Natural pearls are one of the most rare and beautiful of all gems. A natural pearl
begins as a single grain of sand that becomes imbedded in the soft, fleshy part
of the pearl oyster. The oyster relieves the irritation with a secretion called
nacre. Natural pearls are made from layers of pure nacre, from the tiny sand core
to the surface of the pearl, that exude an unmistakable iridescence.
Pure pearl through and through, natural pearls are truly a magical gift from nature.
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Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are essentially man-made - a bead is placed
inside the shell of an oyster, and instead of the thick layers of nacre that form
a natural pearl, the layer of nacre formed on the bead is usually only about a millimeter
thick.
Cultured pearls radiate a wonderful lustrous sheen. More abundant than natural pearls,
cultured pearls are more affordable in all sizes. Cultured pearls are a beautiful
and extraordinary gift of love.
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