Pearls

Few experiences in life are as luxurious as feeling the smooth elegance of a strand of pearls as they lay against your skin. Pearls are a beautiful and highly versatile organic gem that can be worn casually or reserved for dressy occasions. Pearls have been referred to as a “gift of the gods.” The ancient Greeks, for example, believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of sensuality and beauty, adored the beauty of pearls. The Chinese believed that there was a link between the moon and a pearl’s soft glow. Pearl is the birthstone for June, but those born in other months also take pleasure from their versatility and beauty in shape and color.

Cultured Pearl Facts

• Pearl culturing began in the early 1900s. Cultured pearls are divided into freshwater and saltwater varieties and are cultured in pearl farms around the world.
• China is the largest producer of cultured pearls – mainly freshwater varieties. The most notable source for cultured black pearls is around the islands of French Polynesia. Large white and golden cultured pearls from the Pinctada maxima mollusk come from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Culturing typically involves implanting a bead made from a mother-of-pearl shell into a mollusk along with a piece of tissue from another mollusk. The pearl forms around the bead and is harvested after several years in the water.
• Although cultured pearls are relatively soft (2.5-4.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale), with proper care, they can last a lifetime.

Cultured Pearl Treatment

The treatments used to enhance cultured pearls range from simple buffing of the surface to waxing, dying, filling, coating, bleaching, enhancing the luster, oiling, and irradiation. At J. F. Kruse, we always disclose information about any gemstone known to be treated.

Cultured Pearl Treatment

• Cultured pearls can easily scratch, so store them separately in soft cloths or padded containers.
• Don’t put cultured pearls in ultrasonic cleaners, cleaning products, steamers, or detergents.
• Cultured pearl jewelry is best cleaned with a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth. Removing dirt immediately after wear will prolong its beauty.
• Restring cultured pearl strands on a regular basis. Typically, fine cultured pearls have knots between each pearl.
• Bring your pearls in at least twice a year and so our goldsmiths can thoroughly clean and inspect them. At J. F. Kruse, we happily clean and inspect all jewelry at no charge, regardless of where it was purchased.