The general color of a pearl are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. A pearl can also have a hint of secondary color, which is seen when light reflects off the pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined more closely, a pink secondary color may become apparent.
Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. When selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so it will also exhibit even more luster. Compare a 5mm Freshwater cultured pearl with a 10mm South Sea cultured pearl and the difference in the amount of nacre is obvious. The difference in luster is as clearly visible as the difference in the pearl sizes.
As a mollusk creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls. We offer you a range of prices, we offer pearls with a range of surface qualities.
The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls range in size from about 3.0-7.0mm, Akoya pearls range from about 6.0-8.5mm, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes as large as 18mm.
Pinctada maxima
Pinctada margaritifera
Pinctada fucata
Hyriopsis cumingii/hybrid
