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What are cultured pearls? | Pearls that are formed by the oyster, with an assist from man. Pearl cultivators in Japan insert a small shell nucleus into the fleshy interior of a pearl oyster. The oyster does the rest, by coating the nuclues with a nacreous material which hardens and forms the pearl.
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What other kinds of pearls are there? | Natural pearls. These pearls are created by the oyster as an act of self-defense against an intruder which has entered the oyster totally by accident. In cultured pearls the nuclues is covered with the identical pearl substance, called nacre.
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How can one tell the difference between a cultured and a natural pearl? | It is usually impossible to detect the difference with the naked eye. X-ray examination is used when necessary.
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How does one tell the difference between a cultured or natural pearl and a fake pearl bead? | It is easy. Compare them side by side. One of the most obvious differences is the depth of luster of the cultured pearl. Another method is to rub them gently across the edge of your teeth. If it feels smooth it is an imitation pearl. If it feels textured it is a cultured or natural pearl.
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Are cultured pearls found in different shapes? | Yes, there are a variety of shapes -0 baroque, pear, barrel, mabe (half-sphere) - as well as the round. Since the cultured pearl is formed by a natural process the shapes cannot be predetermined.
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What are the different styles of cultured pearl necklaces? | The two basic types of necklaces are the graduated and the uniform. the classic graduated necklace of matched cultured pearls ranging in size from small at the back to large in front, is worn alone, or as a double, triple, or five strand bib. The uniformnecklace composed of pearls of identical size is worn as a single, double or triple strand choker. The uniform style is also popular in the longer "matinee" or "opera" length (22-30 inches long).
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What are the elements of value to look for? | Luster or brilliance, color, size, and shape. A cultured pearl necklace should be well matched in all these qualities. The color should be chosen on the basis of the wearer's skin tone, shade of hair, and what is most flattering.
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Are cultured pearls available in different colors? | Yes, they appear in all the pastel hues of the spectrum.
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How are cultured pearls measured? | In millimeters. A two-millimeter cultured pearl is considered extremely small, whereasthose over nine millimeters are thought to be quite large. Large cultured pearls are usually the most costly, but the other "value points" - such as luster, shape, and color - must be considered when making a purchase.
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What other cultured pearl jewelry is there besides necklaces? | There are cultured pearl bracelets, rings, earrings, pins, brooches and pendants, as well as necklaces. Tasteful cultured pearl jewelry for men includes tie-tacks, stickpins, cufflinks, and formal shirt studs.
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