| What is the difference between a natural and a cultured pearl? |
A natural pearl (often called an Oriental pearl) forms when an irritant, such as parasite, works its way into a particular species of oyster, mussel, or clam. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk secretes a fluid to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating is deposited on the irritant until a lustrous pearl is formed. With a cultured pearl, the difference is that the irritant is a surgically implanted bead or piece of shell called Mother of Pearl. Once the bead is implanted, the oyster begins secreting layers of nacre to form the pearl. The core of a cultured pearl is much larger than in a natural pearl.
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| Is there a standardized grading system for pearls? |
Pearls do not have a standardized grading system because each pearl is different; some are so unique that they would not be able to be compared, so to have a grading system would mean that there would have to be hundreds of quality parameters. Thus, there is no universal grading system. General descriptive terms for pearl quality are often the same as used to describe anything else: excellent, very good, average, etc.
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| How are cultured pearls evaluated? |
Cultured pearls are rated on five different qualities:
Luster and Orient: Luster is the sharpness and intensity of reflections on the pearl’s surface, the orient is the iridescent colors one sees within the pearl. The higher the luster and orient, the more valuable the pearl.
Color: Color describes both the main color (usually white) and the undertone (often pink, rose or green.) In addition pearls can be dyed any shade to meet personal preference.
Cleanliness: Describes how many imperfections are found on the surface of the pearl. Some imperfections are expected on all pearls, natural and cultured, but the fewer and less noticeable they are, the better.
Shape: In general, spherical pearls are the most prized. However, it is common to find small imperfections of shape, which can often be desirable as long as they are symmetrical. For example, teardrop shapes can be very desirable when used in rings and pendants.
Size: Cultured pearls and natural pearls are sold by diameter, measured by millimeters, with the size changing every ½ millimeter. Natural pearls change sizes with every 1/10 of a millimeter. In general, larger pearls are rarer and more costly. Price rises significantly with the size of the pearls.
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| What is the difference between natural and cultured pearls? |
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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| What kind of pearls is used in add A Pearl™ necklaces? |
We offer add-a-pearls in either natural pearls or cultured pearls.
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| How do I decide which type of pearl to select? |
Natural pearls are the only gemstones grown inside a living organism with absolutely no assistance from humans. Natural pearls are pure pearl from core to surface; they are extremely rare and valuable. Full strands of natural pearls are valued at thousands of dollars. add A Pearl™ offers the ideal way to acquire a strand of natural pearls over time, a precious heirloom.
Cultured pearls , with some human intervention, are much more readily easily produced in pearl farms. Modern cultivating techniques ensures that the cultured pearls glow with an illuminating luster similar to a natural pearl and therefore makes a beautiful and affordable option as an add A Pearl™ necklace.
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| Can I add the pearls myself? |
No, stringing Add-A-Pearls properly is a skill that requires specific tools and a special silk thread. In addition, when pearls are added the entire necklace is taken apart to ensure the best aesthetic position of each individual pearl. Reflection of each pearls’ luster, roundness and ,of course, exact millimeter size are considered for perfect positioning.
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| How Do I keep track of what size pearls are on my necklace? |
We encourage you to Register your necklace to simplify the process of creating a magnificent pearl necklace.
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| Can I have my local jeweler add some of their loose pearls to my necklace? |
The add A Pearl™ name and trademark assures you of the finest quality pearls and a perfectly matched necklace. To maintain the beauty of your add A Pearl™ necklace be sure you only add original add A Pearls to your necklace. Find a dealer near you .
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| Is There a charge for adding new add-a-pearls to the necklace? |
No, this is a complimentary service offered when adding original add-a-pearls to an original add-a-pearl necklace.
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| Now, that I have started a Natural Add-A-Pearl Necklace, how do I choose one of the six plans to follow? |
All of the Plans are designed to complete a perfectly proportioned Natural Pearl Necklace. The main difference between the plans is in the size of the center part of the necklace. Plans 1,2 and 3 use smaller pearls in the front of the necklace and Plans 4,5, and 6 use much larger ( more costly) pearls as center pearls. The other big difference is with the diamond clasp which is purchased after the necklace is completed. Keep in mind, any clasp can be used . A diamond clasp is not mandatory to finish the necklace. A simple 14k filigree clasp is always an available option. read more..
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| Do I have to follow one of the Plans? |
No, we are more than happy to have you design your own add A Pearl™ Necklace that best suits your style. We are always available to answer any questions you might have about adding pearls to your necklace .
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| When should pearls be added? |
Pearls can be added for any special occasion. Usually pearls are added on birthdays, Valentine’s Day, confirmations, christenings, graduations, bat mitzvahs, and Christmas or Hannukah. Sweetest Day, Easter Baskets, and to recognize other accomplishments such as first steps, first trophy ,Honor Roll, and other milestones are all great times to add pearls.
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| If I purchase a starter necklace , how do I get other friends and family members involved with the pearl additions? |
| Let everyone know that you have started an add A Pearl™ Necklace ( connect to email, facebook, myspace, twitter, aim ) and they can purchase gifts of additional pearls to add to the necklace very simply by visiting www.addapearl.com. Be sure to first register your necklace. |