Pearl beads - river, sea, black pearls and varieties of beads

Pearl jewelry has gained love and popularity since ancient times. Royalty and royalty valued pearl beads for their exquisite and unique beauty. Fashion trendsetter Coco Chanel strengthened their position on the pedestal, turning the now famous “Chanel Beads” into an indispensable fashion accessory for a real lady. Today, pearl beads are a classic that celebrates femininity. This is why a pearl wedding necklace is a classic and the number one choice for most brides.

Famous women whose image is associated with pearl jewelry:

A modern woman can wear pearl beads in a variety of situations - they are appropriate for an evening out and in everyday life. This is a versatile, elegant piece of jewelry suitable for any style depending on the length and other features. Pearl beads are distinguished by the length of the thread, the number of rows, and the size of the pearls.

Pearl beads of different lengths

The so-called “collar” (collar) has a length of about 30-32 cm. Usually this is an ornament consisting of 2-3 threads. They fit snugly to the neck, without sagging and somewhat shortening it visually. Therefore, it is more suitable for owners of a long slender neck. Look great with a deep neckline.

Cowl beads do not exceed 35-40 cm. Classic, single-strand pearl beads wrap around the base of the neck. They can also consist of 2-3 threads. The modesty and elegance of the jewelry allows it to be worn with both luxurious outfits and office suits. A choker necklace is incompatible with high collars that hide the beauty of the beads.

Pearl beads 42-48 cm long, called
“princess” , freely descend to the chest.
Visually, this lengthens the neck, so it can be worn by ladies with both full and short necks. If the pearls are small, they can be supplemented with a pendant. Beads with large pearls are an independent decoration. Long beads up to 60 cm – matine (morning). They are worn with cocktail dresses, evening dresses, and office suits. It is not advisable to combine with clothes with buttons, which distract from the beauty of pearl beads.

A decoration 80-90 cm long is called “opera” . In the evening version it is worn in one thread; during the day it can be wrapped around the neck twice. In combination with contrasting clothing, such beads visually make you look slimmer.

The longest pearl jewelry – about 115 cm – is a rope (rope). It is worn in 1-2-3 rows. The beads can be tied in a knot or wrapped around your hand, turning them into a bracelet. There is a type of bead of the same length called “lariat” (lasso). Their difference is that the beads are not connected, i.e. have free ends. They are worn in a variety of ways - tying them, wrapping them around the neck like a scarf, using them as a belt, hoop or bracelet.

What kind of pearls are used to make beads?

All types of pearls are used to make beads - river, sea, cultured and artificial. Sea pearls differ from river pearls in their greater brilliance, uniformity of color, variety of shades, and more regular shape.

In the photo on the left are sea pearls, on the right are freshwater pearls

The supply of naturally grown pearls is almost exhausted, and is preserved mainly in the form of rarities - antique and vintage pearl products. The mass demand for exquisite jewelry is satisfied by cultured pearls. A few centuries ago, a method of growing pearls was discovered by introducing a grain of sand into a mollusk. Technologies developed over centuries now make it possible to grow cultured sea and river pearls, which cannot be distinguished from natural ones without x-rays. At the same time, the cost of saltwater cultured pearls significantly exceeds the prices of freshwater counterparts.

Pictured: a cultured pearl farm in Thailand

Since pearls are of organic origin, their lifespan is limited and can be 50-200 years. This does not apply to cultured pearls. With the help of modern technologies, pearls of various shapes, colors, and sizes are created from glass, plastic, various varnish coatings and other materials. Including using natural mother-of-pearl in pressed form. It should be borne in mind that no matter how natural the “ingredients” are, the beads made from them will still remain artificial pearls. Which is everything that was not grown in a shell. Any additional definitions created by different brands (for example, “organic pearls”) are just a publicity stunt to increase sales. Accordingly, the price for imitation pearls is much lower than for natural ones.

Features and differences

What are the differences between natural pearls and artificial pearls?

Marine is cool to the touch, while non-natural is at room temperature.
Artificial beads are lighter in weight, while coral or germanite imitations are heavier.
If there are irregularities or traces of paint on the edges of the hole in the pearl placed in the jewelry, then it is a fake.
When two beads rub against each other, scratches do not appear, only a little dust falls.
A sea or river pearl bounces off the surface when it falls.

Black or white pearls that grow in the shells of mollusks living at the bottom are considered real treasures. That is why the price will always be high, because to find this formation, you will need knowledge, experience and special equipment.

