Pearls - Colour and Care

Colour / Lustre

The unique lustre of the pearl is dependent on the reflection, refraction and diffraction of light from the translucent layers formed within the pearl. The thinner and more numerous the layers in the pearl, the finer the quality of lustre.

The colour of a naturally produced, coloured pearl depends on the variety of mollusc and its environment.

Caring For Your Pearls

Pearls are organic and are sensitive to heat and alcohol in cosmetics and detergents.

To preserve the natural lustre and nacre (surface) of pearls, they should be cleaned gently after being worn against the skin.

Pearls should be stored in acid-free tissue paper - materials such as plastic should not be used to protect pearls as condensation within a plastic bag may damage the pearl's surface.

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Pearls

Holding its own among the world's precious gemstones is the pearl.

Every pearl is unique in colour, lustre, size and shape. One element however sets pearls aside from other gemstones: The pearl is created naturally by a living organism, developed within the shell or mollusc. The pearl itself is the mollusc's natural defence system which creates a protective physical barrier against irritation or damage occuring within the shell.

Modern pearls may now be produced using various methods such as cultured pearl farms which artificially create the reaction within an oyster to produce a pearl. Cultured pearls are becoming increasingly relevant as the number of natural pearls decreases.

The ideal and most valuable pearl shape is perfectly spherical. Pearls however, are produced in various shapes such as round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque and circled - each shape befitting specific pieces of jewellery.

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