Category Archives: PearlsOnly Blog

History Of The Freshwater Pearl

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Many people have only recently become aware of freshwater pearls, but these beautiful creations have been around for centuries. The first groups of people to culture a product from freshwater mussels were the Chinese. The first known recorded citation that mentions pearls is from China as well and dates back to 2200 BC. However, the Chinese used shell mabes instead of true pearls. Japan thus holds the distinction of being the first country to produce cultured freshwater pearls.

Japan takes over

After the Japanese’s initial success with cultured saltwater pearls, they decided to experiment with freshwater mussels. The first experiments were done in Lake Biwa, a large lake near Kyoto. Around the 1930s, the first commercial freshwater pearl crops began to appear here. These all-nacre Biwa pearls were able to produce colors unmatched in saltwater pearls. The luminescent depth and luster quickly became popular. read more

Are Freshwater Pearls Worth The Purchase?

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We get this question quite often – ‘are freshwater pearls worth the money?’ The answer is simple – absolutely. There are several reasons that these pearls are worth a second look.

Freshwter pearls contain more nacre

When drilling the freshwater pearl, the mantle tissue used to nucleate the pearl is drilled out or dissolved. This means that you have a solid pearl that does not have any immediate flaws, meaning it can last you a lifetime. You buy a quality pearl that does not contain the nucleus in the finished product. This guarantees that freshwater pearls have a unique, glassy luster that you cannot find anywhere else. read more

The new era of pearls – the Edison pearl

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Until a few years ago, freshwater pearls with a size of 10 millimeter or more might sound too good to be true. Fast forward a few years, and the Edison pearl has made those large pearls a reality. These Edison pearls are the latest development in the Chinese freshwater pearl production. At the time of writing, only three pearl farms are making Edison pearls.

What about the details of these pearls?
These pearls are relatively innovative and large, but what about the quality of these pearls? Can these pearls compare to what shoppers have become accustomed to? We will break down the specifics about these Edison pearls. The shape is usually round to slightly off-round. As with most freshwater pearls, you should not expect a perfect round shape for every pearl. read more

Edison Pearls – Game Changer for large pearls

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Just when people in the pearl industry think they have seen everything, they are witness to the introduction of a new pearl. The Edison pearl is the result of a new freshwater pearl culturing technique. When looking at the traditional freshwater pearls, you will notice that these are relatively small when cultured. The donor mollusk’s tissue is only about a 2 millimeter square of tissue. Per host mollusk, this means that we should realistically expect between 12 and 14 freshwater pearls.

The Edison pearl is changing the game
However, that is until we saw the newest addition to the family of freshwater pearls – the Edison pearl. The cultivation of these pearls uses some techniques that manufacturers also use during saltwater culturing. This means that for every mollusk, only a single pearl is cultured. Now that might seem like a strange idea (less pearls = less money right?) but the harvest is a much larger sized pearl. These pearls have bright luster and colors that range from plum, peach, pink, white, and even exotic purple tones. read more

Celebrities Spotted in Pearls: Rihanna

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The songstress and fashion icon Rihanna surely knows what it takes to be a trend setting fashionista and do it effortlessly. Rihanna attended the Inglorious Bastards Premiere looking stunning in a black, short sleeve, Alexander McQueen (2009 Collection) jumpsuit that she accented with lace gloves. She took her usual Mohawk and made it edgier by forming it into a Cacatua and added ruby red gloss lips.  But nothing and I mean nothing, stands out like the wealth of pearls that are draped all over her long lean neck. It looks as if she may have on more than twenty strands of the precious water miracles but who can tell. All we care about is how amazing she looks and how she is always the trendsetter making the red carpet oh so fashionable! read more

Pearl Fashion: Fashionable in Black, Gold and Pearls

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Pearls are not just for Granny anymore! Class up your black and white and make it Coco Chanel! Add a little gold for the look of glamour! Nothing beats a really great top with a cluster of pearls.

The off colored pearls are a look that makes your white top stand out. The earrings are chic and glam and look fantastic with hair pulled up, to the back, or with a short edgy cut. The short A-line skirt is the right amount of youth without being “too young”. A pair of great chunky heels covered in gold and pearls does the trick for a little drama and never forget a good clutch for added richness. read more

21 Ways to Wear Pearls Day or Night

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Pearls are not just for your grandma anymore!

Pearls have become a growing trend in fashion as they add a since of class and panache to bright colored clothing like ruby reds and emerald greens. Perish the thought of wearing just a thread of white pearls because pearls can be found in an array colors including black, pink and lavender. There are also a variety of styles and setting to choose from. Whether the pearl is in a star setting surrounded by diamonds or a cluster of pearls wrapped perfectly into a double strand necklace, pearls are the new go-to pieces to accentuate your wardrobe. read more

Pink Pearls Jewelry

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Romantic and lovely are just two words that describe pretty pink pearls jewelry. Pink pearl jewelry simply radiates femininity like no other. There is no match to this timeless classic. Pink pearl jewelry brings together the timeless elegance of a classic pearl with the delicate blush of alluring pink.

There are so many ways to wear pink pearl jewelry!
In the office, add pink pearl jewelry to your power suit to remind them all that you are indeed a woman. Whether you choose a necklace, bracelet or earrings, pink pearl jewelry will add an air of feminine beauty. read more

Akoya Pearls Jewelry Information

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Akoya pearls jewelry is simply the best. Akoya jewelry is sought after and prized by some of the most discriminating jewelry collectors all over the world.

Lustrous Akoya pearl jewelry is beautiful to wear for any occasion. From the office to a casual lunch, Akoya jewelry is just the right touch of elegance and class. For that special or formal event, nothing makes a statement like the perfect piece of Akoya pearl jewelry. There’s simply nothing like it!

The wonderful luster and glow of Akoya pearl jewelry makes it one of the most popular and classic jewelry pieces world-wide. read more

Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry

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In 1974, a pioneer and adventurer brought his spirit to pearl culturing in Tahiti. Three years later, he had his first harvest of beautiful Tahitian black pearls. As a result of his efforts, we now have some of the best Tahitian black pearl jewelry available today.

This pioneer culturer sought to culture perfect gems for Tahitian black pearl jewelry. He constantly seeks perfection in the gem for Tahitian black pearl jewelry. He also seeks perfect harmony with nature while culturing pearls for Tahitian pearl jewelry. This balance and endless pursuit of perfection. read more