Metal Jewelry Design

Tips before making your purchase of jewelry beads

1) The freshwater pearls

The freshwater pearls are considered the entry level of cultured pearls. True, to some extent. However, note that the freshwater pearl industry has made remarkable progress in recent years. They are now offering different varieties which, for the best of them, be compared with Akoya pearls sea.

In its broadest range, the costs of freshwater pearls are very affordable and represent excellent value for money.

Consider the freshwater pearls:

- Their quality and beauty
- Their value on the market
- Their very competitive prices due to the absence of an intermediary.

The freshwater pearls are available in 4 classic colors: White, pink, lavender and black (black is not natural).
How to identify a string of high-quality pearl on a website?

After considering the usual value criteria (size, shape, color, luster, surface), there is another very ingenious and complementary allowing you to appreciate the value of a pearl necklace. This method is offered on the gap diameter beads.

Example: A necklace of freshwater pearls 7-8mm worth less than a pearl necklace 7 to 7.5mm. Why?

For the selection of pearls is much more rigorous. A necklace enjoying a gap of 0.5 mm beads only present a greater harmony and a greater homogeneity. Buy online pearl necklace with a small gap is the assurance to acquire a string of high quality. When the diameter of the beads begin to seriously increase (9mm, 10mm, 11mm … and more), it is increasingly difficult to maintain this gap.

2) Akoya Sea Pearls

The selection of Akoya pearls sea is different colors, qualities and sizes.
Differences between Akoya pearls from China and Japan

In recent years, the Akoya pearls from China and Japan are produced qualities more comparable (if the selection is very rigorous). The major difference between these two types of beads lies in the ability of their diameter and their luster.
Difference in diameter

In the present market, production of Chinese Akoya pearls offer mostly standard diameters or less, while the Japanese Akoya pearls are produced in all types of diameter and differ in their ability to offer larger sizes.
Difference luster

The second difference lies in the chandelier. The Japanese Akoya pearls usually have a higher gloss than Chinese Akoya pearls.
Misinformation about the origin of Akoya pearls

Most dealers will say that you all their akoya pearls come exclusively from Japan when in fact they are probably Chinese. This massive disinformation is mainly due to the image “negative” (lower quality) of Chinese pearls. Old rumors die hard, however, know that they are now baseless and false.

3) Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are in fashion and retain their valuable exclusive. These pearls are very significant in their color, size and constitution (diameter beads, east and shines very special, unique and shimmering pearls various).

Select Tahitian pearls when looking for a ring, a pendant, a pair of earrings or necklace size. Tahitian pearls are among the most luxurious pearls available on the market. Available colors: Black with very subtle shades of gray, silver, (reflections very different).

4) Beads Australia

They are considered exceptional pearls because of their quality, their large size and rarity. Choose the pearls from Australia (necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants) if you are looking for pearls very exclusive and unique. Acquire a pearl in Australia is also an investment in the long term.

Pearls of Australia occupy the highest distinction of all pearls. They symbolize the absolute luxury. They are available in 2 natural colors: Gold and white.

1. Size of beads

The ultimate size of a pearl depends on several variables:

- The size and health of the mollusk that produced it,
- The size of the nucleus,
- The time spent immersed in water,
- Other factors including climate and nutrients in the environment of the mollusk.

Size of spherical beads
The spherical beads respectively reach a diameter of between 2 and + 20 mm in diameter.

Size of pearls irregular
As for the pearls of irregular shape, they can reach lengths up to 50mm.

Size, type and value of pearls
Width of pearls and value

As with other gems, plus a pearl is wide (diameter) and its value is normally high. Plus a large pearl is, the more it tends to become scarce and its cost is high.

However, this rule does not apply in all cases: Some pearls of great value can be small and of poor quality pearls can also be large. Therefore, the ultimate value of a pearl depends on a proper combination of different factors of value.

The different types of cultured pearl, Akoya Japan and China, Tahiti, Australia South Sea or freshwater China are often represented in distinct size ranges. Note however that the differences today are less pronounced. Why? This is due largely to changes in practice many farmers pearl farmers.

In the relatively recent past, smaller pearls owned by jewelers tend to be of Akoya pearls. Cultured pearls over 10mm in diameter were, for the most part, pearls from Tahiti or Australia. Why? Simply because the large diameter beads were commonly grown in shellfish from these areas.

