History Pearls are most feminine and mystical amongst all jewellery.  The pearl is a noble and mystical fruit of the seas, and the lakes.  Where shellfish live, pearls are being created.  Also in fresh water.  A pearl is born in an oyster by coincidence, having a brilliant, yet a soft glow. History tells about numerous legends about pearls, once the most precious product on the face of this earth.  There is the story about Cleopatra who, to impress Marc Anthony, pulverized two pearls in a glass of wine, and drank it.  When calculating at today's value, this would represent a value of USD 12 million! During the Renaissance, it was forbidden for civilians to even as much as own a pearl.  While conquering the New World, a true 'pearl rush' took place by the lakes of Central America.  Unfortunately, almost all fresh water populations became extinct.  And in 1916, one 'Jacques Cartier' became the proud owner of a jewellery store on 5th Avenue, NY in exchange for...two pearl necklaces. Japanese Ingenuity The Japanese Kokichi Mikimoto invents a method to get a pearl within everybody's reach, and 'grows' pearls by implanting a foreign kernel into the flesh of an oyster.  As a natural response, the oyster builds a coat of mother-of-pearl around the 'intruder', which can be harvested as a pearl, two to three years later. This is a cultivated pearl that is no different from another pearl, other then the fact that it was bred by human intervention.  Today, almost every pearl is grown this way.  Only 20% of all harvested pearls are used for jewellery.  Only 5% of those are regarded as Top Class. Pearl Types Akoya Pearls The traditional classic from Japan, with a diameter between 2 to 9mm, and mostly used for necklaces and jewellery.  The Akoya oyster is also grown in China, but lacks some of its brilliance. South Sea Pearls Big (9 to 20mm) and with a colour variety of white from Australia and Indonesia, up to green-black pearls from French Polynesia. Fresh Water Pearls Sourcing from Japan, China, and the USA, and are relatively cheap.  They are much wanted because of their unique colours, and are highly popular amongst the trendy designers. Mabe Irregular shapes with a flat back are Mabe pearls.  From Japan, Indonesia and Australia, that grow to the back of an oyster and that are used for rings and earrings because of their flat side. Real or Fake? Real pearls, both natural as cultivated, feel somewhat cold first but rapidly adapt to your body heat.  A fake pearl always caries the temperature of the environment, and feels somewhat lighter too. When rubbing a real pearl against your teeth, you will experience a sandy feeling, for you rub calcium with calcium.  A fake pearl on the other hand feels very smooth. Pearl Quality It is important to note that there is no internationally adopted standard for rating pearls.  Therefore you may find exaggerated scales (i.e. A-AAAA+) or that AAA from one retailer does not equate to AAA from another. For this reason, always make sure you look at exactly what each rating means before buying your pearls.  The following criteria is used to determine a pearls quality: Diameter and Weight A pearl with a significant mother of pearl, compared to its kernel, will guarantee the quality of the pearl.  Bigger sizes are harder to grow, and are therefore more precious.  A pearl is measured in millimeters, for example 6.0 x 6.5 mm.  The weight is mentioned in 'grain' (50mg). Colour The colour is determined by the oyster's shell.  There are 7 colours known to us: pink, silver, crème, gold, green, blue, and black.  One chooses the colour by its own skin: white-pink for a white skin, whereas crème coloured pearls go perfect with a tinted skin. Orient and Glow By orient of iridescence, we express the 'rainbow' effect, as a result of the quality, and the layers of mother-of-pearl, that seems to come from inside the pearl. Surface The regularity of layers, smoothness of the surface, and possible flaws in the structure that are caused during its growth, determine these essential criteria. Shape The more round, the more perfect and valuable.  Although some prefer pear shaped, oval, or baroque pearls, which are always a source of inspiration for the designers of pearl jewellery. Size The value of each pearl in its quality range depends on the diameter in millimeters.  Larger is rarer and more expensive. Care and Cleaning Your Pearls Due to the delicate and fragile nature of pearls, proper care must be exercised. This will help to protect the lustre and beauty of your pearls, while providing many years of enjoyment.  Below are some important tips to help ensure your pearls will remain beautiful for years to come. Store Pearls Separately From Other jewellery Pearls are typically much softer than gemstones and precious metals.  If stored with other jewellery, they can become easily scratched or damaged. Store Pearls In Soft Material To protect your pearls, store them in a soft cloth pouch, linen cloth, or soft lined jewellery box.  These will help prevent the pearls from being scratched or damaged.  Do not store your pearls in a plastic bag or excessively dry place (next to a heater) as these could cause your pearls to become brittle or crack. Minimize Contact With Personal Products Hairspray, makeup, perfume, and other personal care products contain chemicals that can harm the pearl's surface and dull the pearl's lustre.  To minimize this type of contact, use personal care products first before putting on pearls. Minimize Contact With Perspiration Perspiration contains natural acids that can harm the pearl's surface and dull the pearl's lustre.  To minimize this, remove pearls before exercising or doing strenuous activity. Clean Your Pearls After Wear When you take your pearls off, gently wipe them with a soft damp cloth.  This will help to remove any build-up on the pearls.  Make sure you do not use anything abrasive as these may damage your pearls. Periodically Wash Your Pearls Washing your pearls periodically is the best way to help remove harmful build-ups.  Wash your pearls in soapy water using a mild liquid soap (not a detergent).  Once finished, gently rinse and place on soft towel or cloth to dry.  Do not hang pearls to dry as this may stretch the silk thread. Restring Your Pearls You should have your pearls restrung periodically.  If you wear your pearls frequently, then you should have them restrung annually to prevent breakage.  Pearls should be restrung with silk thread and knotted between each pearl.  The knot prevents the pearls from all falling of the thread if there is a breakage, as well as prevents the pearls from chafing each other.