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About Pearls
Visit JB Hudson to view the beautiful collection of pearls including Mikimoto.
See information below:
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South Sea Pearls by Mikimoto.
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Types of Pearls
AKOYA
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- Produced from the Akoya Oyster (Pinctada Fukata)
- Sizes range from 2-10mm
- Colors range from white, cream, pink, green, silver, to gold
- Known for high luster and rich colors
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WHITE SOUTH SEA
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- Produced from the large Silver-lipped oysters (Pinctada Maxima)
- Sizes generally start at 10mm and up to 20mm (rare cases)
- Cultivated in the seas of Australia, Indonesia, and Philippines
- Takes at least ten years to produce one necklace of matching color and luster
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BLACK TAHITIAN
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- Produced from the large Black-Lipped oyster (Pinctada Maxima)
- Sizes range from 8.5-18mm
- Cultivated in the exotic waters of Tahiti
- Colors hues include greens, blues, violets to the prized color, peacock green
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GOLDEN SOUTH SEA
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- Produced from the large Gold-Lipped oyster (Pinctada Maxima)
- Sizes range from 10mm and larger
- Cultivated in the South Seas
- The natural golden color is considered to be the rarest of all pearls.
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FRESHWATER
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- Produced in the fresh waters of South Asia
- Soft mantle tissue is used as the nucleus instead of the normally hard pig toe shell. This tissue dissolves over time with the pearl nacre remaining intact.
- Shapes are normally elongated and free formed.
- Normal color is white but can be found in lavender, tangerine, and blue green.
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How to Buy Pearls
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There are six physical factors that determine the quality of pearls and that are important to understand when buying pearls:
- Luster. Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. Luster is the surface glow, as well as the deep mirror-like reflection of the light, or “inner light”. Many even layers of nacre are required to create a highly defined spectrum of color.
- Nacre Thickness. Nacre thickness relates to the length of time that the pearl is in the oyster. Pearls cultured for a short period of time have thinner nacre. The greater the nacre thickness, the higher is the quality of the pearl.
- Surface Perfection. As a product of nature, tiny marks found on pearls are part of their natural texture and are proof of the genuineness of a cultured pearl. These blemishes are produced by outside sea particles and objects that find their way into the oyster and brush against the pearl. A pearl is considered more valuable when the surface imperfections are minimal.
- Color. There is a wide spectrum of colors that can be found in pearls. Basic colors include cream, gray, green, blue and pink. The most popular colors are white and pink rosé because these shades flatter the widest range of skin tones. Color is based on preference, but it is always important to find a color that is rich and evenly distributed on the pearl.
- Shape. Although many shapes are available, perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable. Button pearls are round on one side and flat on the opposite end. Other shapes like tear drop and baroque are also favored because of their uniqueness. They are formed when an outside entity attaches itself onto the forming pearl and it is covered by nacre layers.
- Size. Generally, the size of the pearl affects the price. Large pearls are more difficult to cultivate because of the large size of the implanted nucleus. There is an increased likelihood that the oyster will reject the nucleus. Pearls are measured in diameter increments of millimeters (mm). The classic Akoya pearl generally ranges from 3.5mm to 10mm in size. South Sea (White, Golden, or Black) pearl sizes begin at 10mm and can be as large as 18mm.
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Pearl Care
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Daily Care
If substances such as cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume adhere to your jewels, they will lose their radiance, absorbing dirt and dust and causing alteration or loss of colour. Be sure to put on your jewelry after you do your make-up, and to wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after use.
Storage
Always fasten clasps and pins so that chains do not get tangled and jewels do not get scratched from rubbing against one another. Then lay each item out separately, one by one. If you carry your jewelry around, be sure to put it into a jewelry pouch.
Maintenance
No matter how carefully you take care of your jewelry, small parts may come loose. We recommend that you carefully check such parts as the hooks that support the jewels, the clasps of necklaces, the screws of earrings and brooch pins.
Cleaning
If you feel that the radiance of your jewelry has diminished, take it to a specialist. Cleaning with ultrasonic cleanser and other methods may lead to damage, so we recommend caution.
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Mikimoto Pearls
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View a pyramid which represents the harvest of cultured pearls in Japan.
Pearls, like diamonds or fine wine, have their own unique qualities by which they are judged. Because pearls are truly "national treasures" to the Japanese, its government fully regulates the export of its pearls.
Of all the cultured pearls harvested annually in Japan, approximately 20% are deemed worthless and are destroyed. About half of the remaining quantity meet government standards for export. Of those exported pearls, only 3% will meet the Mikimoto exclusive standard of excellence, the standard that distinguishes Mikimoto from all others.
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Browse the Mikimoto website for selections available through J.B. Hudson.
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