Which pearls to choose?

Have you always dreamed of an elegant pearl necklace, but couldn't decide which one to choose? Are you wondering what length will be the right one? What is the difference between freshwater and sea pearls? You can learn the answers to these questions before buying pearls for yourself or your loved one in this article!

Cultured or naturally fished pearls?

Natural pearls, which were once only available for obvious reasons, have been replaced by cultured pearls over time. At the end of the 18th century, Japan obtained a patent for pearl cultivation, so their availability increased every year. In 1926, the International Jewelery Congress recognized cultured pearls as cultivated pearls. This means that from that moment on, these pearls were as valued and recognized as the natural ones.

Nowadays, naturally caught pearls are widely sold. We will not find them in any jewelry store, but only at exhibitions or in luxury auction houses, where they reach unimaginable prices. It is also related to the protection of the environment - to find only one pearl, sometimes you need to catch a thousand or even 10,000 mussels. And it is not certain that the quality of this pearl will allow it to be used by a jeweler.

Therefore, when we talk about pearls on the market, they will always be cultured pearls.

Freshwater or sea pearls?

Freshwater pearls are the so-called nuclear-free pearls (although there have also been freshwater nuclear pearls on the market for some time). In the case of nuclear cells, the embryo is very small and the mother of pearl makes up more than 99% of the weight of the whole pearl. Such pearls are much more durable to all kinds of mechanical damage.

Od lewej: perła słodkowodna, Akoya, Tahiti i South Sea

Despite their more durable properties, their price is very attractive. This is due to the fact that it is easier to cultivate in freshwater and that the number of pearls in one freshwater pearl oyster is much larger than in the sea oysters. Nevertheless, freshwater pearls of perfect quality are rare and their prices may approach Akoya sea pearls.

So if you care about durability and you intend to use your jewelry intensively, it is better to opt for freshwater pearls. We also have a much greater variety of shapes and colors here. Therefore, they will be the perfect choice for women who appreciate original jewelry. Freshwater pearls also have a large range in size - from even 1 mm to about 15 mm (although sometimes they are larger).

Akoya sea pearls (named after the mussels) are among the more valuable pearls. Their characteristic feature is a beautiful, tempting glow and a perfectly spherical form, noticeable even to a layman. Unlike freshwater pearls, they are nuclear pearls. Their embryo is a ball that often constitutes over 90% of the pearl's weight. The pearl coating on its surface is therefore much more delicate, and jewelery made of them should be treated with due care. They are not delicate enough to be afraid of wearing them, just keep that in mind when using them.

Why are their prices so high? Mainly because breeding is much more difficult. Breeding in the open sea is associated with a high risk of losing the entire population (e.g. due to frequent storms). Sea pearls are much more delicate and their ability to create a valuable pearl is limited.

While many pearls are created in freshwater molluscs, they are single pearls in marine molluscs. All this significantly reduces their supply and thus affects their value. Nevertheless, the unique shine and shape are so beautiful and appreciated that for lovers of pearl jewelry, it is a must-have item in their collection.

So if you value exceptional beauty and excellent quality, and your necklace, bracelet, earrings, ring or pendant is to be a charming accessory for special occasions, it is worth considering Akoya pearls. They are available in sizes from about 3 mm to even more than 10 mm. However, from 8 millimeters their price increases dramatically.

Tahiti and South Sea pearls - precious, luxurious and magnificent. Tahitian pearls come from the hot waters of the atolls and lagoons of French Polynesia. They are called black pearls, although in fact they are most often iridescent with shades of graphite, green and silver.

The color of these amazing pearls is the result of the work of nature itself. They are also nuclear pearls, although unlike Akoya pearls they have a thicker mother of pearl layer. They are available in sizes from approx. 8 mm to approx. 18 mm.

The South Sea are the pearls of the South Seas - mainly Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. A characteristic feature of these pearls is their size - from 10 mm to even 20 mm. They come in colors from white, through ecru, to the valued gold. They get the highest prices at world auctions.

Jewelry made of these pearls is bought not only as an exclusive accessory, but also with an investment in mind, as their price is constantly increasing.

What size and length of the necklace?

Now that we know what type of pearls will meet our expectations, it is time to choose the size and length of the necklace.

The most popular and most frequently ordered pearls are medium size (7.0-9.0 mm). Necklaces made of such pearls most often have a length of 45 cm - this is the so-called Princessa. If you choose such a necklace, it will be appropriate for special occasions and for everyday clothing, emphasizing a small neckline or decorating an unbuttoned shirt.

Smaller pearls are perfect for young girls, but also as a decoration for any woman who appreciates subtlety in accessories. Such necklaces can also be shorter, close to the neck, the so-called Choker. A length of 42 cm may be appropriate in this case.

As the size of the pearls increases, the longer (Matinée) necklaces of 50 cm and more look better. Such jewelry will catch the eye loosely falling on the neckline. Of course, the length should be selected according to the size of the collar.

Then we have long necklaces with clasps or strings of Opera pearls, even 200 cm long. Cords can decorate almost any outfit. For a light spring dress, elegant dress or even your favorite sweater. The advantage of such a string is that it can be moved several times, thanks to which we are able to obtain the effect of a necklace made of several rows of pearls.

After all, the classic outfit will be most suitable for formal attire, i.e. Choker or Princessa with medium-sized pearls.

What clasp for the necklace ?

The choice of the clasp should depend primarily on the use of our necklace. If we intend to wear it often, we want it to match most of the clothes in our wardrobe, choose the classic lobster clasp or ball-shaped clasp to be safe. It can also be a small, decorative clasp with a single pearl or zircon.

However, if our necklace is to be an exclusive accessory, the clasp should also tempt with its elegance. Then we can choose a decorative clasp decorated with precious stones. We have a choice of large silver or gold carabiners, golden balls with rubies or sapphires, or magnetic clasps that can be fastened very quickly and conveniently.

In the case of the metal from which the clasp is made, you should be guided primarily by your taste. Both silver and gold (white and yellow) clasps look nice in white and light pearls (salmon, pink). However, in all dark pearls, white gold clasps look better.

What color of pearls ?

If you buy jewelry for yourself, it does not matter if it is a classic white pearl, slightly cream, salmon, pink, gray or dark - choose it to your taste. Classic, subdued colors match almost everything. However, with more vivid colors, such as green, maroon or brown, you should take into account whether they will match your wardrobe.

If you are buying pearls as a gift, the safest option is to choose light pearls - white or slightly ecru. Because it is a classic that will surely satisfy the recipient, loved one.