Types of pearls
There are natural pearls, their artificial copies, and imitation using cheap plastic beads. What are the features and differences of each variety?
Natural pearls
Natural pearls are a solid mineral formation extracted from the shells of sea and river mollusks. It is not a mineral in the traditional sense, but it does contain aragonite, a mineral formed from calcium carbonate. The source of the jewel is bivalves:
- mussels;
- Venerids;
- scallops;
- pearl barley;
- toothless.
Natural formations are not only white: there are black, pink, blue, green, and cream beads. All of them have a pearlescent luster, hardness on the Mohs scale of 3–4 points, and shell-like fracture.
Natural sea pearls are mined in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, on the coast of Sri Lanka, and Japan. Freshwater specimens are caught by divers in German, Chinese, Russian, and American reservoirs.
How long does it take for natural pearls to grow and mature?
The growth of the bead begins with the entry of a foreign body into the shell. The mollusk begins to envelop it with nacre - the substance produces the outer layer of the mantle. When grains of sand, shell fragments, and parasitic organisms penetrate into the mantle, the process of calcification also begins. It is noted that the mollusk is able to create a pearl without invading a foreign body. A prerequisite for this is the accumulation of epithelial cells inside the connective tissue of the mantle. They begin to produce mother-of-pearl, thereby forming a round, irregular-shaped bead.
Young mollusks are capable of forming the largest pearls. With age, the mantle becomes depleted and mother-of-pearl production stops. The size of pearls is also affected by the salinity of the water, the environmental situation, and the type of shellfish. It is noted that the largest specimens grow in salt water bodies. The peak of pearl growth is reached in the first year, during which time the bead increases to a size of 2.3 mm, in subsequent years the growth is only 0.3 mm.
Cultured pearls
These are pearls that are of natural origin, but bred with the help of man. The process takes quite a long time - to grow one bead it will take from 3 to 12 years, depending on the type of mollusk and the conditions of detention.
To form pearls, a small fragment of previously prepared nacre is placed in the mantle of the mollusk. Marine and freshwater organisms are secured with special nets and lowered into the water until the beads mature. Today, the largest “factory” for the production of cultured pearls is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
Artificial pearls
Synthetic pearls are beads produced without the participation of marine or freshwater mollusks. These can be cheap plastic, glass, alabaster elements that imitate natural ones. Artificial pearls made from mollusk shells ground into dust are distinguished by a naturalistic appearance and higher cost.
Which pearl is better
Due to the high cost, it is difficult to find natural pearls of natural origin in jewelry. In 80% of cases it is replaced with cultivated specimens that do not differ in characteristics. The cost of such beads is affordable for the vast majority of people. To make jewelry, artificially created beads that imitate natural ones are used. “Wild” pearls can be purchased at jewelry auctions; they have a high cost, since searching for beads is difficult.
Interesting! On average, to find one calcified formation inside a mollusk, you have to destroy about 100 shells.
Pearls of Mallorca: description, characteristics
Mallorca or Majorica pearls are mother-of-pearl beads created by human hands using special technology without the participation of mollusks. The process of making organic jewelry was invented and put into production in the middle of the 20th century, when society was faced with the problem of extermination of oysters and the proliferation of a large number of low-quality fakes.
Important information
In terms of external qualities, artificial gems are not inferior to natural pearls mined from the seabed or grown on oyster farms.
A dense layer of high-quality mother-of-pearl prevents the appearance of scratches, darkening and chips on the jewelry. At the same time, Major pearls are much lower in cost than natural stones and are produced without harming shellfish.
Medicinal properties
It is known that natural pearls have a beneficial effect on the health of their owner:
- eliminate headaches;
- calm the nervous system;
- normalize the functioning of the digestive organs;
- help with memory loss.
Mother-of-pearl fades when its owner’s skin acidity changes and pathological changes occur in the body. It is even believed that natural stone is able to some extent to “take the hit” and slow down the development of inflammatory diseases.
As for Majora pearls, they have the same healing properties, but to a lesser extent than natural jewelry.
In ancient times, pearl powder was used externally to treat skin diseases. Pearl powder was used as a dietary supplement, which was used for inflammatory processes, fever, liver and kidney diseases.
