Natural vs. Cultured
Natural vs. Cultured
Gem-quality natural pearls are quite rare because those produced by mollusks are not always good enough for jewelry. Other than that, some of the shapes are not acceptable. There are also a very small number of harvestable natural pearls available which is why jewelers turn to cultured pearls, which are easily produced in the desired shape and size and conveniently harvested.
Natural pearls are generally not superior in quality and value to cultured pearls, although the perfectly round natural pearl is the most prized because of its rarity. The only difference between the two types is their method of production. Both are actual pearls.
Choosing a good quality pearl
Pearls are prized depending on several factors, a combination of which can greatly affect their price:
Color – is determined based on two things: the body color and the overtone. The body color is the main color of the pearl, which can range from the more common white, cream and silver to green, gold, blue and black. The body color depends on the kind of oyster the pearl was produced with as well as on the water conditions prevailing at the time of its production.
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Tags: cultured pearl bracelet, freshwater pearl beads, pearl earing, sterling silver jewelry
