Black pearls are quickly becoming a staple in every modern woman’s wardrobe and it’s no wonder as these metallic beauties go with almost anything. Black pearls aren’t exactly black, they’re more of a metallic greenish blue color and are cultured just like white pearls.
Like their lighter colored counterparts, black pearls can be made into necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets to be worn for casual and elegant affairs. Black pearls can be found growing in the black lipped oyster or Pinctada margaritifera which are raised on pearl farms. On these farms the oysters are suspended in the water on strings where they can be set at different depths depending on the water temperature.
Pearl farming can be a lucrative venture although it takes three years for a seeded oyster to produce pearls so a pearl farmer will not be earning any money for the first three years. Pearl farming is seen to be good for the environment as oysters will not thrive in waters that are polluted so it is in everyone’s best interest to keep the waters clean.
On pearl farms, oysters are seeded in the water. When they are large enough they are opened by trained technicians and a piece of clam from, of all places, Mississippi is inserted inside as the irritant that will form the pearl. Over the next two or three years the oyster secretes layer after layer of macro over the irritant forming the pearl. During this time, they oyster is carefully cared for to be sure it stays in the best of health!
Just like anything else, the price of black pearls depends on the quality of the pearl. Value is judged by size, shape, lustre, color and the characteristics of the surface coating. A thick coating with a radiant metallic look will be worth more than the thinner coated Perl that appears dull. Pearls can range in size from eight to 20 mm and of course the larger they are the more expensive it will be. Pearls with flaws will not bring as much money as perfect pearls.
When choosing black pearls or pearl jewelry, study each pearl carefully. Look for perfection of shape and a lustrous color. Inspect the surface with a loupe and look for bumps, cracks, spots and any flaws in the coating - all of these can lower the price. As with anything, go for the best quality example you can afford - it’s better to get 1 excellent quality pearl than 10 substandard quality pearls!
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For More quality and unique Information on the topic of Pearls, please visit the following reference site:
http://www.myjewelersplace.com/categories/Pearls/
Friday, March 13, 2009
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