Magic properties
Esotericists who know what Mallorca pearls are insist that they are devoid of magical properties. They are of the opinion that only natural elements, without human participation, are capable of creating minerals with strong energy.
However, some psychics are convinced that the mystical properties of Major pearls are identical to natural ones, since the organic gem is covered with natural mother-of-pearl. In this case, the following properties of Major pearls can be noted:
- The ability to bring prosperity and good luck to its owner in love.
- Protecting the wearer of jewelry from negative energy, the evil eye, and damage.
- Slowing down the aging process, preserving youth and beauty for many years.
- Cleansing the owner of the stone from bad thoughts and restless thoughts.
It is also believed that pearl products can warn their owner of impending disaster. In this case, the stones darken and lose their shine.
Color spectrum
Natural pearls are found in nature in only a few colors: white, pink, pale lilac, black. Its shades depend on the composition of sea water, the depth of the mollusk, and its age. Cultured Mallorca pearls have a wider range of colors. They are painted with natural dyes, the concentration of which determines the brightness of the shades:
- depending on the concentration of manganese powder, the beads acquire a pink, lilac, violet, bright purple hue;
- using iron powder, bright scarlet, cherry, and pale red decorations are obtained;
- Numerous shades of green are obtained by adding copper.
Regardless of color, all major beads have a pronounced shine and iridescent tint.
Advantages and disadvantages
The benefits of natural, cultured pearls are their authenticity. Purchasing jewelry with precious inserts can be considered an investment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Mallorca beads?
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pros
The main positive quality of artificial pearls is their attractive appearance. At first glance, the products cannot be distinguished from natural ones.
Wear resistance
The manufacturer of artificial pearls uses a durable coating for the final layer. This allows you to increase the durability of use and wear resistance of the beads.
Important! The coating is not destroyed under the influence of detergents, perfumes, fresh and salt water, human sweat, and sunlight. Its shades remain vibrant.
Maintaining original appearance
Pearls of natural origin contain water and conchiolin. The water gradually evaporates, exposing a layer of conchiolin that is susceptible to decomposition. A natural bead gradually fades, darkens, and loses its properties. To avoid destruction, periodically soak the products with water. Major pearls are free from this drawback, as they are made without water.
Variety of colors
The shade of natural pearls is determined by the composition of the water and the presence or absence of salt. When creating artificial specimens, dyes are mixed. A red tint is obtained by adding iron, purple - manganese, green - copper. Using natural ingredients to add shade, they create almost any color, which beads that grow naturally do not have.
Impeccable form
Industrial production allows you to create perfectly round beads, regardless of size. “Baroque” pearls - elements of irregular, bizarre shapes - are not produced using this technology.
Ease
The low weight of pearls allows you to create large jewelry that does not create inconvenience when worn for a long time. Beads of natural origin are much heavier, and therefore are less valued by ladies who prefer massive earrings and necklaces.
Minuses
There are only two significant drawbacks:
- Lack of magical, healing properties, like jewelry of natural origin.
- The thin surface coating can be scratched, cracked, or chipped. Natural beads are free from this disadvantage due to their continuous monolithic structure.
A small number of shortcomings are compensated by the relatively low cost and ease of maintenance.
Who is Mallorca pearls suitable for?
Even though cultured pearls are not made from an oyster, their natural mother-of-pearl coating has some power and energy. Organic pearls belong to the element of water, which has a beneficial effect on hot-tempered people, relieves their nervous tension, and relieves negative emotions.
Astrologers associate pearls with the planets Moon and Neptune. The energy of the Moon is able to cool the inflamed organs and tissues of the bead wearer, and protects pregnant women, babies, and couples in love. Since Major pearls have a connection with Neptune, they cannot be worn for a long time.
Compatibility by zodiac sign
Since organic pearls correspond to the element of water, they are best suited to the watery zodiac constellations: Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio. They will protect their owners from negative people and their own reckless actions.
Representatives of the air element - Libra, Gemini and Aquarius - are not recommended to constantly wear pearl jewelry. This can affect their changeable mood and already unstable psyche.
