Sep 08 , 2020
PEARLS
PEARLS
A natural pearl is often called an Oriental pearl. Its formation starts when an irritant, generally sand or a grain, finds a way into a particular species of oyster, mussel or clam. To cure the inflammation caused by the irritant, the oyster secretes a fluid called Nacre as its defence mechanism. This nacre gets settled over the irritant and after multiple coatings it eventually forms the lustrous pearl.Oriental Pearls are very rare thus very expensive as their formation is purely a matter of chance. Hence, the easier, more economical way to acquire pearls is to culture them. The pearl culturing process initiates when a technician opens a live oyster and then, with gentle hands, surgically implants a small shell bead with a tiny piece of mantle tissue. The bead acts as the nucleus of the potential pearl around which the coating of nacre is to be done by the oyster. This particular part of cultivation demands a high calibre of skill and precision. The technicians need to open just 2-3 cm precisely or the nucleus is rejected by the oyster. Certain tools as per the requirements are used by the technicians.
Now these oysters having nucleus implanted in them are returned back to the sea where they float in the known perimeter which is sealed with the help of mesh arrangements. This arrangement is made in order to provide the oyster its preferred environment and at the same time putting tabs on them. These pearl-bearing oysters are periodically taken out of the sea for cleaning, healthcare and inspection purposes. They are placed in the hot water arrangements in the winters and are even treated with certain compounds as prevention from various parasites. Hence, the oysters are protected against every possible threat to ensure the well-being of the pearl. After the stipulated time, they are brought back to the shore and the pearl farmers harvest this valuable crop in the
name of pearl.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PEARL
SIZE
The size of the pearl varies with its species. The size of fresh water pearls ranges between 5mm to 10mm; however, they can be found in a size as tiny as 2 mm or as large as 15mm in the spherical shape. On the other extreme of the span, giant baroque pearls can be as large as 20mm-33mm. South Sea Pearls are generally between 9mm to 20mm, and Tahitian Pearls are usually in the scope of 8mm to 16mm.
SHAPE
Pearls come in a variety of shapes. Round Pearls are the rarest and the most expensive pearls. A slight difference in the value is prevalent for the semi round pearls as they seem perfectly spherical to an unaided eye but at microscopic level they have certain irregularities. A surreal resemblance to teardrops is seen in a number of pearls hence this shape of pearl is termed as Drop shaped pearls. The Baroque pearls are quite irregular and asymmetrical in shape hence are affordable.
COLOR
Pearls happen to be one of the most versatile gemstones because of their availability in a vast spectrum of colors. The most common and celebrated color of pearls is white and is often associated with occasions like weddings and engagements. The second most popular color for pearls happens to be black. This is generally the color of the pearl after the associated treatment. Golden Pearls also seem to have gained popularity recently and can grow up to 20mm. Pearls can even achieve exotic colors like lavender and pink with some necessary treatment.
LUSTRE
nacreOne of the prime characteristics of pearls is the beautiful way in which they reflect the light. A highly rated pearl can reflect light in a manner to make one believe that the source of light is the pearl itself. The lustre of the pearl basically depends upon the quality of the nacre, so it is directly associated with the species of the oyster.
SURFACE QUALITY
The surface quality of the pearl is a very important aspect as far as its beauty and sale is concerned. In order to have a significant reflection a smooth surface of pearl is very much demanded.
