 |
||||
| australian.com | ||||
Australian Pearls
Different Types
Different Types
Before the depletion of natural pearl beds about a century ago, all pearls that were harvested were natural. Today natural pearls are very rare and are often sold only by auction at investment prices. Natural pearls are, by definition, all types of pearls formed by accident, without human intervention.
Cultured Pearls.
Cultured Pearls are formed when humans intentionally introduce an irritant into the oyster. To produce a cultured pearl, a technician skillfully inserts foreign matter into a healhy, mature oyster or mussel. After one to three years beneath the sea the pearls are then harvested.
Imitation Pearls.
Imitation and simulated pearls are completely man made from a variety of materials. They are commonly manufactured from beads of glass, plastic, or polished shells coated with a varnish traditionally made from fish scales, but most recently from reconstructed mother of pearl.
You need to be sure what you are purchasing.
