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Overview

Simulated pearls have existed for over a thousand years. In fact, evidence suggests that people have been trying to produce imitation pearls since approximately 83 A.D. That’s when Chinese Philosopher Wang Chhung (or Wang Ch’ung) recorded his thoughts on how heating, proper timing, and the right mix of chemicals could be combined to form pearls that were quite close to the real thing. At the time, natural pearls were so rare and valuable that they were exorbitantly expensive. In fact, pearls were worth more than gold in many parts of the world, so it’s only natural that people would want to imitate the beauty of genuine pearls.

Experiments continued throughout the years with few mentions of imitation pearls. The Venetians discovered a method by which they could create beautiful iridescent glass in the 16th century, but the industry did not take off until finally a man named Jacquin discovered that the shimmer of fish scales could be used to create a substance known as “pearlessence” or “essence d’orient.” He was able to create simulated pearls by coating glass beads with essence d’orient and then filling them with wax. Unfortunately, getting the materials for pearlessence required harvesting scales from thousands of fish. These days, many faux pearls use other methods. For example, some manufacturers use plastic beads instead of glass. Also, while some companies still use pearlessence, others cover their beads in pearl film.

There’s nothing wrong with simulated pearls; in fact, well-made versions can be quite pretty. It can be helpful to know the different types on the market so that you know whether your pearls are real or not, however.

Types

If you are shopping for simulated pearls, you should look for strands that are labeled fake, faux, simulated, artificial, imitation, or man-made. Manufacturers and retailers are supposed to disclose this information, but unfortunately this doesn’t always happen. There are specific brands/types that are always artificial, including:

• Red Sea
• Laguna
• Mallorca/Majorica/Majorca
• LaTausca
• Shell (a specific type of artificial pearl)
• Pearlfection (more about them below)
• Mayoka (this might be the same as Majorca)
• Misaki
• Swarovski (these are made of glass beads and are generally high quality in comparison to others)

Pearlfection has, in the past, been promoted in such a way that consumers might be confused. I’m not sure if this is on the company’s shoulders, or on the retailers/programs that promote them (QVC, etc). However, some of the claims I’ve heard are that these pearls are as much as 98% real, they are not imitation, their black pearls are from the Pinctada Margaritefera oyster (that produces black Tahitian pearls), a jeweler would not be able to tell whether their strand was real or not, and black is a natural color in Akoya pearls. Now, please be aware that none of these claims are true! Pearlfections pearls are indeed simulated.

Tests

What if you aren’t sure of the authenticity of your strand of pearls? Do you know how to tell the difference between real and fake pearls? Here are six common tests:

• The tooth test. This one is something that many people in the industry swear by. To perform this test, run a pearl over your teeth (lightly!). Natural pearls should have a gritty feel, whereas simulated pearls should feel relatively smooth. The problem with this test is that cultured pearls tend to feel nearly as smooth as their man-made cousins. Basically, if your pearl(s) feel gritty, you’ve most likely got naturals; if they feel smooth, move on to another test.

• Magnification. Under close inspection, real pearls should have ridges, grooves, or other surface imperfections. Simulated pearls are designed to be perfectly smooth. You should also inspect the drill holes carefully. The drill hole of a fake pearl will probably be ragged and uneven; you might even see some dye peeling around the edges.

• Sunlight. Take your pearls out and look at them in the sun. Real pearls have more depth (due to the nacre) and color variation. Simulated pearls tend to have very little shine when compared to the real thing. They also lack that “inner glow” that pearls with very high luster possess. If you have a pearl necklace, take a look at several pearls in the same strand. Do they match exactly? If the colors are exactly the same, with little to no variation, chances are that your pearls are man-made.

• Density. This one can be a bit tricky. In general, real pearls will feel heavier than simulated ones. High-quality artificial pearls may feel just like real pearls, unfortunately.

• X-ray. If you’re willing to pay an expert to x-ray your pearls, this is the best test of all. An x-ray can tell you several things: whether your pearls are real, whether they are natural or cultured, and whether they have been dyed. This can be a bit expensive but is well worth the cost if you have any doubt.

• Destructive tests. This category includes tests that most people wouldn’t care to perform. For example, you could try cutting your pearls open to see what the core looks like. Alternatively, you could try heat, water, or one of several other tests that involve destroying your pearls. If you want to try one of these in the name of science, go for it – but don’t try these if you want to wear your pearls ever again.

