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WHAT IS A PEARL?
Most jewelry is fashioned out of precious metals and jewels that are found buried in the Earth, but pearls are found inside a living creature,
an oyster. Pearls are the only gem that grows naturally in a living organism and are the result of a biological process -- the oyster's way of
protecting itself from foreign substances.
Oysters are not the only type of mollusk that can produce pearls. Clams and mussels can also produce pearls, but that is a much rarer
occurrence. Most pearls are produced by oysters in both freshwater and saltwater environments. A cultured pearl is a pearl created by a
pearl farmer under controlled conditions in which a foreign substance is artificially introduced into the pearl sac to simulate an "intruder".
This "intruder" causes the oyster to secrete something called nacre which it then covers the foreign substance with in multiple layers
This nacre hardens to become what we call a pearl.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY PEARLS?
Keeping your pearl jewelry in pristine condition requires a few preventive measures. Pearls are vulnerable to damage by the chemicals in
cosmetics and hair products, so put on pearl rings and other jewelry last when you are getting dressed. Wipe them with a slightly damp,
lint-free cloth after every wearing. Wrap the pearls in a soft cloth (damp linen prevents dehydration) and place them in a box set aside just
for pearls.
Occasionally clean pearls with water mixed with a few drops of a mild dish soap, but don't soak the jewelry. Wipe the pearl jewelry with a
soft cloth dipped in the solution, rinse the cloth in fresh water and wipe the pearls again. Then dry the pearls. Avoid cleaning pearls in an
ultrasonic jewelry cleaner as the process is too rough for the delicate gems.
ARE PEARLS ENVIRONMENTALLY HEALTHY?
Pearl farming is a sustainable industry that maintains the health of its environment and contributes to the recovery of natural oyster
populations by raising their own supply. Cultured pearls, which include almost all the pearls available in today's market, are farmed through
aquaculture. Farming in water is considered less damaging ecologically than mining for gemstones on land. Pearl producers carefully
maintain the cleanliness of the water within their farms as the pearl oysters will not thrive in polluted water. And you do not have to worry
about anything related to a "Blood Pearl", they do not exist.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT GRADES OF PEARLS?
Yes, there are 4 different grades or classifications when describing the quality of freshwater pearls.
AAA:
Pearls have uniformly round shape and a high luster. These pearls are carefully matched in size, color and overtone when appropriate for a
piece of jewelry. Pearls can have slight blemishes on the surface that are noticed only when looking closely.
AA:
Pearls may have a potato shape and a medium luster. These are fairly uniform in size, color and overtone. Pearls may have some blemishes
on the surface.
A:
Pearls have irregularly formed potato shapes and a low to medium luster. These pearls can be noticeably inconsistent in size, color and
overtone. These pearls may have noticeable blemishes and wrinkles on the surface.
B:
Pearls have low to poor luster and great variance in shape, size, color and overtone. These pearls have obvious blemishes and wrinkles.
pearlsinthegrove.com only carries grade AA and AAA freshwater cultured pearls. Our
commitment to the quality of our jewelry assures that only the most beautiful pearls make it into your collection.
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