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Archive for the ‘Corals’ Category

Corals, the June birthstones, are considered to be one of the most beautiful gems. Because of their natural and elegant beauty, they have been used for centuries in accenting jewelries. Indians and Persians were among the first to use corals as jewelries.
Corals can be classified as natural or cultured. Both are grown in oysters or mollusks. Oysters grow natural corals accidentally, as nacre is deposited around any foreign material that has entered its shells. Cultured corals are also grown in oysters but the growth is initiated by men. Natural corals, which are rarer, are more costly than cultured corals.
Both natural and cultured corals can further be classified into freshwater or saltwater corals, those coming from the sea being more expensive.
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Freshwater pearl-producing mussels can accept up to 50 implants at a time. They typically require 2-6 years to grow, and the finished pearl typically ranges in size from 4mm to 11mm. Larger freshwater pearls do exist, although their bigger size will likely be reflected in a bigger price tag. Approximately 60% of a typical freshwater pearl crop is made up of button pearls (flat on one side) or oval pearls. Only about 2% of the harvest is round, according to the latest information from the Gemological Institute of America. Baroque (no symmetry) and semi-baroque pearls typically make up the remainder of the crop. As with Tahitians and other pearl types, in a skilled designer’s hands, these unique pearls can be turned into extremely beautiful jewelry.

Other than their affordable price tag, perhaps the most notable characteristic of freshwater pearls is their striking array of beautiful, natural pastel colors. When it comes to color, the freshwater cultured pearl offers a wonderful variety not found in its saltwater counterparts. Pastels like cream, white, yellow, orange, and pink are common. Universally flattering lavender pearls are enjoying a surge in popularity today. Romantic pink pearl jewelry is a popular Valentine’s Day gift.
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