Care

Simulated pearls are more durable than natural ones in some ways, and less so in others. On the whole, caring for simulated pearls is relatively easy. Like real pearls, make sure that you avoid acids or body oils. Although these babies can handle a bit of heat, cooking with them might not be the best idea. Unlike the real thing, man-made pearls can handle some light cleansers, so be sure to clean them every so often with a soft cloth. One thing that you should watch out for – the outer layers of dye or coating may occasionally peel or scratch off. Low-quality strands may be especially susceptible to this type of damage. To keep your necklace (or other type of jewelry) looking great, store in a bag or jewelry box away from things that might scratch.

Simulated, man-made, artificial – they all mean the same thing. Although these pearls are not real, sometimes they can be well worth the purchase. Just make sure that you know what you’re getting before you buy!

South Sea pearls are best known for their warm gold color. Although these pearls can also be found in champagne, silvery blue, or even pink, the golden pearl is the most popular. I’ve heard that these pearls are more rare than other types; I’m not sure this is true, but I do know that South Sea pearls are the largest pearls in the world. Their beautiful color, thick nacre, and satiny luster make these pearls a good investment for any pearl aficionado.

Golden pearls come from pearl farms in Indonesia, Australia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The clean, warm waters of the South Seas are home to the Pinctada Maxima oyster – the largest in the world. The oyster’s size allows pearls to grow as large as 9-20mm, with an average nacre thickness of 2-6mm. The thick nacre makes these pearls more lustrous; it also makes them slightly more durable than other saltwater pearls, particularly Akoyas.

So how much should you expect to pay for a golden pearl necklace? The answer will depend on the retailer and the quality of the pearls. A necklace made out of AAA (the highest quality) South Sea pearls may cost as much as $7,000; however, you might be able to find less expensive necklaces if you are willing to settle for lower quality pearls. Alternatively, try looking for a single pearl necklace, bracelet, or floating pearl necklace.

Before you start shopping, you should know some of the common pitfalls to avoid when buying pearls online. First of all, pearls are graded from A to AAA+. You should not buy pearls from any company that claims to sell AAAA pearls, as they will often inflate the price due to their perceived higher quality pearls. Some retailers might also claim to sell “baby South Sea” pearls. More often than not, these are freshwater pearls that have been dyed or treated to obtain their lovely gold color. I wouldn’t assume that all companies that sell these pearls are trying to scam their customers, but it is a red flag. Finally, be aware that “Tahitian South Sea pearls” is a bit of a misnomer as well. Pearls are either Tahitian or South Sea – not both.

A golden pearl necklace made out of genuine South Sea pearls can be well worth the high price tag. Make sure to shop around and consider other styles before you make a final decision, however!

The most traditional and classic type of pearl necklace is either pure white or cream. Although those colors are popular for good reason, if you want a more modern, edgy look you might try getting a colored pearl necklace instead. Fortunately, there are so many types of pearls that you’ll have a wide range of colors to choose from. Exotic Tahitian pearls, golden South Sea pearls, and cultured pink pearls are just some of the many choices available.

Tahitian pearls are known for their metallic colors, wonderful orient, and interesting ringed shape. If you want a black pearl necklace, these are the pearls for you! This type of pearl is also available in peacock (black/grey/green), aubergine (eggplant), bronze, and pistachio. Recent years have also seen the rise of the Tahitian chocolate pearl, a color made possible by a unique bleach and heat treatment process. These pearls are slightly more expensive, but always high quality.

South Sea pearls are not only the largest and most expensive pearls, but also the only pearls available in gold. These pearls tend to have a much softer, almost creamy luster when compared to Akoya pearls – something you’ll notice if you ever get the chance to compare white Akoya and South Sea pearls side by side. South Sea pearls have a thick nacre due partly to their size and partly to the strict quality imposed on them by the government.

Finally, freshwater pearls are the cheapest and most widely available option for colored pearls. Most freshwater pearls these days come from China but at one point the United States also had a thriving pearl industry. Because these pearls are mass-produced, you can expect to pay much less for them than for Akoya pearls of equivalent quality. Chinese pearl farms are constantly improving their technique, quality, and color selection.

