Why custom jewelry is the new true luxury
How many types of pearls are there?
If you have to buy pearls and you are wondering which type of pearl is right for you, freshwater pearls or akoya pearls, read this article. In the end we hope you will have clearer ideas!
First of all let’s understand what types of pearls exist. We offer them in order of price and value:
- real natural pearls that shellfish fishermen find in oysters. Now very rare and with almost inaccessible prices!
- cultured pearls in seawater. The most valuable are, among the smallest those grown in Japan and called Akoya pearls, and among the largest those from Australia.
- freshwater cultured pearls
What are the differences between pearls grown in seawater and freshwater?
Both are natural, but they are created by man by inserting a core inside the oyster, in order to facilitate and accelerate the process of creating the pearl. Let’s see the main differences:
- Production capacity. The main difference between the two types is that the oyster that produces Akoya pearls is one of the smallest existing pearl oysters. This means that a maximum of one or two pearls can be grown inside at a time. In addition, Akoya pearls take between 18 months and 2 years to form. So the production of Akoya pearls is not very large and this is one of the factors that makes them more expensive. In freshwater pearl oysters, on the other hand, up to 40 pearls can be grown at a time. So the production capacity is very different. Australian pearls, on the other hand, take between 3 and 6 years to be created. This makes them even more expensive than Akoya pearls.
- Sphericity. It should be known that Akoya pearls, compared to freshwater pearls, are perfectly spherical in 80% of cases. This however is not so obvious in fresh water ones. As for Australian pearls, given their large size, it is very rare to find them perfectly spherical.
- Shine. The luster that distinguishes Akoya pearls is unique, very deep and brilliant. Even more particular that of Australian pearls, so shiny as to be silky.
What are the criteria for evaluating pearls?
- Dimension. Surely a very important factor in evaluating a pearl is the size, because, with the same perfection, the larger they are the more they are worth. This obviously because it took longer to cultivate them. Pearls are measured in millimeters (mm) by measuring the diameter. Considering the salt water pearls, in the context of the size, it is important to know that the Akoya pearls on average are around 7 mm and reach a maximum of 9 mm. The largest pearls are the Australian ones ranging from 8 to 20 mm, with an average of 13 mm.
- Form. The more perfectly spherical it is, the more valuable it is. Here are the most common forms:
- Spherical
- Oval
- Button
- Drop
- Pear
- Fantasy
- Baroque
- Colour. Pearls come in many shades of color that are difficult to categorize. The main ones are:
- White
- Rosé
- Cream
- Grey
- Appearance of the surface. Looking at them closely under direct light, being a true natural material, they will never be perfectly smooth, but slightly wrinkled to the touch and possibly with some very small bubbles.
How to recognize a real pearl from a fake pearl?
We certainly recommend that you turn to experts for a correct evaluation. However, if you really can’t do without it, we recommend that you file the pearl slightly in one point, possibly near the hole, to see if the enamel skips. If they are plastic, it will immediately skip the paint and underneath you will find plastic!
Pearls are a timeless fashion accessory. Perfect in any situation, with both classic and modern looks.
As Coco Chanel said: “A woman needs strings and strings of pearls”
And for those who say it is bad luck to give pearls, popular tradition states that pearls must be given in even numbers and the person who receives them should give a coin in exchange, as a superstitious gesture against bad luck.
Furthermore, pearls are a symbol of fertility, precisely because of their process of formation and “birth”. They are therefore perfect as a gift to the bride on the wedding day. They are also perfect as a gift to a girl for her 18th birthday, as a gift for the birth of a child, or for an important birthday.
At Virano Gioielli you will find a vast assortment of jewelry with pearls and strings of loose Akoya, Australian and freshwater pearls for all types of budgets:
Come and visit us in our Virano Gioielli showroom in via Giolitti 7 bis in Turin, in the center, a stone’s throw from Piazza San Carlo.
And if you don’t have time, call us on 0039 011 540689 or write to info@viranogioielli.it
We will make proposals and together we will find the solution that best suits your needs.
Virano Gioielli, 100 years of craftsmanship.
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