Cultured Pearl Education Guide

Natural and cultured pearls both come from the same sources and are not artificially created. Natural pearls are the result of no intention or assistance by humans, but only the phenomenon of the mollusk's normal processes. Cultured pearls come from mollusks that are bred and tended to by farmers in order to create pearls for harvest. The cultured pearls are created by inserting a small bead or tissue into the mollusk, which then coats the object with layers of nacre to form a pearl.

Before culturing became standard, people discovered pearls haphazardly by fishing for oysters and other mollusks. This makes natural pearls extraordinarily rare; only one in ten thousand oysters will create a pearl on its own.

Before culturing became standard, people discovered pearls haphazardly by fishing for oysters and other mollusks. This makes natural pearls extraordinarily rare; only one in ten thousand oysters will create a pearl on its own.

Freshwater cultured pearls are the most plentiful and therefore the most affordable of all cultured pearls. The pearls are cultivated from mussels, primarily harvested in China. Each freshwater mussel produces up to 40 pearls while one saltwater mollusk produces only one or two.

Freshwater cultured pearls used in jewelry typically range in size from 6mm to 12mm. Because of their culturing process, freshwater cultured pearls are seldom perfectly round. These pearls come in a myriad of color options, and may be dyed to create their colorful appearance.

The black-lipped oyster creates these pearls. The mollusk's black pigment is responsible for the signature charcoal color the pearl develops. Because this oyster is particularly sensitive to the culturing process, these pearls cost more to produce.

Tahitian pearls are known for their distinct black color with hints of pink, purple, blue and green in their sheen. People often describe the look of these pearls as uniquely beautiful and exotic.

French Polynesia is where these distinctive cultured pearls are harvested.

People consider the beauty of this pearl legendary. Native to Japan, the Akoya culturing process has been perfected by the Japanese, although others have adopted the process in other parts of Asia. Akoya cultured pearls are commonly used in strands and other jewelry that requires round, symmetrical or uniform pearls.

Named for its mollusk, this pearl comes from the Akoya oyster. The Akoya itself and the nature of its environment produce the pearl's beautiful results.

On average, an Akoya pearl will be about 6mm in size. Famous for their sheen, these pearls are also prized for their color and creamy luster. Classic white or cream are the most common colors, but you're also likely to find overtones of rose, silver or ivory. Akoya cultured pearl necklaces are available in a variety of lengths, the most popular being the 14-16" choker and the 17-19" princess.

South Sea cultured pearls are farmed primarily from oysters found in Australia and the Philippines. These pearls are highly valued for their size and glowing appearance.

Due to the large size of the oyster, this variety of pearl tends to be larger as well. South Sea pearls have a distinct sheen, or glow, and come in a variety of hues, the most popular being white and gold.

Jared offers a wide variety of cultured pearl jewelry designs. Pearl jewelry never goes out of style! The pearl is also the June birthstone and would make a great gift for someone special. Stop by a Jared store near you to see cultured pearl jewelry options.