Perfect Pearls!

Salt Water, Freshwater and Cultured pearls - there is a pearl for every budget and personal taste. Whichever you choose, they are stunningly beautiful and timelessly elegant. I would like to write my blog about the different types of pearls available and what the differences are between them. There are stunning examples of jewellery on Folksy, using all manner of shapes and colours of pearls. I will showcase some of those that appeal the most to me ...... Cultured Freshwater Pearl Necklace in sterling silver - this example can be found in my shop - do pop over for a look! ............................................................................................... This beautiful necklace by Helen Murphy features dyed freshwater cultured pearls and crystals. ................................................................................................ Pearls, natural and cultured, are formed in the tissues inside a mollusc, such as an oyster or clam. Small particles of sand or other irritants are caught up inside the shell and the animal forms layer upon layer of Nacre - the iridescent layer that covers the pearl and the inside of the shell itself (mother of pearl) to protect the creature from the foreign body. In Natural pearls, this happens in the wild and are quite rare. Pearls formed in this way command the highest of prices. The most beautiful natural pearls are salt water pearls from the south seas, such as those from Tahiti with a metallic almost mirror finish. Colours can range from white through to black and every shade in between. These are influenced by the food the animal eats, its species and the minerals and other particles in the waters the creature lives in. Perfectly round natural pearls are the most valuable. ................................................................................................ This bridal bracelet by Jacqueline Ostrowska, features natural freshwater pearls, faceted smoky quartz and amazonite gemstones - the perfect finishing touch for any bridal wardrobe. ............................................................................................... Cultured pearls are grown in farms both in the sea and in freshwater lakes. The system for growing the pearls is exactly the same as for the formation of pearls in the wild, but man inserts irritants of greater or lesser size into the molluscs. Many 'seeds' or 'nuclei' can be added to every mollusc to maximise production. Precise shapes can be grown, by inserting shaped cores. Discs, crosses and squares are common shapes. These pearls can be grown for three years or more, with those left for longer periods having superior lustre or shine and iridescence due to them having more layers of nacre. Many have colours that are formed as the pearl is formed, but lower grade pearls are often dyed to a uniform shade. ................................................................................................ These gorgeous, feminine earrings by Faith Bowman, have little charms of freshwater pearls and would look gorgeous on a bride or with any outfit. ........................................................................................................ I do hope you will enjoy this short and by no means conclusive introduction to pearls. If you feel inspired, please do take a moment to have a closer look at the pieces featured here by clicking on the pictures to take you to the item in the sellers shops. There are so many beautiful pearl pieces on Folksy, including many gorgeous items that include created or man made pearls, which I haven't even touched on in this blog. Please do have a look and enjoy! Jacqueline x