Pearls

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Bill Hicks Jewellery Design

Pearls are the ultimate in classic elegance and will set off any gown, whether it white, cream or ivory.

Pearls are synonymous with natural beauty – they are stylish, classic, traditional, simple, extravagant and modern all in one. Whatever your look a string of pearls is sure to set it off.

Types of pearls

There are three types of pearls – cultured pearls, natural pearls and simulated pearls.

Cultured pearls

This type of pearl is formed by oysters and are composed of a substance called crystalline nacre deposited around an irritant (such as a tiny piece of mother of pearl) purposefully placed in the oyster’s body. They are relatively rare as they take many years to form and may only be grown in certain parts of the world. There are several types of cultured pearl.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are formed in the same way as cultured pearls except that the irritant (such as a grain of sand) accidently lodges in the oysters body. The difference between a good quality cultured pearl and a natural pearl is impossible to detect without an x-ray.

Simulated pears

Simulated or imitation pearls are any pearls not formed by deposits of nacre around an irritant inside an oyster. They may resemble pearls but have a surface created by a manufacturing process.

What gives a pearl its value?

The value comes from the nacre’s ability to absorb, refract and reflect light. High quality pearls have a metallic lustre, while poor quality pearls show very little reflectivity.

Other factors that affect a pearl’s value are size, shape (more symmetrical pearls have greater value), nacre thickness, colour and surface clarity (how satiny-smooth and blemish-free the pearl’s surface appears).

Choosing your pearl jewellery

You should consider lustre, size, shape, colour, surface quality when choosing pearl jewellery, and of course which pearls you like the look of best. As with other jewellery purchases, try on the pearls you like before making a final decision. The colour and setting of your piece, whether it is a single pearl pendant, drop earrings or a beautiful pearl choker, will dictate how well it suits you and your gown.

As a general rule roseate-hued pearls are best suited to fair skinned woman, while cream and gold coloured pearls are more flattering for darker skin tones.

Caring for your pearls

Pearls are easy to keep clean, simply wipe them with a soft cloth. You should always remove them before using household cleaning products or playing sport. Also avoid spraying perfume near your pearls, as this will diminish the lustre. In fact it is a good idea to wait until you are completely ready to go out before putting them on. After wear, wipe your pearls gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth before putting them away in their own soft bag.