Believe it or not, pink, lavender, bronze, and light green are all natural colors for freshwater pearls. This variety can also be dyed easily, so if you are looking for blue, deep purple, red, or any other color, you can be sure to find a colored pearl necklace to your liking.

I should note that other types of pearls are dyed as well, but many people in the industry feel that doing so is a waste and destroys the integrity and quality that many saltwater pearls are known for. You should also know that some companies will sell freshwater peacock pearls without mentioning that they are dyed. Before buying anything online, make sure to take a close look at the fine print! If you educate yourself and know exactly what you want, you’ll be able to find the perfect colored pearl necklace for you.

A pendant is typically the highlight and main centerpiece of an necklace, and because of this, you ought to give your pendant ideas much thought before you make a purchase. These careful considerations include cost, sophistication, glamor, and of course, style. For all these pendant qualifications, you should definitely consider having a pearl pendant.

A pearl pendant is usually a viable alternative for all other pendant options out there, and this is for good reason. When you think of a necklace pendant, what usually comes to mind are diamond or gold pendant pieces. However, through time, their appeal and luster have faded into most people’s minds, because of several factors.

The first factor that people think about would be their cost. If you take a random survey among jewelry shops and you check the typical price of a diamond or a gold pendant, they will usually cost you an arm and a leg. And even when they can give you that certain air of sophistication when you wear them, sometimes it’s still not worth the price — because let’s face it, you can look equally glamorous without forking out that amount of money.

A pearl pendant, on the other hand, is a popular alternative choice owing to the fact that it is a cut above the rest. That in itself is an understatement really. In the olden days, people used to think that pearls were the tears of angels, or even of the moon, and as such, they were accorded with utmost respect. Still, there were even cultures that believed pearls were the remnants of falling stars, and because of this, they were taken to be the perfect gift items for commitment and love.

This is the reason why through the years, a pearl pendant is considered as the perfect gift that signifies and symbolizes love — but it’s not just any type of love, because it’s the timeless type of love. Lovers express their undying love to their partners with a pearl pendant because this is an embodiment of their commitment and promise. And the best part about a pearl pendant is that it can come in an assortment of varieties and in different colors and textures. This is so because there are different pearl varieties depending on where they come from, and these numerous options are perfect for you or someone you love.

Moreover, the reason why a pearl pendant is considered to be better than a diamond pendant is because it exudes understated class and elegance. A pearl pendant can easily evoke the feeling of tranquility, relaxation, and peace — something which makes it a worthwhile purchase.

The pearl is affectionately known as the jewel of the ocean. The Blue Lagoon pearl is no exception. This name brand is part of the Mikimoto brand that offers exquisite and unique pearl necklaces.

Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto is a well-known and high-quality name brand in the world of jewelers. Fine retail jewelry stores such as Gordon’s Jewelers carries the Blue Lagoon pearls in several styles in several price ranges.

The Mikimoto Blue Lagoon cultured Akoya pearl earrings and necklace set  is an elegant set encased in 14 karat gold. It comes with a set of stud earrings and an 18” strand of pearls. This set is modern and chic, giving a woman a look of polished beauty. This set would make a great gift for a woman whose birth month is June and for a reasonable price of $995. Gordon’s Jewelers offers free Fed-Ex 3-Day shipping along with a free gift for purchases over $100.

The Blue Lagoon 14 karat gold Akoya pearl pendant necklace is another beautiful choice. This Blue Lagoon pearl necklace is dainty and graceful with a single diamond-accented 7.5 mm round Akoya pearl hanging from an 18” 14 karat gold link chain that has a traditional spring ring clasp. This necklace is classic, yet contemporary and sure to be a favorite of any woman. This Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto necklace is priced at $295.

Other jewelers such as Zales do also carry the Blue Lagoon by Mikiomoto collection, but on a smaller scale. One can purchase a pair of Blue Lagoon stud Akoya pearl and diamond accent earrings for $300. Online specials vary but may occasionally include a free gift with purchases over $149 as well as free gift packaging.
Here is a little information to educate one on the Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto line of pearls. There is only so much of the high-quality cultured pearls that companies such as American Pearl, Tiffany & Co. and Mikimoto offer. Blue Lagoon is an effort by Mikimoto to take on the pearl market share, without contending with its pearl brand name. Pearls are graded by their luster, body color, the shape, and the overtone. This is the categorization. The AAA rated pearls have  an extremely high luster or shine to them. The AA class has a high luster, either an A+ medium or an A low. So the more enhanced the quality pearls, the more shine they will have. Blue Lagoon pearls by Mikimoto are a typical commercial grade merchandise with lower than A quality.

