Strands of Pearls
Types of pearls
The pearl is a gem of organic origin produced by bivalve mollusks. It is mainly composed of conchiolin, a protein substance, and concentric layers of aragonite and calcite.
We can distinguish pearls into two macroclasses: freshwater pearls, whih belong to the genus Hyriopsis which are found in lake or river environments and sea pearls, which belong to the genus Pinctada that live in marine environments.
The latter include three varieties:
• Tahiti pearls, also known as black pearls, born in one or two specimens in the Pinctada Margheritifera, a mollusk characterized by mainly dark colours;
• Australian Pearls, born out of the Pinctada Maxima oyster which, as the name suggests, has very large dimensions that sometimes even reach 30 cm;
• Akoya Pearls, which are born out of a very small sized oyster, the Pinctada Martensii.
The formation of pearls takes placewhen the mollusk produces the nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, which is arranged in concentric layers around a foreign body introduced inside it either accidentally or thanks to human intervention.
The color of pearls
It is curious to know that the color of a pearl is strongly influenced by the environment in which the mollusk grows. Following this concept, we identify three main colors: white, black and gold, which then decline in numerous shades that touch hints of grey, violet, pink and champagne.
When talking about the value of a pearl, its reflective capacities play a decisive role. In technical jargon, this ability is called the Orient, which is strongly conditioned by the quality of the mother-of-pearl and closely linked to its brightness and transparency.
These variables, along with others including luster, color quality and surface cleanliness, establish the value of a pearl.
Online sale of unprocessed natural pearl strands
We offer a wide array of pre-drilled pearl strands at advantageous prices, available in various shades, shapes, sizes and qualities.
Pearls develop in various shapes: spherical, which is typical of the most valuable and therefore most quoted specimens; flattened at the poles, oval, teardrop, flamed, the twins and lastly baroque, which are characterized by a profile that is anything but linear.
perals are an all time favourite when it comes to DIY lovers, who personalize their jewels with unique and original details.
So, have fun mixing them together, perhaps even combining them with precious stones selected from other strands.
Look at all of them and choose the strand of pearls that best suits your projects.
There are 46 products.