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Pearls are produced in both salt and fresh water, but the difference is astounding. Usually, the salt water variety of pearls are of a better quality and are also more expensive than pearls found in salt water; however, the choice between fresh water and salt water pearls is completely personal.

For starters, pearls are made from shellfish. When an irritant, such as a piece of sand, invades the delicate lining of the creature, it secretes a smooth substance to coat the irritant, thus creating a pearl. Salt water and fresh water pearls are both made in the same fashion. This substance, known as nacre or mother of pearl, slowly builds up the irritant until a pearl is formed.

The main difference between salt water pearls and fresh water pearls is the type of create that produces this natural gemstone. Salt water pearls are produced by oysters that inhabit the seas and oceans. In days past, the only way to harvest salt water pearls was to dive to tremendous depths to recover the oysters. Today, these oysters are grown in farms, but the pearls produced are of supremely high quality.

Fresh water pearls are produced by mussels that burrow in the sandy bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams. Like salt water pearls, the mussels that produce fresh water pearls are also farmed. In most places, “hunting” mussels to harvest their pearls is illegal due to the havoc it can cause on the ecosystem.
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Tags: Jewelry, pearl earrings, pearls

The luster of pearl jewelry is enchanting. Whether it’s a pearl necklace or a pair of pearl earrings, you can’t help but admire their glow. Whether you’ve purchased your pearl jewelry or received it as a gift, it’s important to take care of it to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

Density of Pearl Jewelry

Diamonds, which have been compacted for eons deep in the earth, are the hardest gemstone in the earth. Pearls, on the other hand, are cultivated within the shells of oysters. These creatures of the water produce the nacre of the pearl, the lustrous coating that gives pearl jewelry its luminosity. Unlike diamonds, pearls are soft, so you want to take the steps necessary to keep these gems looking their best.

Pearl Jewelry Isn’t for Every Occasion

Although a simple gold wedding band will withstand the rigors involved in working with your hands, your pearl ring won’t. The same holds true for your pearl necklace and pearl earrings. So don’t wear your pearl jewelry when you engage in physical labor, work in the yard, or work out at the gym. The dirt and perspiration will shorten the life of your pearls. Similarly, even though the pearls come from the ocean, it doesn’t mean that your pearl jewelry will thrive when you swim in the ocean, surf, or scuba dive. Pearls certainly don’t have to be locked away and work only for special occasions, but you should take care that they aren’t damaged by the elements.
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Tags: akoya pear, Akoya Pearls, black pearls, freshwater pearls, pearl earrings, pearl jewelry, Pearl necklace, Tahitian Pearls

“The only real failure in life is one not learned from.”
Anthony J. D’Angelo, The College Blue Book

Ah, graduation. A lot of hard work, time, talent, money and drive have led to this point: a milestone that will be celebrated, photographed and remembered forever. Whether from high school, college, law school, medical school, or what have you, graduation is a wonderful time of excitement and change.

How to mark the occasion? You can always write a check. (What new graduate doesn’t need money?) Before you whip out your wallet, however, remember that cash is practical, yet very impersonal. Because you’re reading this, it’s a good guess that the graduate is a special woman in your life, she worked hard to get where she is, and she deserves a graduation gift that is truly memorable.
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Tags: affordable pearls, choosing pearls, cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, graduation gift, graduation gifts, pearl earrings, pearl jewelry, pearl pendants, pearl sets, pearl strand, pearls