Buying the best pearls in one’s budget will guarantee that your pearls will look beautiful for a long time.  Finer pearls with a higher luster grade have thicker nacre, which is the actual skin of the pearl itself. The thick-skinned pearls are what give the pearl a higher luster. Another benefit of purchasing a high-quality pearl is they have a better chance to increase their value over time. They are much more beautiful and remind women of why they adored pearls in the first place.

If you love Mikimoto pearls and would like to own some of the mystique of these high-quality pearls without spending a fortune, try looking for Blue Lagoon pearls by Mikimoto instead.

When it comes to classic jewelry pieces, a white pearl bracelet is one of the most coveted by women.  For the most part, those who are not familiar with pearls would not be able to tell the difference between a genuine set and a knockoff.  In this context, you will need all the help you can get in order to get only the best and 100% authentic bracelets.

Popular White Pearl Bracelet Designs

The jewelry business has evolved quite a lot in the past few years, as did the demands of customers.  There are many bracelet designs you can choose from depending on your taste and dedicated budget.

Single Strand Pearl Bracelets- These are very simple pieces that can be worn anytime of the day or night either by themselves or with a classic pearl necklace. Single strands are very versatile as they go well with casual as well as formal clothing.  Single strand white pearl bracelets are ubiquitous in jewelry stores so there is no difficulty in finding just the perfect one.

Double Strands- These bracelets are much more elegant looking as the cluster of pearls lend the wearer an air of regal personality that signifies affluence.  This piece is often worn on special occasions when one needs to look her best. If you’re looking for the perfect pearl bridal jewelry, this type might be the best choice.

Coil Bracelet- As its name suggests, this is a bracelet takes the shape of a coil and is often made of four rows of pearls.  It resembles the classic bracelet worn by royalty women in Ancient Egypt.

Stretch Bracelet- This piece is perfect for kids and teenagers who would want to wear pearls but still look every bit their age.  It is very easy and comfortable to use because of the elastic band that strings the pearls together.

Buying Pearls Online

When you do not have the time to peruse jewelry stores to find the perfect pearl bracelet, the next best option is to shop online.  First time online shoppers might be a little apprehensive about purchasing jewelry from internet based stores but it is actually quite a wise habit.

When buying pearls, always remember to deal only with reputable sellers to make sure you get genuine pieces.  Unless you are intentionally looking for a knockoff, there are only a small number of places online where you should purchase pearl bracelets.

Price can be a little bit of a concern especially for authentic pearl jewelry but there are ways to save money, one of which is to compare selling prices from different sites.

A pearl necklace is a classic piece of jewelry found in many ladies jewelry boxes, usually an heirloom piece from a Grandmother or a Great Aunt.  Pearl necklaces say “class,” just from their simple beauty.
Ah, but a grey pearl necklace is a classic piece of jewelry with a subtle twist, a twist that says “grace”, “elegance” but also says “individuality”. It states that the person wearing the necklace is classy but in their own way. They have grace but they have a feel for the unique also. They are who they are. They are a Grey Pearl.

There are many different types of grey pearls that can be made into beautiful grey pearl necklaces. Upon some research, these are the two that I found the most interesting and unique.

The Marjorica Pearl is an elegant looking gemstone that is actually man-made. The Island of Marjorca, an island of Spanish decent located in the Mediterranean, first made Marjorica Pearls a century or more ago. Majorica Pearls do not form on mollusks but form on balls of solid glass covered with a unique, special paste. A 10mm single strand of Marjorica pearls will cost approximately $200.00 to $300.00, quite a good deal for such a stunning pearl.

