| The Definition of Shell Pearls | | | | and accurate results. This allows manufacturers to be |
| A shell pearl is a bead formed from the shell of certain | | | | able to supply large quantities of them without worrying |
| aquatic species; these include, but are not limited to, | | | | about their own source of supply. Also, the processes |
| mollusks and oysters. While the world truly values | | | | allow manufacturers to customize the color, shape and |
| pearls - which are formed within such creatures, there | | | | size of the shell beads. These are not applicable with |
| is also a solid market for shell pearls. Also known as | | | | actual pearls. This level of customization and alteration |
| mother of pearls, they serve the niche of alternative | | | | creates a larger range of options for suppliers. While |
| jewelry. It is worn mostly for visual aesthetic than | | | | the overall costs of pearls are more expensive, there |
| material value since true value lies with actual pearls. | | | | is more profit to be made from them thanks to its |
| Being a substitute material however, does not make it | | | | larger consumer base. |
| any less desired. This is also due to the fact that | | | | The cost of a shell pearl is significantly lower than that |
| actual pearls are very expensive and shell ones | | | | of an actual pearl. Though some of them can cost |
| provide something similar for a more reasonable cost. | | | | quite a lot due to size, quality and other features, it is |
| Manufacturers and jewelers who use and create shell | | | | still much more affordable than buying a real pearl. |
| pearls consider them as a better commodity. While | | | | Thanks to the different colors available in mother of |
| actual pearls are truly rare and a sight to behold, not to | | | | pearls, there is a greater variety in the kinds of jewelry |
| mention really expensive, they are not as feasible to | | | | that can be made from them. |
| use as the shell counterpart. Since real pearls are | | | | How to Buy a Shell Pearl |
| made by nature, there is always that uncontrolled | | | | The shell pearl is made to be a substitute for actual |
| element that could make the production of pearls | | | | pearls. This is why buyers should be wary of them |
| inconsistent. Even pearl farms cannot consistently | | | | being sold off as actual pearls. It is hard to determine |
| produce pearls of the same size or color. Being a | | | | whether a bead is a real pearl of a shell one since |
| natural product, the pearl holds its appeal for its natural | | | | they both respond similarly to tests that grade the |
| rarity and one of a kind beauty. This is good from the | | | | authenticity of the beads such as a the rubbing test. |
| stand point of consumers. However, in a business, the | | | | One good idea is to contact the local dealer group and |
| lack of consistency from supply is not a good thing. | | | | check if the seller has certification. Another is to |
| What Makes Shell Pearls a Good Alternative? | | | | consult with experts to determine what you should |
| The process of creating a shell pearl bead is all done | | | | look for when buying pearls. |
| with scientific methods designed to produce consistent | | | | |