The South Sea Pearl Blog

  • What causes Color in South Sea Cultured Pearls?

    What causes Color in South Sea Cultured Pearls? | The South Sea Pearl
    Colour in cultured pearls has many causes, namely organic pigments and the chemistry related to the water reservoir where the pearl shell is grown (sea water and freshwater have different manganese (Mn) concentrations with impact on nacre's colours). The pearl mollusc species is, of course, one of the most important factors in this process, specially the donor specimen that provides the mantle tissue that is inserted in the gonads or mantle (depending on the culturing method) of a productive pearl mollusc for the formation of the cultured pearl sac. Understanding colour mechanisms is critical in the laboratory to determine if the colour of a pearl is natural or a resulto or a treatment (e.g. dyeing, heat, bleaching). 
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  • THE SOUTH SEA PEARL

    THE SOUTH SEA PEARL | The South Sea Pearl
    South Sea” is an informal term for the geographic area where the white, silver and gold-lipped pearl oyster, known as Pinctada maxima in the scientific community, lives in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, between Myanmar and northern Australia, including Indonesia and the Philippines.
    Most references to “South Sea pearls” should read, in fact, “South Sea cultured pearls” because most of those that corculate in the market as, in fact, cultured. However, both historically and in modern days, there are rare natural South Sea pearls with sizes verying from seed size under 2-3 mm (often encountered in multiple quantities in the abductor muscle) to larger sizes, up to 16 mm or even more. Sizeable pearls in historical artefacts have a good chance of having come from the Pinctada maxima, a mollusc that has also been a major source of mother-of-pearl especially after the 1800s. Identification of a natural pearl is often complex require real-time X-ray microradiography (RTX), X-ray computerised tomography (µ-CT) and DNA fingerprinting.
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  • Wearing Pearls As A Fashion Statement

    Wearing Pearls As A Fashion Statement | The South Sea Pearl

    Pearls have been around since ancient times. In fact, archeologists have found fragments of them in the sarcophagi of Persian princesses and countless other royals. For many years pearls were worn exclusively by the ruling class and as far as the early, they continued to be viewed as a status symbol. In fashion, one of the most famous fashion icons, Coco Chanel, wore multiple strands of pearls draped over her shoulders and so her brand represented luxury.

    Nowadays, pearls are seen as more than just representing luxury. Women from different societies around the world love to wear them, as they are sophisticated and elegant. Even though sometimes pearls are viewed as conventional, they are increasingly becoming a fashion statement, not just for royalty and celebrities, but for everyone who wants to wear them. 

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  • How to accessorize Tahitian pearls?

    How to accessorize Tahitian pearls? | The South Sea Pearl

    Tahitian pearls are considered some of the most beautiful pearls a woman can wear. These days pearls have become not only for women but also men. Even fashion designers mix them up with their new collections. To be able to make a fashion statement wearing these incredible gemstones, it is important to know the correct way to accessorize them with any outfit. If you know how to wear them, they can look stunning on anyone.

    If you want the classic look, wear a single-strand Tahitian pearl necklace. But, if you are feeling rebellious and want to make a more noticeable statement, for example, you can combine your pearl earrings with other bold pieces of jewelry that you already have. Just pay attention so that the jewelry combination complements each other. What’s great about these pearls is that they go well with modern designs such as a cool black leather jacket under which you wear a simple white t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

    There are some other ideas you might follow when thinking of accessorizing Tahitian pearls. For one, follow the neckline of the outfit you are wearing, for example, if the top or dress has a plunging neckline then consider wearing a simple single strand of pearls. If you want a minimalistic look, choose simple earrings or a bracelet that incorporates the design you are wearing. But, if you want to be noticed, multiple layers are a must! Remember Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? For many people, the image of pearls is associated with her role in that movie. That’s one iconic look and a perfect combination we can all agree on.

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