Pearls are probably
Pearls are probably the only gemstone which does not require cutting and each one is totally unique. Although it is classified as a gemstone it is of course biologically produced by a mussel. These mussels can be found in fresh and saltwater.
Akoya pearls are found in saltwaters and is the most popular pearl for jewelry. Japaneses pearl farms specialize in Akoya pearls and in the 1920’s they began farming them because the light colored pearls complimented their completion. Generally these pearls are combined with 18K gold fitting because of the high quality and price attached to akoya pearls. The Japanese now face serious competition from the Chinese who started production in the 1990s.
To cultivate a saltwater pearl, a mother of pearl nucleus is implanted into the mussel along with an irritant. With akoya pearls, a maximum of 4 nucleuses can be placed at one time. When the akoya pearl in untreated it is cream or yellow coloured. Different shapes can occur including, drop, oval and round.
When you purchase an item of pearl jewelry you need to be aware that unlike other gemstones, these will not last forever. A saltwater pearl will last for 150 years and then go dull. Luckily it shouldn’t die within your lifetime, just as long as you look after it. When you put perfume on make sure you do this before wearing your pearls. Also, every now and again, wash them with warm soapy water and dry with a soft tissue. When storing you pearl jewelry, use a soft tissue to wrap it, or even better put it in it’s own box.
As a pearl jewlry wearer you are in good company as fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton have all worn pearl jewelry. Pearls are the height of sophistication and there are few jewelry pieces which surpass its elegance.
Gemstones have been used as adornments in jewelry and other items since for centuries. In early times, only royalty could afford gems but today nearly everyone can have a bauble with a gemstone or two in it. Here’s some information on seven gemstones favored by jewelry makers.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz that comes in shades of purple. It is a highly accessible stone and used in all types of jewelry. This gemstone can vary greatly in quality and color and is the birthstone for the month of February. There are 14 different locations where Amethysts are abundantly found today.
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