My favorite, however, is the Natural Grey South Sea Pearl. A grey pearl necklace made of these would be stunning but simple and elegant. Grey South Sea Pearls are grown in the tepid seas of Tahiti and sometimes are referred to as Tahitian Pearls. South Sea Pearls that are harvested can be four times bigger than the oysters that grow Akoya Pearls, which is a grey japanese pearl. South Sea Pearls are the highest valued pearl out of three main types of pearl. An 8mm single strand of Grey Tahitian Pearls will cost $1000.00 to $3000.00, depending on the jeweler. Be sure to choose a reputable jeweler as to get the best quality pearls at a fair price.

A grey pearl necklace can be just the thing for the lady in your life, either for a birthday or anniversary or just because you cherish her and want to make sure she knows it. Whatever the reason, with all the choices that are out there, you are bound to find just the right grey pearl necklace for your special lady. Show her how you feel with a grey pearl necklace. This is a unique statement of grace. For that uniquely graceful special lady in your life.


Fall is nearly upon us, and with the change of seasons comes a whole new color palette filled with dramatic colors and glistening metallic. Popular colors this year include deep purple, dark green, camel, olive, bright red, and metallics such as silver and gold. Although a white pearl necklace is certainly a classic accessory and will work with any of these colors, why not choose something a little more dramatic for your Fall wardrobe? The exotic colors of Tahitian pearls, such as peacock and chocolate, will work well with this year’s trends.

Tahitian peacock pearls are sort of a greenish black. Their shimmering overtones of purple and green are what give them their distinctive name. Like other Tahitian pearls, peacock pearls are known for their size, metallic luster, and high quality. Tahitian pearls can be expensive, so if you would like a cheaper alternative try getting your hands on some freshwater peacock pearls. Just be aware that peacock isn’t a naturally occurring color in freshwaters like it is in Tahitians, so your pearls will be dyed or otherwise treated. They may also tend to look a little flatter because they’ll be missing the overtones that natural peacock pearls have. They are inexpensive and easy to find, however.

Chocolate pearls were all the rage a few years ago and show no signs of dropping in popularity. True chocolate pearls are actually treated (not dyed) Tahitians, and are quite popular with celebrities. However, because the treatment process used is proprietary, authentic Tahitian chocolate pearls may be hard to find. There’s a ton of freshwaters that are dyed chocolate, though, so you should have an easy time getting a chocolate pearl necklace somewhere. This color should work well with any of the stunning new fall palettes.

This fall is all about chunky, attention grabbing jewelry pieces. Although an exotic pearl necklace will stand out on its own, make sure your necklace is a unique design for maximum effect. The perfect fall pearl necklace will consist of large pearls, long lengths, or unconventional designs. If you have a pearl rope, try knotting your necklace or looping it twice so that you get a more dramatic effect. You might also try getting a necklace that combines pearls with other gems or chain links. Coin, drop, baroque, or keshi pearls are also great options this fall, as any of these unique shapes will make a much louder statement than a round pearl necklace.

Black pearls are quite intriguing. Most people are used to seeing the more commonly used white and cream colored pearls, but black pearls are starting to become quite the fashion trend. They are versatile because they can be used in so many different jewelry pieces, including bracelets. You could go shopping for a black pearl bracelet, or you could save money and get one completely customized to your liking by making it yourself. Even if you do not have professional jewelry making experience, you can make your own black pearl bracelet by following a few simple steps.

The first step is gathering all the supplies and tools you need. For basic pearl bracelets you only need some jewelry wire, wire nippers, black pearls to make up the bracelet, any additional beads such as spacer beads if you want to include any, two crimp beads, two crimp bead covers, crimping pliers, one jump ring and one clasp such as a lobster claw clasp.

Cut the required length of wire. This depends on how loose or tight you want the bracelet to be, what size your wrist is—or the wrist of who you are making the bracelet for if you want it to be a gift—and you must include an extra few inches to ensure you have enough for finishing the piece. Once you have cut your wire, place a crimp bead over one end of the necklace and use the crimping pliers to close it over the wire. Crimp a crimp bead cover over top of this for a more finished look.

Now you can start stringing on the beads. You can alternate between pearls and additional beads as you like, creating any sort of pattern you want. You can really get creative with this, just make sure you leave a few extra inches on the opposite end of the wire. Place your second crimp bead on, immediately after the last strung bead and close it over the wire with your crimping pliers. Place the remaining crimp bead cover over top of this crimp bead and cut any remaining wire off. Now your bracelet is finished.

