Although it seems as though pearl culturing is a fairly new thing, and China's entry into perliculture is only 40 some odd years old. Actually the truth is that pearl culturing began in China as long ago as 700 years ago.
Records from that time describe the pearl blister techniques. A pearl blister or mabe' pearl is a pearl that is formed against the inside of the shell. The Chinese used to take a small cast lead Buddha, and place it inside the mussel's shell, and the mussel would coat the Buddhas with nacre.
Most of the time they would cut these little figures out and the jeweler would use the pearl coated figure in other jewelry. Sometimes the shells were sold whole without cutting them apart. These are still found today. The technique was to wedge open the mussel shell and slip the figure between the mantle and the shell. The farmers would care for them for 6 months or so and then harvest them.
Then the new age began sometime in the late 60's or early 70's. China burst onto the pearl market with literally tons of pearls, mostly the small wrinkled keshi pearls with the non-glamorous nickname of rice krispies or potato pearls named for their shape. However not all the pearls were inferior, 2 % of those tons were higher grades. Soon realizing that the better grades were the pace to put their energies, pearl farmers began to emulate the techniques of the now extinct pearl center of Lake Biwa, Japan.
Using similar techniques as the Japanese freshwater pearl farmers, they soon began culturing of the higher grades, shifting their attitudes about pearl farming; they oriented their production to quality and away from quantity. Now China is still improving the quality of freshwater pearls and their quality is rivaling the saltwater culturing of the akoya oyster.
Undoubtedly, with costs steadily increasing in Japan, if the quality continues to advance, China will lead the world in high grade pearl culture.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Freshwater Pearls - Uniquely Different
You probably already know that both freshwater and saltwater mollusks can produce pearls,and that saltwater mollusks that produce cultured pearls are called oysters (they look more like a scallop than the edible oyster), and the mollusks used to culture freshwater pearls are called mussels.
Probably the most significant difference, between culturing saltwater oysters and freshwater mussels, is that one freshwater mussel can accept up to 50 of the implants used to produce pearls and from those 50 implants, up to 40 pearls can successfully be harvested.
The smaller akoya oyster can accept up to five implants, and the larger Tahitian and South Sea pearls can accept only one implant per oyster. The akoya oyster can produce up to 5 pearls and Tahitian and South Sea of course can produce only one pearl from the single implant. The time until harvest for the freshwater pearl can be anywhere from 2 to 6 years. The period for the saltwater oyster to produce a pearl is only 6 months to 26 months.
Freshwater mussels are implanted with a piece of mantle tissue,the thin membrane lining the mollusks shell. But saltwater implants also include a bead made from the shell of a freshwater mussel. Implanting is different between the saltwater and freshwater mollusks in that the saltwater implant is done in the animals gonad, while the freshwater implantation is done in the mantle tissue next to the shell.
The pearls themselves are different, in the freshwater pearl the pearl is usually solid nacre, and the saltwater pearl it is usually only at most 3 mm, because of the bead implant.
The different techniques are the reason why freshwater pearls are rare if they are spherical, and of course the saltwater start with a round implant and the nacre is built up on that. About 2% of the freshwater pearl harvest is round, while up to 80% of the saltwater harvest is round.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Probably the most significant difference, between culturing saltwater oysters and freshwater mussels, is that one freshwater mussel can accept up to 50 of the implants used to produce pearls and from those 50 implants, up to 40 pearls can successfully be harvested.
The smaller akoya oyster can accept up to five implants, and the larger Tahitian and South Sea pearls can accept only one implant per oyster. The akoya oyster can produce up to 5 pearls and Tahitian and South Sea of course can produce only one pearl from the single implant. The time until harvest for the freshwater pearl can be anywhere from 2 to 6 years. The period for the saltwater oyster to produce a pearl is only 6 months to 26 months.
Freshwater mussels are implanted with a piece of mantle tissue,the thin membrane lining the mollusks shell. But saltwater implants also include a bead made from the shell of a freshwater mussel. Implanting is different between the saltwater and freshwater mollusks in that the saltwater implant is done in the animals gonad, while the freshwater implantation is done in the mantle tissue next to the shell.
