Cultured pearls and natural pearls

Around the commencement of the 20th century, researchers found that if a sphere of material was placed in an oyster, the oyster would coat the sphere with nacre, creating an almost perfectly round pearl. The longer the pearl remained in the oyster, the larger and more valuable it became. Almost all cultured pearls (as they are called) grown on pearl farms - a growing industry in today's world. Different types of oysters or mollusks raised in different environments create cultured pearls in different sizes, colors and shapes. Man cultivates pearls by placing shell beads inside an oyster shell. The oyster is returned to the water for a length of time where it covers the bead with layers of nacre. Most cultured and quality pearls are produced in Japan. In the warm waters of the South Pacific, large oysters produce South Sea cultured pearls and Tahitian black cultured pearls. In China, freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels.

Cultured pearls and natural pearls can be easily distinguished from imitation pearls by performing a very simple test. By rubbing the pearl against the edge of a tooth one can see that a cultured and natural pearl will feel slightly rough, like fine sandpaper, because of the texture of natural nacre. An imitation pearl remains smooth because the surface is molded or painted and is not affected by exterior materials.

FASHION silver bracelets come in a range of sizes as well as qualities. The size, quantity and quality will depend largely on your budget. The more you can spend the bigger and more pearls you can get for the necklace. However you may not want large pearls of course. The shape and thickness of the neck is important so that you pick the size that is right for you. If one's neck is on the thin size too big pearls will emphasis the thinness of the neck. While too small a set of pearls on a thicker neck will look tiny and out of place.

Also when you are inspecting the necklace, check that the pearls are uniform in color, luster and size. There should be no uneven pearls and all should be the same shape, either round or perhaps slightly oval in some cases.

The luster should be good and you should also get a certificate to state the pearls are genuine and not fake.

Black pearls are among the most expensive and so you should choose with care for the money you are paying.MORE;white pearl necklace