It can take a bit of practice to master jewelry making skills and make a professional looking bracelet but it is not that hard. The best part is that you can use literally any black pearls or other beads you want and you will still be paying a fraction of what it would cost you to purchase the same bracelet in a store.

Pearl bridal jewelry is elegant, beautiful and adds class and allure to the bridal outfit. Pearl jewelry can be a timeless statement piece and exquisite look for any bride. High quality cultivated pearls are now available, making pearl jewelry affordable for even the most budget-conscious bride.

Cultured pearls make up the majority sold in today’s jewelry market. Both freshwater and saltwater mollusks can culture a pearl with the help and intervention of a pearl farmer. This is done by introducing an irritant into the oyster and then manipulating its growing environment. The oyster coats the irritant with nacre thus forming the pearl. Akoya oysters are used by both the Japanese and Chinese in culturing saltwater pearls. Hanadama grade is considered the highest quality of the Akoya cultured pearl. In order to be classified as hanadama, the pearls have to go through rigorous laboratory testing. The quality of the surface, the sheen of the pearl and the thickness of the nacre are all evaluated and must pass stringent requirements. Hanadama pearls are of impeccable quality and a dazzling substitute for natural pearls.

The United States, China and Japan all culture freshwater pearls. Tennessee is the biggest cultivator in the United States, but the vast majority are grown in China. Biwa pearls are the most popular type of freshwater pearl, originating from mussels grown in Japan. And, just like hanadama is the highest grade available for cultured saltwater pearls, freshadama is the highest grade assigned to freshwater cultivated pearls. Freshwater pearls are considered a lower quality than saltwater; whether cultured or natural, but freshadama pearls are an exception. These pearls are essentially flawless, stunningly brilliant and possess a gorgeous luster and sheen.

There are many different colors available and although white is the most common, purples, lavenders, pastel pinks and rose hues are also highly sought after. The bride should take into consideration her skin coloring, her dress color, adornments upon the bridal gown, shape of the neckline and how many pieces of pearl bridal jewelry she wishes to wear when making her selection. Brides for centuries have worn pearls with their wedding gowns and it is a tradition that will live on in resplendent elegance. A customary occurrence is for the bride to wear the biggest and brightest white pearl necklace and for her to give her bridesmaids smaller, colored pearls as her gift to them. Whether it be earrings, a necklace, bracelet, ring or even a tiara, there are countless choices to ensure that a bride finds the perfect pearl bridal jewelry for her special day.

Kokichi Mikimoto is the man behind the Mikimoto pearl necklace.  He is the one who has provided the world with some of the most exquisite and high quality pearls available.  One of his most infamous statements and one most often quoted was his remark that he would like to adorn the necks of all women of the world with pearls’.  The beauty and quality of Kokichi Mikimoto’s cultured pearls has captivated the admiration of people globally.

Mikimoto was born in Toba City, Japan but he made his home in a town called Ise-Shima, where so many people were harvesting pearls from oysters that it became a situation that was considered critical.  He began to seed oysters and through much experimentation, failures and exhaustive research, that was spread out over a period of countless years, he was the one responsible for creating and advancing the system for producing quality, cultured pearls.  His first precious pearl was taken from an oyster on July 11, 1893.  His wife was by his side the day he opened up that historical oyster.

Kokichi sent teams to the island of Palau, which is located in the South Pacific.  Mikimoto was the forerunner in the pearl business who was instrumental in developing industries amongst the poorer islands.  This act of building industries in underdeveloped areas earned the name Mikimoto the highest respect.  His was the first store to feature specialized pearl jewelry.  It was located in the Ginza district of Tokyo.  His sales representatives wore high quality suits, experts designed his display cases and his jewelry attracted the attention of all who entered in.

To this day, a Mikimoto pearl necklace must pass the high standards that were originally set by this master jeweler, who had an absolute determination to provide the best and highest quality pearls, combined with quiet, yet elegant beauty.   These strict standards placed Mikimoto’s in the top 5% of worldwide pearl harvesters who provide quality cultured pearls.  The trademark for an original Mikimoto item is the letter ‘M’ located inside an oyster shell and all jewelry will have this letter engraved upon it.