The pearls themselves are different, in the freshwater pearl the pearl is usually solid nacre, and the saltwater pearl it is usually only at most 3 mm, because of the bead implant.
The different techniques are the reason why freshwater pearls are rare if they are spherical, and of course the saltwater start with a round implant and the nacre is built up on that. About 2% of the freshwater pearl harvest is round, while up to 80% of the saltwater harvest is round.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Pearl Jewelry Forever
Pearl jewelry has probably been worn a lot longer than most of us might think. As far back as 2000 years ago, pearls were sometimes used as an offering for the emperor.
Pearls were considered to be one of the most valuable treasures in those days. Pearls were not only worn by royalty as accessories, but they were also used to decorate furniture and even to decorate the tombs of royal people.
At one time pearls may have been considered old fashion and mainly worn to represent dignity and wealth. That is no longer the case. Due to the development of production technology, pearls are available today in more colors, shapes and sizes, giving them more appeal to the mainstream consumer.
Even when diamonds and other kinds of colored gemstones are popular, pearls are never ignored by the consumer or the jewelry designers. Nowadays, pearls have become more popular not only because of the diversity in different shapes and sizes but also they are more affordable.
However, the price of a strand of pearls may vary considerably based on the type, length and quality of the pearls used in the necklace. One strand of pearls may cost $300, while another similar looking piece may cost only $40. Just like diamonds, there are many factors that contribute to the price of a pearl.
No longer limited to the pearl strands, jewelry designers can mix pearls with other stones, such as diamonds crystals, and other different colored-gemstones. Stones or metals can add more life to pearls and even give them a romantic flavor. Even a simple creation with just pearl and metal such as gold, platinum or silver can give jewelry designers numerous new ideas to make the piece of jewelry in many different stunning styles.
Pearl jewelry is so versatile it can be suitable for almost any occasion. For the office you can wear a simple chain with a pearl pendant. If you are attending a formal business banquet, you can wear a stylish bright black or gold pearl strand. A strand of multicolor pearls connected by sterling silver will compliment a pair of casual jeans. When visiting friends or eating out, a necklace of pearl with multiple stones, such as crystals, beads, or even corals is appropriate.
Almost anywhere in the world, when you step into a jewelry shop or open a jewelry magazine, there will always be some pearls to catch your eyes. Whether they are on a strand or combined with another type of jewelry.
By Victor Epand
Pearls were considered to be one of the most valuable treasures in those days. Pearls were not only worn by royalty as accessories, but they were also used to decorate furniture and even to decorate the tombs of royal people.
At one time pearls may have been considered old fashion and mainly worn to represent dignity and wealth. That is no longer the case. Due to the development of production technology, pearls are available today in more colors, shapes and sizes, giving them more appeal to the mainstream consumer.
Even when diamonds and other kinds of colored gemstones are popular, pearls are never ignored by the consumer or the jewelry designers. Nowadays, pearls have become more popular not only because of the diversity in different shapes and sizes but also they are more affordable.
However, the price of a strand of pearls may vary considerably based on the type, length and quality of the pearls used in the necklace. One strand of pearls may cost $300, while another similar looking piece may cost only $40. Just like diamonds, there are many factors that contribute to the price of a pearl.
No longer limited to the pearl strands, jewelry designers can mix pearls with other stones, such as diamonds crystals, and other different colored-gemstones. Stones or metals can add more life to pearls and even give them a romantic flavor. Even a simple creation with just pearl and metal such as gold, platinum or silver can give jewelry designers numerous new ideas to make the piece of jewelry in many different stunning styles.
Pearl jewelry is so versatile it can be suitable for almost any occasion. For the office you can wear a simple chain with a pearl pendant. If you are attending a formal business banquet, you can wear a stylish bright black or gold pearl strand. A strand of multicolor pearls connected by sterling silver will compliment a pair of casual jeans. When visiting friends or eating out, a necklace of pearl with multiple stones, such as crystals, beads, or even corals is appropriate.
Almost anywhere in the world, when you step into a jewelry shop or open a jewelry magazine, there will always be some pearls to catch your eyes. Whether they are on a strand or combined with another type of jewelry.
