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Cultured pearls are labeled "cultured" because man is involved with the birth of the pearl. Cultured pearls differ from natural pearls in that natural pearls are developed without any help from man. Man starts the cultured pearl process by implanting a "seed" in the oyster. In nature this would be equivalent to a molecule of sand, shell or a pebble that enters the oyster and forms an irritant. This irritant activates the oysters immune system that pushes it away from the oysters body and eases the discomfort. The oyster releases crystalline nutrients of conchiolin, calcite and aragonite to cover the irritant in several layers known as nacre. This process continues until the pearl is removed or the oyster dies.

There are two different types of cultured pearls: freshwater and saltwater. The main difference between the two is price. Freshwater pearls command a lower price in the market because one oyster can produce up to 50 pearls at one time versus one or two pearls developed by a saltwater oyster.

Like all other gemstones, pearls come in different qualities. Pearls are made up of five quality factors that will affect their rarity and in return effect the price of the pearls. Let's examine these five factors so that you will have a good understanding of how to shop for pearls.

Luster (Lustre)
Luster refers to how well the light reflects from a pearl back to the eye. You can recognize luster from the intensity of the mirror like finish. A pearl with high luster will reflect an image back from the pearl. This image will be sharp and crisp in a pearl with a high luster and dull and milky with a pearl of lower luster.

 

Color
Color and body overtone are very important in pearls. Very white pearls with a rose overtone are considered to be the rarest and therefore will be more expensive. Pearls can range in color from white with rose overtone to blue/gray (not to be confused is black).

 

Surface
The smoother the surface of the pearl the more valuable. The least amount of pits, spots or cracks the better.

 

 Shape
Pearls do not always form in a round form, actually they are often "semi-round." The closer to round the pearl, the more valuable.

 

 Size
Pearls come in various sizes that are measured in millimeters. Larger pearls command larger prices because they are more rare than that of their smaller counterparts.