The importance of the size of a pearl, to determine its final value depends on its type. If a pearl is wider than the average for its size, its value will be superior to others of the same type. The reason: The rarity of this quality so appreciated.

If a cultured pearl from Australia and another Akoya possess qualities equal in all respects, the larger diameter will have more value for the Akoya cultured pearl. The reason: The Akoya cultured pearls with large diameters are rarer than its cousins in Australia.

2. Shape of pearls

The round beads are probably the most familiar and certainly the most representative of the imagination of individuals. And yet, they can take them far more varied and surprising to say the least. They may look like drops of water, crosses, coins and other easily recognizable. There are also irregularly shaped pearls, free, which defy easy description.

The industry recognizes 7 standard forms:

- Round: The pearls are round when viewed with the naked eye.
- Almost Round: Almost round to the naked eye. Some beads may appear slightly semi round, elongated forms, or flattened.
- Oval: Balanced, elongated and rounded.
- Button: Balanced, flattened or slightly flattened.
- Gout: Symmetrical, pear shaped rounded. Can be drop-shaped elongated or short.
- Semi-baroque: Not symmetrical, slightly oval, irregular. Form button or drop.
- Baroque: Not symmetrical appearance with irregular notorious.

Category shapes of pearls

The system description beads GIA divides these 7 pieces into 3 major categories:

- Ball: Pearls round or nearly round.
- Balanced: Pearls with two identical halves.
- Baroque: Pearls of irregular shapes, whether or half Baroque Baroque.

Among the pearls, some are ribbed (adorned with grooves) or scored on their circumference. If this phenomenon is observed around the pearl, it was then described as circled.

According to the GIA, the terms used in the description of a pearl circled back to one of the following cases: Almost round or drop circled.

Beauty and Value

Although the shape of pearls varies, each form has qualities determining their value. Whatever their form, if a pearl is round and symmetrical; it will be more valuable than irregular pearl.

Generally, round pearls are those that have the most value. This form is very popular because the round beads of very good quality are relatively rare.

Collect enough round beads, large diameters and exceptional quality (and then assemble them into a necklace) takes a long time and even years.

The weight of tradition and the demand from consumers also contribute to the popularity of eternal round pearls. Worldwide, the collar white Akoya pearls Shoker became an icon of classic mode.

However, all the round beads are not valuable. Each of the 7 factors contribute to the determination of value, such as the shape.

Traditionally, almost round beads round beads follow in determining the value. When comparing the factors of 2 beads identical value, then it is the pearl the roundest one will be of higher value.

The oval shapes, buttons and drops share the characteristic of symmetry. While prices of spherical beads are fixed according to their degree of roundness, symmetrical pearls are evaluated according to their degree of symmetry.

The higher value of symmetrical pearls must have aesthetic forms and balanced. Their lines must be well proportioned, without bulges or other irregularities. The two halves of the bead must be identical.

The beads formed symmetrical best price can reach very close round pearls. The drop shapes are also very popular. Sometimes, a beautiful pair of pearl drops can match the value of a pair of round pearls.
Value of baroque pearls

The baroque pearls look like cones, boomerangs, butterflies, wings and many other forms equally surprising.

The beads may have a round or symmetrical and have more irregular deposits of nacre. We classify these beads in the category of semi-baroque.

According to all factors combined, baroque pearls fall into the 3rd category in the order behind the spherical beads and symmetrical. The baroque pearls, however, have great orients.

3. Color of pearls

The color of a pearl as the color of any object of our planet, contains 3 basic components:

- Hue: First printing color. Frequency generating color printing.
- Value: Level of brightness and darkness. Light amplitude defining the color. The closer it is black and the value is low.
- Congestion: Its strength, its intensity. Quickness (purity) of a color.

Until cooler shades like blue, green and purple. Like colored gemstones, cultured pearls offer consumers a multitude of choices through a rainbow of color.

Characteristics of the color of pearls

Look closely at a birth of nature. You will find that their composition is an amazing assortment of colors. The pearls are not exceptions to the phenomenon. The internal structure of a pearl is composed of thin layers of nacre allowing light to penetrate and separate before it is reflected in our eyes.
Result: When we admire the beauty of a pearl, we see a complex mixture of optical effects.

The color of a pearl contains:
- The basic color: It is the dominant color, the overall color of the pearl.
- The features: Color implicit connotation. Printing in a single color, without nuances or degraded real. The features are represented by translucent colors projected on the basic color.
- The East: Colors rainbow skies and shimmering iridescent on or under the surface of the pearl.