Minerals are mined mainly in the Red Sea, off the coast of Sri Lanka, Japan, and in the Persian Gulf. Since the cost is influenced by many factors, the price can be completely different, ranging from 1 thousand to 10 thousand dollars and above.

Since ancient times, humanity has learned to cultivate beads by controlling the creation of a mineral in a mollusk shell. This process can significantly reduce the cost of stone, while growing and extracting it is much easier. The price of this option is in the range of 6-40 thousand rubles.

The main advantage of real pearls is their durability. Accessories decorated with beads of natural origin can be passed on from generation to generation. At the same time, it is customary to store pearl items in velvet boxes and carefully wipe them to clean the surface after each wear.

What determines the quality and cost of pearl beads?

The price category of pearl beads depends on several factors:

quality of pearls (size, shape, shine, mother-of-pearl thickness, color)
bead length
degree of matching beads in the selection
lock material
manufacturer's brand

The quality of pearls in world practice is assessed on the AAA-A scale , where A is the lowest grade, allowing defects of up to 25% and less shine. The AAA rating corresponds to pearls of the highest quality with a strong shine, having at least 95% of the surface without visible defects (you can read more here).

The degree of matching in the selection means that the pearls match each other in quality and size. The designated quality class assumes the presence of most pearls of the declared level. In this case, a small number of beads of a different quality are allowed, since during assembly the aesthetic approach is more important than strict adherence to the class. All other things being equal, pearl beads consisting of larger beads are valued higher.

Black pearls - their types and rating system

For a separate group - black Tahitian pearls , distinguished due to their exceptional beauty and large size - there is its own AD (read more about the classification of Tahitian pearls and the rating system here). Despite the name, these pearls have different shades: cherry, greenish, chocolate, purple, gray. Because of such variety, it is incredibly difficult to choose a pair. It can take many years to create high-quality beads from black Tahitian pearls, which is why prices for them start from several thousand dollars.

Tahitian pearls are characterized by their own groups of types of pearls (akoya, blister, biwa, conch, etc. - depending on origin, size and a number of other characteristics). shapes are also indicated for them : round, semicircular, oval, baroque, drop, button and circle). More details (in English) can be read here.

A little about pearl colors

The color of pearls can be very different - pure white (rare), with shades of green, blue, pink, gray. Intense colors (blue, purple, black) have a metallic sheen. Beads made from pearls of rarer colors are more expensive.

Locks for pearl beads

The material from which the fastener is made also plays an important role. As a rule, for expensive beads made of high-quality pearls, gold clasps of the appropriate size are used. Types of locks for beads can be different - screw, armored, box-shaped, and the like. Long pearl beads do not need a lock; they can be worn freely over the head.

Fashion trends

Fashion gurus delight with modern jewelry with pearls in chocolate shades. They have a unique shine and rich color. The option is universal, looks organically with all types and colors of leather, fur or fabric.

Any “chocolate” pearl accessory is a stylish item in your wardrobe, suitable for business and casual outfits.

However, it is expensive; jewelers save such pearls for platinum or gold jewelry (750°).

Even wedding jewelry can have this color - for those who like to slightly shock the audience. Although specialists from Mallorca, Mikimoto and other top companies prefer proven white.

Wedding jewelry made of pearls

Products with colored pearls are for ladies who love to experiment and stand out from the crowd.

Handmade is always fashionable. There are enough courses and material on the Internet, and in literature stores, to master decorating pearls with your own hands. A clutch embroidered with beads, jeans, beads originally assembled into a brooch or pin, and other jewelry with pearls will become unique. And the envy of your girlfriends.

How to choose pearl beads?

When choosing beads, they are guided by their length and the quality of the pearls themselves. Also pay attention to their size and color. The older the lady, the larger pearls she can afford. But it’s even more important to pay attention to the harmony of the beads in the necklace. For example, several strands can be made of small pearls; a massive pendant requires a large pearl to surround it.

Cream and snow-white pearl beads are considered universal shades that suit everyone. Not only contrasting colors are suitable for dark skin, but also warm yellow ones, and pink and cold pastel colors for light skin.

How much do real beads cost?

The evaluation criteria are:

the larger the size, the higher the cost;
the most valuable specimens have an almost perfect round shape, followed by pear-shaped or oval ones;
a layer of mother-of-pearl and shine - the greater the glow, the higher the price;
The more defects and irregularities, the less money you can get for a pearl.

It is worth noting that only artificial pearls can be perfectly even and smooth. The natural origin can be determined by an expert who takes into account the quality and quantity of defects. In addition, black sea minerals are considered the most valuable.

