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Real Pearl Guide

Pearl is the queen of all gems. Worn by royalty for eons, its pristine perfection is the reason why so many people are attracted to this fruit of the Oyster. Use this knowledge-sheet to find the pearl that is right for you, by educating yourself on the quality and value of cultured pearls that Liali offers.

Most pearls sold today are cultured. Natural pearls are extremely rare. Given the demand for pearls around the world a natural process was designed to farm pearls. It¡¯s a complex process wherein a tiny bead is implanted into the oyster and gradually over time the oyster coats the bead in many layers of natural minerals and proteins. These layers are referred to as nacre. It is the nacre that gives pearls their beautiful luster and colour. In essence a cultured pearl grows in an oyster just the way a natural pearl does.

PEARL TYPES

A pearl they say mirrors the wearer. It’s interesting how different women are attracted to different pearls. At Liali we offer all varieties: Freshwater, South Sea, Akoya, Keishi and Tahitian cultured pearls. In addition, we offer our pearls at different price points so that you can find the perfect pearl for your style and budget.

QUALITY

You need the fine eye of an expert to grade a pearl. While industry wide there is no standardized grading system, Liali ensures that each pearl meets our high quality standards - which explains why it is extremely important to buy your pearls from a reputed source. At Liali we can give you in-depth education related to each pearl type we offer, and encourage you to learn more about the differing qualities in each.

LUSTER

Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. When selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so it will also exhibit even more luster.

SIZE

Typically a pearl is measured in Millimeters. The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls range in size from about 3.0-7.0mm, Akoya pearls range from about 6.0-8.5mm, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes as large as 13mm. The largest pearl in the world go up to 22mm in diameter.

COLOUR

Usually pearl colours are white, silver, grey, cream, pink, purple, yellow, or black. A pearl can also have a hint of secondary colour, or overtone, which is seen when light, reflects off the pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined more closely, a pink overtone may become apparent.

The dark tones of blue, green, aubergine and black are usually seen in the seawater pearls from Tahiti and Australia.

Generally the freshwater pearls in light colours, with hues of cream, pink and yellow are best suited for a wheat complexion of the East. Pearls with dark shades of colours are more suitable for Western complexion.

SHAPE

At Liali, we offer the highest quality in the most pristine shape: perfect round. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls found in jewellery have a tendency to be the roundest, while Freshwater pearls may be oval or odd shaped.

Shapes that are not spherical or even symmetrical are considered lower in quality than the perfect rounds. However, jewellery designs may sometimes demand the use of pearls in different shapes, based on the designers’ imagination and execution and lend additional beauty to the jewellery piece through their irregularities.

SURFACE MAKING

Recreating the natural process to make a pearl is complex. As a mollusk develops a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are rated highest, and are most sought-after.

The single strand is the classic look and every wardrobe deserves one. Long strands, double and triple strands all have their own charm. A wearer with a petite frame should choose delicate pearl strands created from pearls that are maximum10mm. Those with a long neck and large body frame can carry off pearl strands created in larger sizes.