Cultured Pearls Are Here to Stay
When a small object is embedded in the tissue of either an oyster or a mollusk, a pearl is formed. The mantle tissue of the mollusks then releases a mix of organic and crystalline substances called nacre. When the nacre piles up into lawyers, the irritant then becomes a pearl.
Another way for pearls to be produced is when a certain stimuli, like let's say a parasite, is lodged in between the shell of the mollusk or the oyster. Then the nacre is also released around the intruder. This then leads to the build-up which produces pearls.
When you say natural pearl, these are the pearls that have been produced in nature. Cultured pearls are the total opposite wherein human beings have a role to play in producing these. Inserting foreign objects into the tissue of the mollusk or the oyster, pearl farmers can trigger the process o making pearls.
Over the years, peals have been in demand in the market, especially in the jewelry market. Pearl is symbolic to modesty and virtue. It is also a precious stone. Though they are technically organic gems, because they came from shellfish or mollusks, history of pearls as jewelry goes way back 4000 years.
How they are acquired and their appearance has changed at the turn of each century but pearl remains to be staples when talking about jewelry.
The basis for the pearl to be really precious is the time the oyster coats the sphere with nacre. Since it is rare for any pearl to have the perfect spherical shape, the rounder the better is the rule for pearl farmers.
Nowadays, pearls that are sold as jewelry today are cultured pearls. Human beings had to play a role in the creation of these jewelry in order to manifest a perfect circle pearl.
Cultured pearls can be rated on five qualities:
1. Luster and orient
Luster is the sharpness of the pearl as well as the intensity of the reflections on its surface whereas orient is those iridescent colors that a person sees when looking within the pearl. The pearl is valuable depending on the luster and orient. The higher the better.
2. Color
Usually pearls are white, black and yellow. The undertones are normally rose, pink or ever green. For personal preference, the pearls can be dyed.
3. Cleanliness
Imperfections are still evident in cultured pearls regardless of the way they were made. Real pearls, be it natural or cultivated, are to be expected on real pearls. But the rule here is the less noticeable these flaws are, then the better.
4. Shape
Spherical pearls, because of its rarity, are the most precious types of pearls. There are still imperfections even if it is round. When one looks closely, the symmetry can also be imperfect. That is exactly why there are teardrop shaped earrings made from pearls.
5. Size
Cultured pearls are often sold by diameter. They are measured in millimeters. The larger the cultured pearls, then the rarer, thus the more expensive. Therefore, the bigger the pearl, the better the price.
If you would be wearing pearls, then you should choose a set that go with one another. Let's say that you plan on wearing necklace and earrings. Then go for the pearls that have similar size, color, luster and most importantly shape. You have to match pearls because just like any jewelry, they are also an investment.
Cultured pearls are also sensitive so you have to be really careful in handling them once you bought a set. They can be scratched by other jewelry that comes in contact. Try to keep these pearls separate from one another or also from the other gems in your jewelry box.
Be it natural or cultured, once you own pearls, they are precious stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires and the lake. Pearls have often been deemed as classy and elegant. They can match anything you wear. Take for example Marcia Cross as Bree Van De Kamp in "Desperate Housewives" or Marge Simpson in "The Sampsons". They both wear pearls. They may be TV characters but they sure look classy in them. What more if a person wears pearls in real life?
About the Author
Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com www.aperfectharmony.com or www.a-1hypnosis.com
I am looking to find the value of an older Smith & Wesson revolver?
It is called the Lemon Squeezer or New Departure from S&W Chrome finish, top break pinned front sight .38 S&W on rightside of the barrell. Serial number ends with a *
Lock-up is good
Pearl handles
Chrome in my opinion is good for the age of the gun. A neighbor had who is 97 years old report her father bought it so, the math is maybe 100 years old or better.
I dont own any firearms and would like to sell it to a dealer but dont want to get taken advantage of.
If it has Mother of Pearl grips original it's likely 1910s or 1920s or the grips were put on later. Note that it is .38S&W, not .38 Special.
Probably nickle finish.....It was not uncommon in the mid 20th century to chrome plate everything, so it may be a chrome finish that was done 50 years or so ago.
Mother of Pearl grips are very fragile....are they cracked? Be very careful with them, do not mess with the screws less you risk breaking the grips.
Give the info provided, it's hard to estimate the actual age, if you write the serial number like 251xxx we could be more help...
These go between $250 and $500 for the most part on the collectors market. You may see some listed higher, but they don't sell much higher. Still, it's a lot for an old revolver that was worth $50 a couple of decades ago.....
You don't say what state you are in, but you should be able to sell it privately.
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