By Victor Epand
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Your Alternative BirthStone
Birth stones have been used for centuries to celebrate the month of a person's birth bringing luck, health and wealth! These "birthstones" are precious or semi-precious gemstones that are associated with particular months of the year. They are considered lucky for those who believe in such things and they present healing powers which are heightened during their associated months.
The modern list of birthstones contains the official birthstones from the American National Association of Jewelers. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. It must be noted however that there are different birthstones adopted by the Hindus and so why not change your birthstone to a Hindu one if you don't like the traditional stone associated with your birth month!
The list below includes both the modern and traditional birthstones with the Hindu birthstone added as an alternative:
January Birthstone Garnet or Rose Quartz Hindu birthstone: Ruby
February Birthstone Amethyst or Onyx Hindu birthstone: Topaz
March Birthstone Aquamarine or Bloodstone Hindu birthstone: Opal
April Birthstone Diamond or Rock Crystal Hindu birthstone: Diamond
May Birthstone Emerald or Chrysoprase Hindu birthstone: Emerald
June Birthstone Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl Hindu birthstone: Pearl
July Birthstone Ruby or Carnelion Hindu birthstone: Sapphire
August Birthstone Peridot or Sardonyx Hindu birthstone: Ruby
September Birthstone Sapphire or Lapis Hindu birthstone: Zircon
October Birthstone Opal or Tourmaline Hindu birthstone: Coral
November Birthstone Topaz or Citrine Hindu birthstone: Cats Eye
December Birthstone Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise Hindu birthstone: Topaz
Tanzanite became an official 'December' birthstone in October 2002, in the first revision of birthstones since 1912, and was added to the birthstone list maintained by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
Be sure to see our next article entitled "Gemstone Therapy" where we provide detailed information on the mystical healing properties of certain gemstones.
As a small family run business Paul Wright Jewelery has exhibited its handcrafted silver and gold jewelery throughout the United Kingdom since 1995 at important international events such as the Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show and other large country events.
By Paul G Wright
The modern list of birthstones contains the official birthstones from the American National Association of Jewelers. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. It must be noted however that there are different birthstones adopted by the Hindus and so why not change your birthstone to a Hindu one if you don't like the traditional stone associated with your birth month!
The list below includes both the modern and traditional birthstones with the Hindu birthstone added as an alternative:
January Birthstone Garnet or Rose Quartz Hindu birthstone: Ruby
February Birthstone Amethyst or Onyx Hindu birthstone: Topaz
March Birthstone Aquamarine or Bloodstone Hindu birthstone: Opal
April Birthstone Diamond or Rock Crystal Hindu birthstone: Diamond
May Birthstone Emerald or Chrysoprase Hindu birthstone: Emerald
June Birthstone Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl Hindu birthstone: Pearl
July Birthstone Ruby or Carnelion Hindu birthstone: Sapphire
August Birthstone Peridot or Sardonyx Hindu birthstone: Ruby
September Birthstone Sapphire or Lapis Hindu birthstone: Zircon
October Birthstone Opal or Tourmaline Hindu birthstone: Coral
November Birthstone Topaz or Citrine Hindu birthstone: Cats Eye
December Birthstone Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise Hindu birthstone: Topaz
Tanzanite became an official 'December' birthstone in October 2002, in the first revision of birthstones since 1912, and was added to the birthstone list maintained by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
Be sure to see our next article entitled "Gemstone Therapy" where we provide detailed information on the mystical healing properties of certain gemstones.
As a small family run business Paul Wright Jewelery has exhibited its handcrafted silver and gold jewelery throughout the United Kingdom since 1995 at important international events such as the Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show and other large country events.
By Paul G Wright
Friday, August 08, 2008
Jewelry Necklace
All jewelry lovers from teens to celebrities always look for unique jewelry that defines their style, tastes and fashion.
Jewelry necklace comes in many varieties from costume jewelry to precious stones and metals and come in all price range. Some are good for casuals only while others are good for parties only but still some can be adorned all the times.