Before making a purchase, be sure to look at the pearls through a 10x magnifying lens to ascertain that the pearls are indeed Mikimoto pearls.  Look for a pattern of lines on the pearls.  A Mikimoto pearl necklace still remains one of the most desired pieces of jewelry to ‘adorn the necks’ of women globally!

Have you ever heard of Blue Lagoon pearls? I hadn’t until very recently! This line is produced by Mikimoto, but the pearls are lower in quality and in price. Women all over the world want to own some of the allure of Mikimoto’s highest quality pearls, but that brand is extremely expensive. Mikimoto created Blue Lagoon as an alternative line that would not compete with their main brand. Other offerings by Mikimoto include Sea Magic, Gordon’s, and Zales.

You’ll be able to purchase Mikimoto Blue Lagoon pearls in any of the most popular styles. Retailers carry pearl jewelry sets as well, so you can get a pearl necklace and earrings combo for yourself or someone you love. Prices vary depending on where you buy, so be sure to do a little comparison shopping first!

Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto is sold at Fred Meyer’s, Sam’s Club (appears to be in-store only), Military PX’s, GM Pollack, Gordon’s, and Zales. You can also find these pearls online – some people even sell them on eBay! If you want the cheapest price, ordering directly from one of the retailers mentioned might be a good idea. Sellers on eBay tend to charge much higher prices and you will not be able to inspect your pearls before you buy.

You should not expect AAA quality from these pearls. In fact, Blue Lagoon pearl necklaces are generally A quality or lower. They are comparable to similar lines, such as Irridesse; however, even the lowest-quality pearls from Mikimoto are very beautiful. To get the best possible necklace for you, make sure to visit the retailer and inspect the pearls closely. Although some people prefer perfectly round pearls, the most important thing to look for is the luster and surface quality. Akoya pearls generally have a very sharp luster; even A grade pearls should shine brightly! The surface should be mostly free of blemishes or pits, although with these pearls you’re unlikely to find such poor quality.

If you know exactly what to look for, you should be able to get a gorgeous necklace made of Mikimoto Blue Lagoon pearls without paying more than $1,000. Happy shopping!

Pearl rings are an absolutely gorgeous alternative to diamonds. They don’t sparkle in the sunlight; instead, they quietly glow with their own inner light. However, because they are constantly exposed to the world, they can be more difficult to take care of than a pearl necklace. If you know what to do before you buy, take care of your pearl ring while wearing it, and prepare for the future, you’ll save yourself some heartache later on.

One of the things you can do to extend the life of your pearl ring is to choose the right setting before you buy. You’re looking for a setting that will hold the pearl securely while still protecting it from scraping against the setting itself as well as any other rough surface it may encounter. There are basically two choices that outshine the rest. The first, a bezel, is a simple setting made of a metal band wrapped around the pearl to hold it in place. Although one of the most simple and versatile settings, a bezel does have some drawbacks. No matter how careful you are, at some point (though possibly decades in the future) your pearl will need to be replaced. A bezel setting makes this slightly more difficult, because the setting itself will need to be bent back and then repaired after the original pearl has been replaced.  The other type of setting that works well with pearls is a simple cup, as long as the pearl is securely affixed.

Taking care of pearls is easy as long as you know the rules. Pearls are damaged by heat, acidity, and body oil. They are also one of the softest gems so pearls can be scratched very easily. You have to make sure not to wear your ring while cleaning so that your pearl isn’t damaged by chemicals, avoid cooking with your ring on so that heat isn’t an issue, and be highly aware of your surroundings. If your job means you work with your hands often, the safest way to protect your ring is to leave it at home.

As I mentioned earlier, pearls will suffer enough damage over time that they will eventually need to be replaced. This happens with necklaces too but rings, which come into contact with damaging surfaces and materials more often, will need to be replaced much sooner. Planning for the future is absolutely necessary. Many retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, let customers pick the pearl and setting separately. If you have a particular type of pearl you’d like, it might be a good idea to buy more than one so that eventual replacement goes smoothly. Also be sure to discuss which setting would be the best before you buy, as pearl experts may have some insights which I haven’t been able to cover here.

Though all of this may seem complicated, being aware of what it takes to keep your pearl looking beautiful will pay off in the end. Your reward will be a unique ring that brings with it a mystical beauty and sparkling inner light.