Caring for pearl beads: basic rules

Since pearls have a limited lifespan, beads require some care. The most important thing is that they need to be worn more often, since pearl beads need moisture so that they do not lose their shine and do not dry out longer. They are negatively affected by high temperature, hypothermia, perfumes, creams, and chemical exposure. For cleaning, rinse in clean water and wipe with a damp cloth. Beads should be stored separately from other jewelry, wrapped in natural fabric. Ideally, every 5-6 years it is advisable to re-string them on a new thread.

JEWELRY - BEADS | NATURAL PEARL AND ITS TYPES

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Works by designers from the JEWELIRUM catalog

Co.Cos Jewelry
Co.Cos Jewelry
Taiga Jewelry, Tomsk
Taiga Jewelry, Tomsk
Ilya Maksimov, Crimea
Ilya Maksimov, Crimea
UBIRING
UBIRING
Diamonds are Forever
Diamonds are Forever
Rings in natural style, Sergacheva Jewelery
Earrings with pearls, Sergacheva Jewelery
Cabochon ring, Minty Sky
Fly earrings, Minty Sky
Ring, Precious Park
Ring, Precious Park
Snake skin ring, Stoyanova Jewelery
Chain earrings, Stoyanova Jewelery
Children's pendant - stick, Matthew&Daniel
Pendant for a child, Matthew&Daniel
Bracelet, Svetlana Subbotina
Ring with Slavic symbols, Svetlana Subbotina
Indian style ring, Anna Goffman
Indian style ring, Anna Goffman
Earrings, ISTA
Geometric ring, ISTA
Earrings with enamel, PNJewelry
Ring with enamel, PNJewelry
Ring, Khramtsova Jewelry
Ring, Khramtsova Jewelry
Wedding rings to order, obruchalki.com
Wedding rings to order, obruchalki.com
Earrings, Yuri Bylkov
Earrings, Yuri Bylkov
Titanium bracelets, LanaMuransky
Titanium pendant, LanaMuransky
Brooch Elephant (after Salvador Dali), THING
Ring Veil, THING
Mace earrings, VLADIMIR MARKIN
Cufflinks, jewelry mechanics, VLADIMIR MARKIN
Drop-shaped ring, EKATERINA TOLSTAYA
Drop-shaped earrings, EKATERINA TOLSTAYA
Necklace with amber, LETA
Earrings with amber, LETA
Children's earrings, combinable, FASHBY
Children's earrings, combinable, FASHBY
Ring of architectural form, Elizaveta Malafeevskaya MANU_L
Architectural bracelet, Elizaveta Malafeevskaya MANU_L
Set Ginkgo Leaf, SHABUT JEWELLERY
Brooch Wearable porcelain, SHABUT JEWELLERY
Architectural ring, GEOMETRY
Brooch, porcelain, GEOMETRY
Necklace made of polymer clay, LICORNE ART
Brooch made of polymer clay, LICORNE ART
Ring, avant-garde, VALERY SEREDIN
Bracelet, avant-garde. VALERY SEREDIN
Wooden set, Scandinavian/Japanese minimalism, VLADIMIR SHESTAKOV
Ring, Scandinavian/Japanese minimalism, VLADIMIR SHESTAKOV
Earrings, TON ANT
Ring, TON ANT
Architectural ring, ANCHOR
Architectural necklace, ANCHOR
Earrings, GOHFELD JEWELLERY
Necklace, GOHFELD JEWELLERY
Massive ring, YAKISCHIK
Designer jewelry, YAKISCHIK
Architectural ring, ONE DAY ART
Architectural ring, ONE DAY ART
Brooch, bionics, VALERIYA MARKOVA (TESSA)
Unclosed ring, bionics, VALERIYA MARKOVA (TESSA)
Ring, bionics, BEAVERS
Earrings, bionics, BEAVERS
Earrings, asymmetry, VAGANOVA JEWELRY
Airplane ring, VAGANOVA JEWELRY
Flower ring, ALCHEMIA JEWELLERY
Set, ALCHEMIA JEWELLERY
Pendant-cat, ethnic, STUDIO OF ILYA AND VERA PALKIN
Earrings, STUDIO OF ILYA AND VERA PALKIN

Price

The Russian market offers a range to suit every taste and budget.

The cost of jewelry is determined by the quality and origin of the pearls. The material of the frame and the final price of the jewelry (RUB) depend on this:

silver brooch with a single pearl – 12 (Australian white) – 42 (Tahitian black) thousand;
pink river small baroque bracelet – 625;
silver ring with a white river pearl – 1,250.

Wedding jewelry (faux pearls, rub.):