Note: All beads do not necessarily have the features or the Orient.

Several variables can influence the color of a pearl:
- The species of mollusk, the host of pearl
- The color of the implant,
- The various elements present in the water during cultivation.

Until recently, the color of pearls fell into a fairly narrow range according to their variety. Some types of beads typically offer certain ranges of colors. For example, the Akoya pearls are usually white or cream.

Since then, freshwater pearls from Tahiti are offered in an assortment of new colors: lavender, brown, blue, orange, pink and many others. This is surprising for a large proportion of consumers used white pearls.

Consumers, through advertising campaigns, are becoming increasingly aware of the wide variety of colors adopted by the beads. In 1996, for example, an advertisement referred famous pearls pistachios.

Fashion and trend of colored beads

Previously, producers of pearls did not attach much importance to the colored beads. Now, these pearls are becoming the new choice of consumption, driven by fashion and trends.

Different types of beads can offer similar colors. This gives the consumer many different choices for a single color. The white example is found with an Akoya cultured pearl, freshwater or even Australia.

Features

The features are characterized by one or more translucent colors, subtle, related through the surface of a pearl. The basic color remains, the main element used to designate the color. The features themselves are quite secondary.

A representative example of the features can be found on the face of a woman disguised. The colors of foundation emphasize the redness of the cheeks while the degraded layers work together and provide a more global aesthetic.

Variety traits

Many pearls are available with one or several traits such as green, blue or pink yet. Other pearls however, do not have features.

The orient of pearl
In addition to the basic color and its features, a pearl can also have a beautiful optical effect known as the Orient. The east is represented by a beautiful rainbow colored glow on the surface of the pearl. This shade, often elusive, appears to move when turning the pearl. Specifically, the east is like the rainbow colors seen on soap bubbles.

By carefully examining the pearl through a powerful microscope, you can see the pearl. Nacre is composed of superimposed layers of regular conchyoline of aragonite crystals and traces of water and various ions. Their special provisions cause interference of light radiation and thereby gives it its iridescent appearance.

Organic material, conchyoline is present in very small quantities in the mother (approximately 4 to 6%) and determine its structure serving as a “cement” for the aragonite (representing 90% of the pearl).

Proteins in nacre produce calcium carbonate as aragonite and it appears that the soluble protein is responsible for the formation of crystals, while the insoluble determine the density, size and quantity of these crystals.

The light reflecting off the bead hits the layers of nacre. Because of different raw materials of the pearl, light interacts differently with each of them, sometimes by changing its speed, its direction now. These characteristics define the interference of the east.

Common language of pearls

When a customer wants to buy a Pearl of a very specific color, from a seller of beads by phone, rather comical situations may arise:

Customer: “I will wish to acquire a cultured pearl olive color.

Seller: “Does that mean it green or black? The olive color is available in two colors, you know.”

Customer: “Oh, I’m sorry, I mean the color green of course. Do you have any pearls of green?”

At this point in the conversation, the seller is considering a green-tinted slightly yellow. In turn, the customer thinks of a cultured pearl green slightly dimmed. Both sides hope they feel the same color, but in fact this is not the case.

This communication problem can be easily avoided if the seller sets of beads just to his client: “Try to identify the desired color code. For my part, I will try to find the color chart. We’ll talk then.”

This type of improvised solution is not ideal in practice. On the one hand, the seller is too busy to find the color chart and secondly, charters colors found in the trade offering a dozen colors too saturated to be applicable to the beads.

And finally, what are the requirements in terms of colors or the east? The color chart communicates nothing about this kind of detail. However, the seller of beads is right when he suggests that the two actors must refer to a single color chart.

The guide offers GIA:

Neutrals: white, gray and black
Almost neutral silver, cream and brown
Colours: All other colors

The GIA recognizes 19 shades of color. The circle represents the colors in order, divided in warm colors (red-purple to yellow-green) and cold (green-yellow to purple-red). As we progress on the circle, we gain a bit of a class of color and you lose as much of another.

Translation of the colors of pearls

Apricot: cultured pearl freshwater orange, pinkish.
Eggplant: Tahitian cultured pearl has a purple-gray.
Gold: Pearl culture strongly yellow-green to yellow-orange.
Lavender: cultured pearl freshwater pinkish purple.
Peacock cultured Tahitian pearl green-gray to dark gray-blue with pink to purple lines.
Pistachio: Tahitian cultured pearl green-yellow to yellow-green.

