Beautiful Cultured Pearls from Lombok Island, Indonesia

Diamonds are forever, as they say. Almost all ladies want diamonds as their engagement or wedding jewelry. Now, I would like to introduce ladies or bride-to-be to other gem stones we call pearls.

PEARLS are organic gems, created when an oyster covers a foreign object with beautiful layers of nacre. Long time ago, pearls were important financial assets, comparable in price to real estate, as thousands of oysters had to be searched for only one pearl. They were rare because they were created only by chance. So, it made pearls very valuable.

Today, pearls are cultured by man. Shell beads are placed inside an oyster and the oyster is returned to the water. When the pearls are later harvested, the oyster has covered the bead with layers of nacre. Most cultured pearls are produced in Japan. In the warmer waters of the South Pacific, larger oysters produce South Sea cultured pearls and Tahitian black cultured pearls, which are larger in size. Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels.

Countries in Southeast Asia which surrounded by ocean such as Philippines and Indonesia also produce cultured pearls. In Indonesia, Lombok Pearls are cultured in salt water and fresh water of Lombok seashore. Salt-water pearls are generally more expensive and of higher quality than the fresh-water ones. They have good luster and the shape are more round. On the other hand, fresh-water pearls are characterized by their asymmetrical surface shape giving imperfect appearances yet unique.

The quality of pearl is judged by the orient, which is the soft iridescence cause by the refraction of light by the layers of nacre, and luster, the reflectivity and shine of the surface. Fine pearls do not have any flaws or spots in the nacre. It has an even smooth texture. Other factors which affect value are the regularity of the shape, size, and color. Usually rose tints are the most flavored.

Cultured pearls and Natural pearls can be distinguished from Imitation pearls by a very simple test. Take the pearl and rub it (gently!) against the edge of a tooth. Cultured and natural pearls will feel slightly rough, like fine sandpaper, because of the texture of natural nacre. Imitations will feel as smooth as glass because the surface is molded or painted on a smooth bead.

You have to be careful when you buy your wedding jewelry online. Some online jewelry stores sell pearl-like jewelry made of imitation pearl beads. They have beautiful designs and prices are cheap, but they are not real. You would like the real one for your wedding, wouldn't you? If you can ask question before you purchase, please do so. If not, look for other sources.

Here are some tips and care instruction if you have decided to make Pearls as your Wedding Jewelry:

How to differentiate real pearls and imitation pearls:

By looking at the shapes and colors - The original pearls have an ellipse and irregular shapes, and also have natural color. While the imitation pearls have a round shape with a variety color and have a slick surface, shiny and light.

Rub the pearl on the glass - The original pearls are not chafed/deformity if rubbing on glass, but it will leave some trace like chalk on the glass.

Rub it on the outer teeth - The original pearls will be felt like sands on rough white, the imitation pearls will be slick.

Burn - The original pearls won't be burned if burning while imitation pearl will be burned and melted, because it was made from plastic.

How to take care of pearls:

Avoid the Pearls from chemical substance, alcohol and perfume because it will affect to the sparkle of pearls and pearls decay. Try to wear it at the last.

Clean the pearls in water with a soft soap or baby soap then wipe with soft towel after wear.

Save in the Save Deposit Box separated from the other jewelries like diamonds in order to save it from scratch.