Irrespective of the occasion, wearing pearls can never go wrong! These lustrous beauties have the ability to turn heads at the first glance and can level up your fine jewellery game instantly. The two primary types of pearls available are natural pearls and cultured pearls. Although they hold a similar level of magnificence, they aren’t the same.
Continue reading to know more about these two varieties and what sets them apart…
Formation
Natural pearls form inside mollusks from either freshwater or saltwater sources, and are a product of response to a biological intrusion. Specifically, when an irritant enters the oyster, it is cloaked with multiple layers of nacre – a composite material comprising hexagonal platelets of aragonite fused in extremely thin layers. And gradually, this secretion hardens and what you get is a lovely, delicate pearl.
Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are created in a controlled environment of pearl farms and their growth requires human intervention and care. They form in saltwater or freshwater lakes after an irritant is surgically placed into the oyster shell by a pearl farmer. From there, multiple layers of nacre are formed around it naturally, and the pearls that are formed are then cleaned, soaked, and sorted.
Shape
In the case of natural pearls, these look more organic. For example, they are irregularly shaped or are not as round as their cultured counterparts. Whereas, cultured pearls are mostly perfectly round.
Rarity
Fine-quality natural pearls are extremely rare as most of them have already been harvested. That is why their prices go through the roof and they are almost impossible to locate. The ones that you will be able to lay your hands on today are mostly being sold at antique auctions.
Coming to cultured pearls, they are not exactly rare. Most of the pearl jewellery available in the market today is made using cultured pearls, regardless of whether they are Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, or Freshwater.
Cost
Due to their rarity, natural pearls are universally costly compared to cultured pearls that are much less in price.
Place of Origin
Most of the natural pearls have been found in the Persian Gulf for approximately 5,000 years. Whereas, cultured pearls are produced in both saltwater and freshwater. You can find freshwater pearls in rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and most of them originate from China. And if you are on the lookout for a saltwater pearl, Australia and Asia are the two main sources.
Parting Note
Although diamonds are forever, a pearl’s natural beauty has also been prized for eons, longer than any other gemstone. More so, heirloom-quality pearls radiate a lustrous glow that comes from within the gem, accentuating any piece of jewellery to perfection. So, whether you decide on a natural or cultured pearl, this June birthstone is sure to maintain its status, charm, versatility, and will continue to captivate its wearers throughout their lifetime.
So, hurry up and purchase resplendent pearl jewellery today! And remember to get a Certificate of Authenticity to make sure you purchase a genuine piece.
Also Read: What is the Best Way to Store Pearls?