It is a common belief that diamond jewelry is the most expensive of all jewelry but other precious metals like gold and platinum are equally expensive. Besides gem stones the most preferred and admirable among most women is pearl necklaces.
Pearls are natural gem and are cultured in deep-sea waters as well as in ponds and rivers. Though Japan once dominated the market in cultured pearls but now China have overtaken them. Many Japanese own pearl farms in China and resell them as Japanese pearls.
Jewelry necklaces designed and quality pearls are very attractive and add charms and grace. Women look very elegant and sophisticated wearing them. They have been very popular among celebrities like Marilyn Monroe to Jackie Kennedy and we often see Hollywood stars and models displaying their luminous pearls with pride and love.
Pearls come in various varieties such as freshwater, akoya seawater, Tahitian and South Sea and each one is cultured in different environments and in different oyster types. As such their color, luster and size vary. Depending upon the size, type and quality jewelers around the world grade and set the prices accordingly.
Typically pearls are synonymous with white color but they come in various other colors from gray to pink, black and golden. Some are natural colors but others are color enhanced to meet fashion demands.
Jewelry necklace designed with akoya pearls are very much sought after, as the quality is superb and are very much affordable now.
By Kheri Chawla
Jewelry necklace comes in many varieties from costume jewelry to precious stones and metals and come in all price range. Some are good for casuals only while others are good for parties only but still some can be adorned all the times.
It is a common belief that diamond jewelry is the most expensive of all jewelry but other precious metals like gold and platinum are equally expensive. Besides gem stones the most preferred and admirable among most women is pearl necklaces.
Pearls are natural gem and are cultured in deep-sea waters as well as in ponds and rivers. Though Japan once dominated the market in cultured pearls but now China have overtaken them. Many Japanese own pearl farms in China and resell them as Japanese pearls.
Jewelry necklaces designed and quality pearls are very attractive and add charms and grace. Women look very elegant and sophisticated wearing them. They have been very popular among celebrities like Marilyn Monroe to Jackie Kennedy and we often see Hollywood stars and models displaying their luminous pearls with pride and love.
Pearls come in various varieties such as freshwater, akoya seawater, Tahitian and South Sea and each one is cultured in different environments and in different oyster types. As such their color, luster and size vary. Depending upon the size, type and quality jewelers around the world grade and set the prices accordingly.
Typically pearls are synonymous with white color but they come in various other colors from gray to pink, black and golden. Some are natural colors but others are color enhanced to meet fashion demands.
Jewelry necklace designed with akoya pearls are very much sought after, as the quality is superb and are very much affordable now.
By Kheri Chawla
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Pearl Bracelet
Does the pearl bracelet suggest innocence? It reminds of a young woman or girl, without being suggestive or the slightest bit provocative. It is not the same for a pearl necklace, where the beauty of the necklace draws attention to her neck, and pardon me for saying, and her bust. And that is not to say that the necklace is anymore suggestive, but it is in a way. And if you take that same pearl bracelet, slightly larger of course, and wear it on the ankle, the "suggestiveness needle" goes off the chart for me.
A somewhat different aura comes across when the bracelet is part of a pearl jewelry set, which suggests a certain amount of wealth. And the pearl earring, really is a very feminine statement, just a plain stud earring to me is so beautiful. A pair of white pearl earrings is such a subtle statement of beauty, just understated elegance.
Back to the pearl bracelet, it is also a statement of beauty, but carries a lightness, it is not saying, "Look at me I am so conscious of my feminine beauty." It is more of an innocence saying, "Does this necklace look pretty." I guess I mean it is not "self-conscious".
Many women wear the bracelet without any other jewelry; it is fine by itself, or with matching earrings and necklace. Some pearl bracelets in genuine freshwater pearls come in peach, lavender, multicolor and black. There is also a double and triple strand version of the regular single strand.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
A somewhat different aura comes across when the bracelet is part of a pearl jewelry set, which suggests a certain amount of wealth. And the pearl earring, really is a very feminine statement, just a plain stud earring to me is so beautiful. A pair of white pearl earrings is such a subtle statement of beauty, just understated elegance.