Astrologers advise fire signs - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius - to wear pearl jewelry only on special occasions and exclusively in a gold frame. Pearls are not suitable for the element of fire every day; they will suppress their energy.
Important information
Representatives of the earth element - Capricorns, Taurus and Virgos - should wear such jewelry with caution. Being with them for a long time, pearls will attract illness and loneliness into their lives.
Technology for producing mother-of-pearl beads
The secret of obtaining perfect pearls is carefully guarded, but some aspects of production are known to the general public.
Preparing the Kernel
The process of making beads begins with a core, onto which subsequent layers of coating are applied. Base - high quality porcelain, glass. During the preparation process, the finished kernel is dipped into a bowl with a solution whose composition is unknown. Supposedly, it consists of crushed mother-of-pearl, a natural pearl powder.
Layering
The pearl coating of the beads consists of crushed fish scales, mollusk shells, and oil. The prepared kernel is immersed in the composition for 40 minutes, then dried with ultraviolet rays. The number of layers on a large bead reaches 30; for a small pearl, 20 is enough.
Shape and color
All layers of mother-of-pearl must undergo a grinding stage in order to achieve the shape of an ideal ball. The production involves the creation of ellipsoidal, teardrop-shaped pearls. The tint is achieved by adding natural dyes to the mother-of-pearl coating. They are mixed with the base in the required proportion.
Tour of a pearl factory in Mallorca and trying on jewelry:
Comparison with the present
Bracelets, earrings, beads from Mallorca - how are they different from pearls of natural origin? The production technology allows us to accurately replicate the composition and characteristics of natural pearls. They also consist of calcium carbonate and are covered with natural mother-of-pearl, isolated from the shells of mollusks and fish scales. Hardness, density, fracture correspond to natural specimens.
Imitation pearls
High-quality artificial pearls completely replicate beads of natural origin.
Shell Pearl
The technology, developed in the 1950s, involves making a base from crushed, pressed mollusk shells. Then they are coated with natural mother-of-pearl essence, enamel, and varnish. The appearance of the finished product is no different from wild pearls caught in a pond.
Pearls of Majorica
The main advantages of artificial beads are their relatively low cost and realistic appearance. The shape of the beads is perfectly round, which is rare in natural specimens. The Majorica company produces finished products - necklaces, bracelets, earrings.
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Pearl Mabe
Mabe pearls are made as follows:
- The plastic core of the future “jewel” is attached to the shell of the mollusk from the inside.
- Cultivation takes place over 6–12 months.
- The pearl is drilled out and the core is removed.
- The void is filled with epoxy resin.
The result is a natural shell filled with a solid substance from the inside. The cost of such products is much lower than the price of wild pearls.
Determining the authenticity of pearls
You can find out whether the beads in a product are natural or not by checking them in the ancient way - with a tooth. Natural mother of pearl has a crystalline structure and leaves a feeling of roughness. Artificial products are absolutely smooth. Imitation beads that are empty inside are noticeably lighter.
Interesting! Low-quality artificial specimens can break even with slight pressure.
WHAT ARE MALLORCA PEARLS
Major pearls (variant names: “majolica”, “majorica”, majorica) owe their name to the manufacturing company of the same name, Majorika. It is not difficult to guess that the brand name comes from the name of an island belonging to Spain.
It was here in Mallorca, in the city of Manacor, that in 1890 a Spanish jewelry company patented the production of organic pearls. It was considered interesting that pearl mussels did not take a direct part in this process.
Majorika brand jewelry is very popular in Europe.
The Queen of Spain wears “island” pearls. The company creates jewelry props in films with historical themes.
Know-how in pearl cultivation
Mallorca pearls are distinguished by their ideal color, brilliance and texture. And all thanks to the company’s use of advanced technologies and strict quality control of finished products.
The process of creating pearls from Mallorca is quite painstaking and time-consuming. It takes 10-30 days to create one unit.
Pearls are created as follows:
- Step 1. Making a small porcelain or glass bead, which is then attached to a special holder.
- Step 2. The artificial Mallorca pearl is immersed in a special composition with mother-of-pearl, after which it is dried for 40 minutes.
- Step 3. The half-finished organic ball is irradiated with ultraviolet light.
