Growing pearls is a work of love. Exact details vary from farm to farm and from species to species. For example, oysters can be harvested and the period of care before pearl is implanted varies. In general, the implantation process is as follows:

Oysters are cleaned and a skilled craftsman performs a quick and accurate "surgery" to implant a bead core of organic material (often mother-of-pearl). The core of the beads takes a little mantle from another mollusk. The mantle is an organ that produces the oyster's shell, using minerals from the oyster's food. The material created by the mantle is called nacre. The formation of a natural pearl begins when a foreign substance slips into the oyster between the mantle and the shell, which irritates the mantle. The oyster's natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself. The mantle covers the irritant with layers of the same nacre substance that is used to create the shell. This eventually forms a pearl.

So a round pearl is a foreign substance covered with layers of nacre. Not all pearls turn out so well. Some pearls form in an uneven shape -- these are called baroque pearls. When pearls are ready to be harvested, pearl farmers remove the oysters from the water. In most cases, the oysters are transported to harvesting facilities. Harvesters open the oysters, remove the pearls and, in some cases, prepare the oysters to create more pearls. This is an extremely delicate process, and one that requires gentle hands to ensure that pearls, are not damaged in the process.

Here's a guide to understanding the wide range of pearls.

Freshwater Pearls:

They are mainly produced in the lakes and rivers of China which is a pioneer in this genre. Freshwater pearls are grown in mussels, not oysters. Ten to fourteen freshwater pearls can be grown in mussels. Perfect round freshwater pearls are extremely rare.

Akoya:

Awarded for their brilliant shine and rich color, Akoya pearls are a traditional symbol of elegance and beauty. Produced from Akoya oysters in Japan, they are the most popular of all pearl types. Depending on the size of the mother oyster, they range from 3-10 mm. Akoya pearls are typically white, some may possess golden or silvery-blue undertones.

Black South Sea:

The stunning color of these natural black pearls is produced by oysters in the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia and Okinawa. Sizes start at 8mm, in round and other shapes. Although the main color is black, the rich, dark colors vary from gray, silver, green to shades of green or blue colouring.

White South Sea:

These treasures are typically the largest and most expensive variety of pearl. Part of their mystique is the fact that they are grown in the infamous “coral triangle” – a section of treacherous water that lies between Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. South Sea pearls range in size from 8-20mm, with pearls larger than 15mm going for tens of thousands of US dollars. Depending on the type of oyster they form in, they can be a silky white (similar to an Akoya), a sleek silver, pastel pink, or a rich gold.

Additionally there are things that look like pearls that actually aren’t. “Majorca” pearls are good man-made imitations, for instance. There are also crystal/glass/plastic “pearls” which are those substances as the round centers, coated with an imitation nacre.

Pearls are good for the body and mind, ruled by the moon, it is good healing stone for depression and emotional problems. It cools and heals the body of skin problems as well. Women wear it all year round and good quality pearls, are good for health.

The value of pearls is determined by many different factors such as:

• type and weight of the Material that comes with it (Sterling Silver 925 or Gold 14K, 18K, 24K)
• Pearl Luster, Shape, Color and Size 
• Diamond that is attached to Pearl Jewelry
• number of Pearls

Vasiliki Spyropoulou Pearl Jewelry is designed with the right materials that can be easily re-used after recycling (thus minimizing negative effects on the environment), while maximizing the use of the material that is not lost. Pearls are Perfect as Bridal Jewelry, Bridesmaids Gift or if you are dressing up for your bestie's Wedding. We trade Natural Pearls of High Quality.

We explain what our Materials are, their Properties, so you make the right Choice for your Wedding Day. Our Jewelry follows all safety and nickel content specifications.

If you need more info, do not hesitate. Contact us now. 

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