Pearls
Natural and cultured pearls: types, grading, stringing and care.
6 entries
Jewelry around the world
Aboriginal shell necklaces and engraved pearl shell
Tasmanian Aboriginal women string tiny iridescent shells; in northern Australia, pearl shell is engraved: jewels with living memory.
Jewelry care and maintenance
How to clean pearls
How to clean natural, cultured and imitation pearls: a soft damp cloth, no ultrasonic or chemicals, and how to store them.
Materials
Mother-of-pearl and shells
Mother-of-pearl is the iridescent inner layer of many shells; it is carved into beads, cameos and shimmering inlays.
Jewelry
Pearl necklace: how to choose
Guide to choosing a pearl necklace: cultured, freshwater, Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls; size, luster, shape, length and care.
Techniques
Pearl stringing and knotting
Stringing fixes pearls on a silk thread with a knot between each to protect them; materials, knots, bead tips and when to restring.
Materials
Pearls
Pearls form inside mollusks and are prized for their luster; they can be natural or cultured, saltwater or freshwater.