| When talking about the size of a pearl, you must talk | | | | just removed. So, the second generation pearl is larger. |
| about the variety of pearl as well. For example, size of | | | | The oyster is returned to the waters for its growing |
| a Chinese Freshwater Pearl is very different from size | | | | period. As with the first generation, this is 18 months to |
| of a South Sea Pearl. The Freshwater Pearl is | | | | 3 years depending on the farm, growing conditions and |
| cultured using mantle-tissue nucleation; the South Sea | | | | desired results. |
| Pearl is cultured using bead-nucleation. Mantle-tissue | | | | Upon harvesting the second generation pearl, a third |
| nucleation adds virtually nothing to the size of the pearl. | | | | generation implantation may occur. This is rare. As the |
| Bead-nucleation is used to define the size of the pearl | | | | oyster ages, the quality of pearls it produces goes |
| -- the bigger the bead, the bigger the pearl. | | | | down. Luster is highest in the first generation. |
| In this article, I will use two bead-nucleated pearls to | | | | Can you tell if you are buying a first generation pearl or |
| discuss the Size Value Factor, one of seven value | | | | a third generation pearl? No. You cannot tell the |
| factors to consider when purchasing pearls and pearl | | | | 'parentage' of the mollusk just by looking. If you are |
| jewelry. Tahitian cultured pearls and South Sea | | | | working closely with the farm, you may have this |
| cultured pearls are both cultured using bead-nucleation. | | | | information. But even the farm is most interested in |
| In bead-nucleation, a bead made from a freshwater | | | | producing fine quality, lustrous smooth pearls. |
| mussel shell is inserted into the oyster as part of the | | | | This article focused on considerations regarding size of |
| culturing process. Also common to these pearl culturing | | | | just two varieties pearls. The best rule of thumb? Buy |
| processes, only one pearl is grown at a time. If the | | | | the pearls with the highest luster and the smoothest |
| oyster produces a healthy, marketable pearl, the | | | | surface for the best investment value. Buy the pearls |
| oyster may be implanted again. The subsequent | | | | that appeal to your heart for the most pleasure. |
| nucleus must be slightly larger -- the size of the pearl | | | | |