Fine pearls are unique, even among other valuable gems. The only gem born inside a living organism, a pearl is truly a matchless gift of nature. A fine pearl is just as nature intended it to be, no more, no less. Unlike diamonds and other gemstones that need to be cut in order to show their beauty, a pearl shines for all from the moment the oyster is opened. This exclusiveness is what makes pearls so special. They are the rarest of treasures, unique in every way.
Pearls have fascinated humankind for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence indicates that almost 6,000 years ago in the Persian Gulf region, people were often buried with a pierced pearl resting in the right hand.
Pearls are classified by origin, then graded by size, shape, nacre thickness, color, luster, surface clarity and matching. These qualities are not considered equal. Some factors will be weighted to give them more influence in arriving at a final grade. A very thin nacre thickness, for example, could never yield a fine quality pearl.
Chinese Cultured Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearls come in white and pastel colors from pink to purple all other colors should be considered dyed.
In 1997, artificially dyed black Chinese cultured freshwater pearls in round shapes and sizes of up to 11 mm were offered on the market in Hong Kong. Since then, large quantities have reached the international market, where they can be purchased at reasonable to low prices. They have an astonishing resemblance to Tahitian cultured pearls, as they almost perfectly replicate the green to purple overtones and are already called "peacock pearls" in the Asian pearl trade.
Several companies in Hong Kong offer the treatment and are often speaking of "laser treatment". However, this is not true and neither is irradiation used. Although the exact method has not yet been made known, it is probably correct to assume that silver salts and other coloring agents are used.
South Sea Cultured Pearls
South Sea Cultured pearls are not treated the notable exception are "Golden" colored pearls Golden pearls are a natural South Sea color but some are dyed.
The artificial coloration of South Sea cultured pearls is a more problematic issue, as it imitates yellow and golden hues which also occur naturally the coloration represents an improvement or even a deception and it cannot always be easily distinguished from natural colors.
Since 1994, a wholesaler from New York has offered artificially colored South Sea cultured pearls on the market. He uses un drilled pearls of an originally light green or light yellow body color and otherwise good quality factors and bleaches and subsequently treats them with a chemical dye. Another company from New Jersey applies a heat treatment.
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