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Freshwater Pearls: |
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As their name suggests, Freshwater Pearls find their origin in fresh water bodies
such as lakes, rivers, etc. Though, the traditional source of pearls has been oysters
which live in saltwater, mollusks that live in freshwaters can also produce pearls.
In general, Freshwater Pearls are not as round as Saltwater Pearls and tend to be
less expensive than saltwater pearls.
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Saltwater Pearls: |
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The cultivating technique used to obtain Saltwater Pearls takes about two and half
years with each oyster giving one pearl. These Pearls are therefore more expensive
than Freshwater Pearls and are better in quality because the nacre becomes very
thick due to prolonged period of pearl formation.
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| Popular Pearls: |
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Given below are a few popular types of pearls majorly used in jewelry-making:-
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Akoya Pearls: |
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When pearls are cultured within an Akoya oyster, usually found in China and Japan,
they are called Akoya Pearls. White and cream colored pearls are most common while
lighter shade of pink and silver pearls are also available. Akoya pearls are perfectly
round in shape and very small in size, around 2mm to 11mm, owing to its small size
oyster. This consistency of shape favors its use in making of jewelry like stud
earrings, bracelets and neck pieces.
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Black Tahitian Pearl: |
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Tahitian Pearls are produced by the black lipped oyster in the islands of French
Polynesia. The black lipped oyster is huge, resulting in much larger pearl formation.
Most black Tahitian Pearls are rarely pure black. Instead they are silver or charcoal
or a multitude of colors with the dominant color being green. Owing to their rarity
and high value, Tahitian pearls make a unique gifting option.
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South-Sea Pearls: |
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The formation of South Sea Pearls takes places in large culturing area and extended
growth period. They are generally much larger as compared to other pearls and tend
to have a deep and velvety luster quality. Silver lipped oysters normally produce
pearls in white, silver, aqua and blue family of overtones. The gold lipped one
develops overtones in champagne, vanilla and deeper golden variety. South Sea Pearls
generally retain the highest value of all pearl types.
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| Imitation Pearls: |
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Imitation Pearls are simply referred as artificial pearls i.e. pearls that are not
created from oysters. Thus they do not fall under the category of true Pearls and
are very low in quality due to the difference in weight, smoothness and luster.
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The enticing variety available in genuine
Pearl Jewelry is highly commendable at B2C Jewels.
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