Color of pearl and value

What color pearl wins the most successful? As for ready to wear, the colors of beads to fashion can vary from year to year. Among the pearls, the color green with blue stripes, pink is currently very popular, as the very traditional black-gray.

Features and Value

The presence of features is often more, such as cultured pearls from Tahiti to multiple traits, making them resemble the vibrant plumage of an exotic bird. Some people think that all criteria of equal value, the presence of the East is an additional factor in assessing value.

We now know that the east from the passage of light through the layers of nacre of the pearl. For this reason, the thickness of the nacre tends to determine the presence or absence of the Orient. There are frequent presence in the Oriental pearls and cultured freshwater. Both types of beads contain no nucleus and usually have very thick nacre. When light enters the multiple layers of nacre, the iridescent color becomes more pronounced.

The shape of the pearl is also a factor or not the presence of the Orient. For example, the east is less common in the spherical beads and more in the baroque pearls.

The shape of a pearl can also influence the thickness of the nacre. Many forms contain baroque pearl of irregular deposits collected during the formation of the pearl. These zones include an east usually pronounced.

4. Chandelier beads

The real magic, the unique feeling provided by the sight of a pearl is its luster. The chandelier is the most important element in determining the value of a pearl. It is also one that counts most in its visual beauty. The chandelier is more than a reflection of the shiny surface of a pearl. It is made by interfering in the light of the different layers of nacre.

Translucency, layers of nacre and luster

Although very thin nacre pearls have looked rather bland, the thickness of nacre of a pearl is not the sole factor in the presence of the chandelier. The translucency and arrangement of nacre platelets are the main factors influencing the presence or absence of gloss.

Growing conditions can also affect the chandelier. Over the pearl is produced faster and less it will appear translucent. In conclusion, the bead may be more or less brilliant, even if his mother is thick.

According to the GIA, 4 types of luster are allowed:

Excellent (very bright gloss): The reflections are bright, vivid and distinct.
Good (bright): Reflections are bright but not bright. The edges of the pearl are slightly foggy.
Pale reflections are weak, not strong and foggy (cloudy).
Poor: The reflections are low (dull) and diffuse.

Luster and value

The luster of a pearl differs significantly from other gems. No emerald or topaz can reflect light in this way. However, all the pearls are not equal in terms of gloss. Pearls featuring a great chandelier have much more value than pearls luster poor. In fact, poor luster pearls are often used in unmarketable and the use of cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

It is very easy to differentiate between different types of gloss. An excellent pearl luster seems very bright. If you approach with care, a point near the surface of the pearl, you will see that it is clearly reflected, almost like a mirror.

By cons, if the pearl has a luster poor, the reflected image will be dull and misty, it is even possible to see nothing at all.

Changes luster

Different types of beads containing lamps offer significant variations. Although pearling industry is changing and modernizing its methods, improves the quality of its production, is still white Akoya pearls that have the highest level of luster.

Luster and environment

This is partly due to changes in the environment of crops. Experts believe that the pearls in cold water (this is the case of Akoya pearls) accumulate their layers of nacre more slowly and thus increase the probability to have an excellent luster.

Akoya pearls tend to offer a brilliant shine with mirror effect. Other beads tend to offer a softer gloss, satin, with a charm that was typical of their category.

5. Size of beads

Cultured pearls are organic. Therefore, it is not surprising that their surface has certain characteristics. There are many types of characteristics to the surfaces of beads:

Abrasion: A series of scratches on the surface of the bead resulting damage.
Bosse: Bosse irregular bulb or mark, usually too small to affect the basic form.
Chip: opening or cavity present on the surface of the pearl.
Cracks: Fracture in the shell, crack, break or fracture in the nucleus.
Flattening: a flat area pearl spherical or symmetrical, usually too small to affect the basic form.
Hole: An area where the mother has not covered the nucleus.
Depth: Imprint or depression located individually or within a group.
Scratches: Slim groove or depression located individually or within a group.
Task: Area darker or lighter, duller, surrounding the surface of the shell.
Ride: Streak, fold, wrinkle present on the surface of the pearl.
Degrees of imperfections beads

The beads provide surface characteristics to greater or lesser degrees.

