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Jewelry Secret Reports!
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Buying Pearl Jewelry Without Being Ripped-Off
By Sam Serio
Buying pearl jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of pearl jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality pearl jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.
Pearls
Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. Cultured pearls also are grown by mollusks, but with human intervention; that is, an irritant introduced into the shells causes a pearl to grow. Imitation pearls are man-made with glass, plastic, or organic materials.
Because natural pearls are very rare, most pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation pearls. Cultured pearls, because they are made by oysters or mollusks, usually are more expensive than imitation pears. A cultured pearl’s value is largely based on its size, usually stated in millimeters, and the quality of its nacre coating, which give it luster. Jewelers should tell your if the pearls are cultured or imitation. Some black, bronze, gold, purple, blue and orange pearls, whether natural or cultured, occur that way in nature; some, however, are dyed through various processes. Jewelers should tell you whether the colored pearls are naturally colored, dyed or irradiated.
Clams, oysters, mussels and many other mollusks with limy shells are known to produce pearls. But very few kinds yield gem pearls of jeweler's quality. The pearl is an abnormal growth of mother-of-pearl, or nacre, imbedded in the soft bodies of these shellfish. It is built up, layer upon layer, in the same way as nacre is added to the lining of the growing shell and always has the same color and luster. For example, over the country, hundreds of good-sized pearls are found each year in the oysters we eat. Unfortunately these have no commercial value regardless of whether they have been cooked or not because they are dull opaque white or purple like the shell of the parent oyster. In recent times almost all pearls of gem quality come from the oriental pearl oyster which has a bright shimmering translucent nacre.
A pearl starts growing when some irritating foreign substance such as a sand grain, bit of mud, parasite or other object becomes lodged in the shell-producing gland called the mantle. Pearls formed in the soft flesh where nacre can be added on all sides are most likely to be spherical and the most highly prized. By far the great majority are flattened or variously distorted and have little value. Size, color, luster and freedom from flaws are other essential qualities. Unlike other gems, such as diamonds, pearls have an average life of only about 50 years. In time the small amount of water in a pearl's make-up is lost and its surface cracks. Because they are mostly lime, necklaces which are worn often are injured by the acid secretions of the human skin.
About the Author
The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.
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Jewelry & Diamond Wholesalers
Jewelry Television™ -
Their mission is to open the world of fine jewelry and gemstones to everyone. Whether it’s a special gift, rare gemstone, or fast-paced auction that you’re looking for, Jewelry Television™ has it all!
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Goldspeed.com -
With over 50,000 different items available for immediate shipment they are arguably the largest online jewelry retailer, earning the prestigious Yahoo! 5-Star Top Service Award each year since they began in 1999.
CZ Jewelry -
They are America's # 1 cubic zirconia jewelry manufacturer. Their jewelry is made so beautifully, and with such precision, it will look like you have been shopping at a world class diamond jewelry store.
Jewelry Avenue -
With over 30 years of experience, they offer high-quality diamonds and jewelry at outstanding prices, and are committed to providing customers with the best value, quality, service, and selection on the web.
Watches
eWatches.com -
They only offer name brand watches and watch lines of proven quality. Don't get scammed into buying a fake watch online. It's worth buying from a trusted source like eWatches.com.
FOSSIL - The maker of the popular FOSSIL and RELIC watch lines offers great deals online, and also a very cool build-your-own-watch online tool where you can design and order your own custom watch.
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