The described stages are repeated 25-30 times until Mallorca acquires the ideal color and shape.
THIS IS INTERESTING. The special composition in which the Mallorca bead is immersed is called pearl essence. This liquid consists of natural pearl powder, fish scales and oils. We recommend: HOW TO DISTINGUISH AMBER FROM A FAKE
Artificial or not
Pearls that are “grown” by a shell are considered natural. Consequently, Mallorca pearls are artificial, and the entire process of their creation is completely controlled by man.
The characteristics of Mallorca beads are absolutely identical to natural organic pearls of the highest class. This fact is confirmed by studies conducted in GIA laboratories.
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is an independent non-profit organization. Its activities are aimed at controlling the quality of precious stones and protecting the rights of global consumers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many women around the world choose Mallorcan pearls for everyday wear and attending special occasions.
Traditionally, the advantages of the brand are:
- VERSATILITY. Jewelry made from Mallorcan pearls will suit almost any outfit.
- DURABILITY AND PRACTICALITY. The average lifespan of Mallorca with proper care is 10 years. Compared to natural samples, such specimens have an important advantage: they are more durable, their surface is smoother.
- APPEARANCE. The correct shape and noble luster of mother-of-pearl make Mallorcan pearls almost indistinguishable from natural organic pearls. The difference is obvious only to specialists.
Spanish pearl products also have disadvantages:
- BRITTLE SURFACE LAYER. Natural pearls are expensive precisely because of their structure. In products from Mallorca, the base adheres to mother-of-pearl less firmly. For this reason, if there are strong impacts or damage, the top coating of the pearl may chip.
- LESS MAGICAL AND HEALING PROPERTIES inherent in natural minerals.
A small number of disadvantages are compensated by the ease of care for products made from Mallorca pearls.
Color spectrum
- To give the products “pearl stones” of Mallorca an original color, natural dyes are used: iron, copper, manganese.
- As a result, the finished Mallorca beads are colored in shades of green, red, pink and purple.
- The classic color is, of course, white with a pearlescent undertone.
- The company is also engaged in the production of black pearls, so rarely found in nature.
Jewelry with pearls Mallorca
Precious metals are used for framing - gold, silver. Rhodium plating is used to prevent oxidation. When making jewelry, the limiter is only the jeweler’s imagination. Artificial beads are used to create necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, tiaras.
Price
Mallorca pearls are not natural pearls, but the production technology and the use of expensive ingredients do not allow the products to compare with the cost of plastic. For example, beads 45 cm long with medium-sized elements will cost about 11,000 - 13,000 rubles. Rings, earrings, pendants, depending on the precious metal used for framing, will cost from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles.
WE BUY SMARTLY
Noble pearl beads are a symbol of style, breed, completeness and elegance. But only if high-quality pearls were used in the process of creating the jewelry. For example, Mallorca. How to distinguish the products of a Spanish jewelry house from ordinary beads masquerading as pearls?
Visual features and price
The originality of Majorica pearls can be determined by the following characteristics:
- PEARL TIDE. White Mallorcas shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow when the sun's rays hit them. The more intense the radiance emanating from them, the more valuable the products.
- SHINE. The surface shines, reminiscent of the sheen of satin fabric.
- TEXTURE. This characteristic takes into account the diameter, shape, thickness and quality of mother of pearl. Ideally, each pearl should resemble a sphere (ball). Uneven shape, scratches, cuts, discolored spots reduce the quality and, accordingly, the price of pearls. Mallorca products combine all the described properties.
- COLOR. Colors range from pearlescent white to sophisticated black.
- STRENGTH. Unlike capricious natural pearls, Mallorca is not afraid of heat, cold, as well as beads of sweat, perfume, cosmetics, etc.
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Who can wear pearl jewelry with Mallorca?
Jewelry with high-quality imitation of natural mother-of-pearl beads is acceptable for everyone. There are no restrictions due to the artificial origin of the material, so the decoration does not have any magical or medicinal properties. This fact prevents the use of mother-of-pearl pearls as talismans and amulets that attract good luck. Artificial stone is safe and suitable for all signs of the Zodiac circle without exception. The lack of specific qualities makes beads a universal gift for any woman.
