A Quick Lesson On Pearls

Martha Stewart Weddings Good Together editorial recently featured Mikimoto's Akoya Special Edition Value set ($3,950). The signature Akoya cultured pearl strand necklace and matching stud earrings perfectly complement a strapless gown and can be enjoyed and passed down? Pearls are classic and still contemporary and probably one of our stores best sellers. Pearls are not only beautiful, but they are facinating. Each pearl is, of course, unique, but what makes each pearl strand different and what are the different types of pearls? Here is a quick lesson on pearls... The wonderful variety in types of pearls adds to their appeal. These gems of the sea will differ in their luster and mysterious colors depending on the type of oyster that produced them. Here is a guide to understanding their beautiful range of appearances: Akoya pearls, are prized for their brilliant luster and rich color, Akoya pearls are a traditional symbol of elegance and beauty. Produced by Japan’s Akoya oysters, they are the most popular of all pearl types. Depending on the size of the oyster, they grow from 3-10mm. Colors range from white, cream and pink to light green, blue and silver

South Sea White Cultured Pearls

The magnificent, satiny luster of these fantastic white pearls is produced by the silver-lipped South Sea oyster. Their subdued opalescent appearance subtly changes under different light conditions, making them a constant marvel to behold. Harvested in sizes from 9mm up, their shapes range from round, oval or teardrop to free-form baroque.

Black South Sea Cultured Pearls

The breathtaking color of these naturally black pearls is produced by black-lipped oysters in the waters off Tahiti and Okinawa. Sizes begin at 8mm, in round, oval, teardrop or unique baroque. shapes. While characterized as black, the rich, dark colors actually range from slate grey, silver and pistachio to peacock green and midnight black with overtones of green, rosé or blue.

South Sea Golden Cultured Pearls

These opulent pearls are produced by the golden-lipped oyster. Their warm, natural golden color is said to be rarer than gold itself. The color palette ranges from light champagne to a very rare, deep gold. This oyster species can also produce richly luminescent white pearls, but the deeper golden colors are the most coveted of all pearls. Harvested in sizes of 9mm and up, in round, oval, teardrop or beautiful baroque shapes.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls

Produced mostly in the lakes and rivers of China, Freshwater pearls are cultured in a mussel rather than an oyster. Often small in size, as many as ten to fourteen Freshwater pearls can be cultured in one mussel. Perfectly round Freshwater pearls are extremely rare.

Conch Pearls

These natural pearls are harvested from the Queen conch, a large marine snail with a heavy, lustrous shell which lives in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The highest-quality examples of Conch pearls are characterized by a distinctive "flame structure" that gives the appearance of a fire burning on the surface. Content provided by Mikimoto.