Gemstone Knowledge - Must-Knows in the World of Fine Jewelry

Freshwater pearls? Saltwater pearls?

What sets baroque pearls apart? (Part Two)

Olivia - September 9, 2019

 

Saltwater pearls are rare and take longer to cultivate, hence, they have higher unit prices.

A single pearl oyster can produce only 1-2 pearls at a time, while freshwater pearl mussels typically produce up to 30-40 pearls.

The global production of Akoya pearls (saltwater pearl oysters)
accounts for only 5% of freshwater pearls.

▎Saltwater pearls are cultured with a nucleus

typically consisting of pearl material enveloping a nucleus made of shell or similar material.

▎They are usually round and have a delicate luster.

The internal nucleus determines the shape, with round shapes being predominant in cultured saltwater pearls. The pearl material is relatively thin, ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, yet it possesses a full luster and magnificent surface shine. Among them, pearls cultured from the Japanese pearl oyster, Akoya, are widely known for their slight pink iridescence. The pink iridescence emitted by these pearls is dreamy and enchanting, earning them the title of "Princess of Pearls."

OYJ's selected styles of saltwater pearls are designed with simplicity in mind. With nearly perfect pearls, they require no additional embellishment; simplicity is enough to showcase their innate beauty.
 

▎Saltwater Pearls Display a Variety of Colors, Rich and Vibrant

The colors of saltwater pearls vary significantly depending on their origin:

• Japanese and Chinese Saltwater Pearls: Primarily white with pinkish hues
• South Sea Pearls: Elegant white pearls and luxurious golden pearls
• Tahitian Pearls: Known for their mysterious black color with undertones of green, blue, and purple, highly esteemed for their unique hues.

Typically, saltwater pearls are relatively small, mostly measuring below 8mm. In Japan, due to advanced cultivation techniques, saltwater pearls of 8-9mm can be found. South Sea pearls and Tahitian pearls generally exceed 9mm, with sizes reaching above 14mm considered exceptionally precious and commanding high prices.
 

3. 珍珠尺寸大小：價格與風格的權衡

• 價值關係： 在品質（光澤、圓度）相似的情況下，珍珠尺寸越大，培育時間越長，越為稀有，因此珍珠價格越高。
• 風格應用： 建議日常輕珠寶珍珠可選擇 6-8mm 的珍珠尺寸；正式場合或收藏則可考慮 9mm 以上的大尺寸。
• 結構應用： 有核珍珠因結構穩定，常被用於鑲嵌於 K金珍珠戒指等高階設計。

4. 表面潔淨度

• 天然特性： 由於珍珠是有機寶石，在珍珠養殖過程中，表面難免會留下細微的天然生長紋理、斑點或瑕疵。
• 選購原則： 表面瑕疵越少、越不明顯，則品質等級越高。

5. 顏色與皮層厚度

• 顏色選擇： 珍珠的顏色會影響珍珠選擇，例如白、金、黑、粉色等。顏色與伴色應飽滿均勻。
• 皮層厚度： 珍珠的皮層厚度是影響耐久性和珍珠光澤的關鍵，皮層越厚，光澤維持越久，飾品也越耐用。

▎The Non-Conformist: Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls, also known as Mabe pearl oysters, are cultivated within the same pearl oysters as saltwater pearls. However, they are the rebellious outliers among all cultured pearls as they are not considered "natural pearls." In the cultivation process, the nucleus of the pearl is fixed onto the shell of the oyster, resulting in only one side being covered with nacre. After harvesting, they need to be manually cut into pearls based on their shape. Unlike other cultured pearls that are harvested as complete pearls, this fundamental difference disqualifies them from being classified as natural pearls.
 

▎Mabe Pearls: Economical and Appealing

Despite not receiving certification as natural pearls, Mabe pearls remain a favorite in the market. They can be cultivated into various shapes, some exceeding 20mm in diameter, with delicate iridescent hues. Moreover, their price is less than one-tenth of similarly sized saltwater pearls. For those seeking large pearls without exceeding their budget, Mabe pearls present an excellent option.
 

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