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Natural vs. cultured

Pearls are rare gifts of nature, and either natural or man-made irritants begin the process.

Natural pearls

These form in nature when an accidental irritant - such as sand - enters the oyster. In an attempt to cover the offending object, the oyster begins secreting nacre - thin layers of calcium carbonate.

Perfect pearls

The pearls created by the continual layering of nacre will almost always be mis-shapen (baroque) due to the odd shapes entering the oyster. Only in very rare cases will a natural pearl occur in a spherical shape.

Cultured pearls

Cultured pearls are formed in the same way as natural pearls, but with man supplying the initial irritant to get the process started.

Pearl farmers insert a round mother-of-pearl shell or a piece of mantle tissue into the soft tissue of the oyster.

Pearl shapes and colours

Different irritants create pearls with different qualities: depending on what's inserted into the oyster, pearls can come in round, oval and button shapes, and also colours like white, pink and plum.

Caring for your pearls

Avoid cosmetics

Pearls are porous and organic, so cosmetics such as hairspray, perfume and body lotion should never be applied directly onto your pearls.

Contact with these items may damage the nacre or cause discoloration. Only wear your pearls once you've applied your cosmetics.

Pearls should not be worn while showering, swimming or exercising.

Only wear your pearls once you've applied your cosmetics

Re-stringing your pearl necklaces

You should only re-string your pearl necklaces periodically, depending on usage. If the knots become discolored or if the necklace seems stretched, then it's a good time to get the necklace re-strung.