For centuries purple has been the color of royalty, mystery, and magic. It seems that pearls, with their inner glow and aura of mystery, would be perfect in purple, but, unfortunately for those of us who like the color, purple pearls are incredibly difficult to find and often very expensive. Even if you do find one, they can be difficult to sell. Why? The answer is that there are only two varieties and of those, one is a clam that only rarely produces pearls. Let me explain a little more…

The first type of purple pearl comes from the Quahog clam found off the coast of the Eastern United States. These clams have a brilliant purple shell, so the pearls they produce are also a beautiful purple color. In fact, it was this particular clam that Native Americans used to make wampum, then used as a type of currency.  Many years ago it wasn’t uncommon for people to find pearls while shucking clams or even eating them (and it happened within the last decade too) but the increased mechanization of the shucking process means these pearls are probably being crushed or discarded before anyone gets the chance to find them. This means that they are incredibly rare and valuable. However, because there isn’t a market for them at the moment they are also very hard to sell. On top of that, Quahog pearls are brittle and hard to drill. If you should find one or wish to buy one, the safest place to keep it may be in a bottle.

While you may not be able to find natural pearls in quite the same shade as the beautiful Quahog pearls, freshwaters are available in lavender. They don’t have to be dyed – lavender is just one of their many natural colors (others being pink, peach, or white, for example). Otherwise, if you would like more traditional, rich purple colors, the only option is dye. Just remember to be careful when buying dyed pearls because it is often the lower quality ones that are dyed. Make sure that, at the least, they have a blemish-free surface and decent luster.

While many of us wish that deep purple pearls were more common, the truth is that Quahog pearls are unlikely to ever be mass-produced, leaving lavender freshwaters or dyed pearls as the only other options.  Not that I dislike freshwaters! They’re gorgeous, and because their lavender occurs naturally, and their nacre is so thick, they will be very durable. Even dyed pearls can look gorgeous if you do a little searching and make sure to double check their quality.  The bottom line: if you want a purple pearl necklace, it’s out there for you somewhere!

Pearl rings are absolutely stunning in the right setting. The best thing about pearls, in my opinion, is that they enhance rather than overpower the beauty of their wearer – and that’s exactly as it should be. However, as much as I love them, I have to admit that pearl rings do have some disadvantages when compared to other gems. This shouldn’t stop you from buying one if you truly love pearls, but it’s wise to be fully informed before you make your purchase. There are ways to negate or compensate for all of the negatives.

Interestingly enough, even though pearls in general are less expensive than, say, diamonds, pearl rings can be much more expensive because they are fragile and therefore difficult to set. It’s important to choose the right setting so that your initial expense won’t go to waste. There are two options that are generally considered safe for pearls: a bezel or a cup. Bezel settings will hold your pearl securely in place; however, you may find that this is a drawback if you need to replace the pearl down the road (and you most likely will). A cup will make replacement easier but you need to make sure that it has a secure grip. If you buy online, reputable dealers will often show pictures of their pearls and/or settings to buyers on request, and will also offer advice. Don’t hesitate to ask them for more information! This applies to brick-and-mortar jewelers as well.

While a pearl necklace can be worn everyday with little risk, rings and bracelets are much more likely to suffer from daily wear and tear. If you work with your hands, please don’t wear your ring to work! Pearls are between 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they are fairly delicate. While they won’t actually break or crack easily, they will scratch and scuff if you bump them. To minimize damage simply be careful, take them off by handling only the metal part of the ring, and avoid cleansers or chemicals. Pearls also tend to take on a more gold or creamy color as they age – there is nothing you can do about this, unfortunately.

I hope the disadvantages don’t discourage you too much. I really do love pearl rings! As I       mentioned above, I like them more than diamonds. If I were to buy a ring, I would make sure to choose a type of pearl with a thicker layer of nacre so that the pearl won’t be so quickly damaged. This means choosing freshwater (because they are all nacre), Tahitian, or South Sea pearls. I don’t necessarily recommend Akoya for these because they aren’t as durable and are more expensive. I would also get more than one pearl for your ring so that you can replace the original when you need to. Finally, remember that many retailers will sell you the pearl and ring setting separately so you can hunt down the perfect combination for you.

photo credit: NATALIA PHOTOS