Back to the pearl bracelet, it is also a statement of beauty, but carries a lightness, it is not saying, "Look at me I am so conscious of my feminine beauty." It is more of an innocence saying, "Does this necklace look pretty." I guess I mean it is not "self-conscious".
Many women wear the bracelet without any other jewelry; it is fine by itself, or with matching earrings and necklace. Some pearl bracelets in genuine freshwater pearls come in peach, lavender, multicolor and black. There is also a double and triple strand version of the regular single strand.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Freshwater Pearls From Japan?
Believe it or not, until a short while ago, all freshwater pearls were called Biwa Pearls. Lake Biwa is the name of a very large and ancient lake that is fed by over 500 rivers. Lake Biwa had been used to culture freshwater pearls, from around 1914, until the 1980's saw the decline of pearl culture due to pollution from housing and resort encroachment, industrial and roadside run-off.
Pearl production peaked at around 6 tons annually. And as history repeats itself so many times pollution and over harvesting killed the population of mussels that were the mainstay of Biwa pearl culture. History repeats itself because in the 1500's the Caribbean Sea and the Baja area of the Pacific were huge naturally producing pearl areas. These areas were stripped out by the Spanish search for resources.
Biwa pearls were known for their brownish purple colors with high luster. Biwa Pearls were nucleated as most freshwater pearls are today, that is with a piece of the soft mantle tissue that lines the shell. This technique is different than the way that saltwater pearls are nucleated, that is with a small round piece of mother of pearl. Soft tissue nucleating creates a pearl that is all nacre, much like a natural pearl.
The Japanese have taken to growing freshwater pearls in Lake Kasumigaura. They use a cross between the descendants of the remaining Biwa mussels and Chinese mussels. Some of the mussels from Lake Kasumigaura are actually nucleated with rejected akoya pearls.
They still do produce akoya pearls, Japan once the undisputed ruler of pearl culture has just about given up the culturing of pearls, freshwater and saltwater, because of pollution and rising costs.
They have become the distributor of much of China's pearl harvest of akoya pearls.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Pearl production peaked at around 6 tons annually. And as history repeats itself so many times pollution and over harvesting killed the population of mussels that were the mainstay of Biwa pearl culture. History repeats itself because in the 1500's the Caribbean Sea and the Baja area of the Pacific were huge naturally producing pearl areas. These areas were stripped out by the Spanish search for resources.
Biwa pearls were known for their brownish purple colors with high luster. Biwa Pearls were nucleated as most freshwater pearls are today, that is with a piece of the soft mantle tissue that lines the shell. This technique is different than the way that saltwater pearls are nucleated, that is with a small round piece of mother of pearl. Soft tissue nucleating creates a pearl that is all nacre, much like a natural pearl.
The Japanese have taken to growing freshwater pearls in Lake Kasumigaura. They use a cross between the descendants of the remaining Biwa mussels and Chinese mussels. Some of the mussels from Lake Kasumigaura are actually nucleated with rejected akoya pearls.
They still do produce akoya pearls, Japan once the undisputed ruler of pearl culture has just about given up the culturing of pearls, freshwater and saltwater, because of pollution and rising costs.
They have become the distributor of much of China's pearl harvest of akoya pearls.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Saturday, August 02, 2008
The Freshwater Jewelry Pearl
The Crown Jewels of England are freshwater pearls? Yes, supposedly from the rivers of Scotland. Do you still think they are low quality? Do you know that history says one of the reasons Julius Caesar invaded the British Isles for the freshwater jewelry pearls of Scotland. It is only since a short time ago that the freshwater pearl got a bad rap for being low quality.
Probably the biggest reason for this was when China burst into the cultured pearl market about 30 years ago. They really did burst into the market, and they produced tons of pearls. Most of the pearl farmers had no clue as to how to produce higher quality fresh water pearls. They just knew how to produce tons of low quality rice crispy pearls.
Since then China has made leaps and bounds in making their freshwater pearl be harvest better quality, to the point where the very best freshwater pearls are indistinguishable from high quality saltwater pearls. And the best part is their price is still well below saltwater pearls.
