with a square of donor mantle tissue from another oyster who has previously borne pearls of high or exceptional value, and the oyster is left to begin secreting...
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Pearl Qualities-Size
Size dramatically affects the the price of pearls, especially above 7mm. People usually buy the largest pearls they can afford, but then again, it’s all about personal preference. Large pearls are rarer and usually require a longer time to mature. the largest pearls are from the South Seas and Tahitian waters. Pearls can range...
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Freshwater or Saltwater Pearls?
All pearls are cultured either in freshwater – mostly lakes, or in saltwater – oceans, seas, atolls, and bays. Saltwater Pearls are the South Sea White and Golden Golden South Sea Pearls, Tahitians & other South Sea colored Pearls, and Akoya Pearls made famous by Mikimoto. The best saltwater Pearls are prized above the freshwater..."
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How To Buy Pearls
You may not get the opportunity to visit the actual pearl farms as I have been able to do, but there are distinct qualities that you desire in pearls. Much like the 4Cs of buying diamonds, pearls have a similar set of standards. Pearl Quality = Luster, Size, Shape, and Surface. Luster is the commanding...
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Obsessed with Pearls
I am obsessed with Pearls. They are, of course, always appropriate, a statement made by Jackie Kennedy, but even more than that, they are organic. They have been birthed by a living being. They are such a treasure to have in your presence. Pearls are farmed, not mined. Saltwater pearls are farmed on atolls in...
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Pink, Peach, Purple Pearls or Edison Pearls
Edison Pearls are the newest experiment in the long history of Freshwater Pearl experiments. They are produced on a few rare pearl farms in China. They have only been available for 3-4 years. Edisons may have a unique “ripple” surface but some are beautifully smooth. One of the most incredible properties of Edisons is the...
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