Based on the guide of the GIA, 4 classifications stand out:

Own (almost perfect): Pearls without imperfection, blemish or containing tiny features. These are very difficult to locate even if the observer is well trained.
Slight imperfections (imperfections very mild to moderate): The beads show some minor irregularities on the surface when observed by a trained eye.
Moderate blemishes: The beads show features visible on the surface.
Imperfections heavy: Irregularities evident on the surface of pearls. Their durability could be affected.

Surface quality and value

In an ideal world, the beads would have no imperfection. In reality, a pearl completely clean (pristine, perfect) is a rare treasure.

Since the scarcity affects the value, prices of such pearls reach are very high. Most consumers are to accept a certain degree of irregularity (however small) for the beads they purchase.

The number, nature and location of these surface imperfections influence the value of each pearl. Numerous and severe irregularities, such as nicks or holes may threaten the sustainability of a pearl and its skin and even cause it to break. These features present on the surface reduce the quality of the pearl and thus (significantly) its value.

On the other hand, if the surface features are minor and localized near the hole at the location of the drilling, spot less noticeable, it will disturb least the appearance of the pearl and its value will be even better preserved.

Other value factors can minimize the effects caused by surface imperfections. If the pearl is wide and very high luster, these positives outweigh the 1 or 2 small imperfections.

In fact and in terms of value, excellent luster largely minimizes imperfections present on the surface of the nacre.

6. Shell beads

Nacre is the very essence of the pearl. Close relationship with the chandelier of the quality of the nacre, a point of critical value. The appearance of a pearl helps determine its quality. It is related to the questioning of thick or thin nacre.

Thickness of the nacre

Thicker nacre does not guarantee its quality in all cases. However, pearl beads featuring thicker generally have a higher luster. How to get an idea of the thickness of nacre of a pearl without cutting it in two or submit to X-rays? Just look at the pearl. If the nacre is too thin, the pearl will look dull and chalky.

Categories pearl

The quality of the nacre is ranked in 3 categories:
Acceptable: The nucleus is invisible.
Nucleus visible: The nucleus is visible through the shell.
Chalky appearance: The Pearl has a dull, whitish.

Quality and value of the pearl

The beads-like dull whitish or pearls visible nucleus, are not attractive. They have not sought this luminosity that makes it a precious jewel of the sea. Many cultured pearls feature thick nacre have been able to last for decades while maintaining an appearance of more attractive. The pearls consist only of nacre also has very long life expectancy. Conversely, thin nacre can affect the durability of a pearl and reduce its overall value.

Luster and Nacre

The quality of the nacre and luster are linked. Most pearls have beautiful luster nacre thickness acceptable. By cons, pearls with thick nacre will not all have the same luster. The translucency and arrangements of layers of nacre also play a role.

7. Uniformity of Beads

Like snowflakes, no two pearls are ever exactly alike. From a realistic point of view then, meetings of individual beads in a necklace cannot be completely identical either.

Variance homogeneity

Some very minor differences may occur. Several cases illustrate these phenomena:
Example 1: round pearls with a row of beads can be a bit smaller towards the end of the row.
Example 2: Each pearl choker can include a slight difference in color.
Example 3: baroque pearls bracelet may include a slightly different form.

But if each bead of a set aligned to create a balanced effect, while the jewel holds an important value is called homogeneity.

The homogeneity of jewelry is available in 3 categories:

Excellent: The beads have a uniform appearance.
Good: minor changes in the uniformity of the whole.
Correct: Changes seen in the uniformity of the whole.

Homogeneity and value
The value factor related to homogeneity is relative. As you can imagine, the homogeneity applies only to rows of pearls and jewelry assembled from more than a pearl.

Pearls inhomogeneous
Designers deliberately choose not to comply homogeneity for artistic purposes. A pair of earrings drop type could be characterized with a pearl drop black and one white for example. Other designers may also wish to combine the size of beads and color.

Pearls homogeneous
Regarding jewelry beads intentionally homogeneous, you will find quite minor variations between each bead. This is due to the fact that each bead is biologically different. If you want to assess the degree of variation of a pearl necklace, watch the differences given: In principle, a good professional A tolerance of 0.5 mm between the beads.

It takes considerable expertise and manpower to match the beads by size, color and other characteristics. The time and effort to produce a homogeneous string of pearls are reflected in market prices.