Physically the freshwater cultured pearl is different from the cultured saltwater pearl. The Saltwater pearl is cultured with a starter core of mother of pearl, made from freshwater pearl shell. The freshwater pearl is cultured from a starter of soft tissue that dissolves and that makes them solid pearl.
Today you can buy naturally colored white, peach and violet freshwater pearl jewelry. Enhanced black freshwater pearls are a beautiful exotic newcomer. Whatever color you buy you are going to pay less and get a good quality pearl, if you compare. Many stores including some of the high end department stores sell a lower grade of freshwater pearl necklace.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Probably the biggest reason for this was when China burst into the cultured pearl market about 30 years ago. They really did burst into the market, and they produced tons of pearls. Most of the pearl farmers had no clue as to how to produce higher quality fresh water pearls. They just knew how to produce tons of low quality rice crispy pearls.
Since then China has made leaps and bounds in making their freshwater pearl be harvest better quality, to the point where the very best freshwater pearls are indistinguishable from high quality saltwater pearls. And the best part is their price is still well below saltwater pearls.
Physically the freshwater cultured pearl is different from the cultured saltwater pearl. The Saltwater pearl is cultured with a starter core of mother of pearl, made from freshwater pearl shell. The freshwater pearl is cultured from a starter of soft tissue that dissolves and that makes them solid pearl.
Today you can buy naturally colored white, peach and violet freshwater pearl jewelry. Enhanced black freshwater pearls are a beautiful exotic newcomer. Whatever color you buy you are going to pay less and get a good quality pearl, if you compare. Many stores including some of the high end department stores sell a lower grade of freshwater pearl necklace.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Friday, August 01, 2008
Tahitian Pearls Colors
Tahitian Pearls are black. Tahitian Pearls are green. Tahitian Pearls are aborigine. Tahitian Pearls are metallic. They are these colors and more. The one big reason why pearls can't be made by man is that it is darn near impossible to create the look of a real pearl. Real pearls are built up layer by layer; the multiple layers all create color and reflect color differently.
Pearls are not a reflective surface. Light penetrates into the pearl nacre and is alternately reflected out and back in, which is one reason why they seem to have an inner light.
Tahitian Black Pearls on first glance may look black .They are black with countless high light. These highlights pick up color and reflect color back, so within the black pearl you will see a rainbow of color. Tahitian cultured pearls range from the black body color, to a medium gray, and my favorite is the black Tahitian pearl that looks metallic.
If you picked a color that was even more representative of the Tahitian pearl color, it would be green. Tahitian pearls can run from a pistachio to a deep blue green, and in between there may be aqua with rose highlights. Tahitian pistachio pearl jewelry is chartreuse green, with an iridescence that can reflect reds and blues from within the green color.
Although I never use the word aborigine in any other context except Tahitian Pearl Color it means the deep purple of eggplant. With the purples come blues and blue highlights. Also with the purples come reds. And my favorites are the metallics, all themselves with highlights of reds and blues.
Since they are all natural colors they range all over within these descriptions.
The rainbow colors, of Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry, are like nothing else.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
Pearls are not a reflective surface. Light penetrates into the pearl nacre and is alternately reflected out and back in, which is one reason why they seem to have an inner light.
Tahitian Black Pearls on first glance may look black .They are black with countless high light. These highlights pick up color and reflect color back, so within the black pearl you will see a rainbow of color. Tahitian cultured pearls range from the black body color, to a medium gray, and my favorite is the black Tahitian pearl that looks metallic.
If you picked a color that was even more representative of the Tahitian pearl color, it would be green. Tahitian pearls can run from a pistachio to a deep blue green, and in between there may be aqua with rose highlights. Tahitian pistachio pearl jewelry is chartreuse green, with an iridescence that can reflect reds and blues from within the green color.
Although I never use the word aborigine in any other context except Tahitian Pearl Color it means the deep purple of eggplant. With the purples come blues and blue highlights. Also with the purples come reds. And my favorites are the metallics, all themselves with highlights of reds and blues.
Since they are all natural colors they range all over within these descriptions.
The rainbow colors, of Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry, are like nothing else.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
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