{"id":9130,"date":"2022-07-29T18:31:35","date_gmt":"2022-07-29T18:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cleanorigin.com\/blog\/?p=9130"},"modified":"2023-08-21T20:59:24","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T20:59:24","slug":"pearl-engagement-rings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uat.cleanorigin.com\/blog\/pearl-engagement-rings\/","title":{"rendered":"Pearl Engagement Rings: Trend or Modern Classic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Diamonds have been the standard engagement ring<\/a> gemstone for some time, but right now pearl engagement rings are having their moment. Will this last? Read on to learn more about this intriguing water gem and decide for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Pearls Form?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A pearl forms inside a shelled mollusk when something irritating, like a foreign organism, becomes stuck inside of it. In response to the irritant, certain types of mollusks will heal themselves by secreting nacre. Nacre (AKA mother-of-pearl) is a substance made of calcium carbonate and protein that grows in layers over the irritant. Over time, these layers of nacre form a pearl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Pearls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Natural pearls grow in various shelled mollusk species throughout the world. They can grow in both saltwater and freshwater, as well as in water temperatures ranging from cold to warm. However, most pearls today are cultured pearls because mollusks that produce pearls in the wild are endangered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultured Pearls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pearl farmers grow cultured pearls in underwater farms in controlled conditions. There are both freshwater cultured pearls and cultured saltwater pearls–but no matter the type, the process to produce them is the same: Pearl farmers start by inserting irritants into mollusks. Once the pearls fully form, the farmers harvest them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Cultured Pearls Real Pearls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Both
Both Cultured and Natural Pearls Are Real Pearls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yes, cultured pearls are real pearls–they are just not natural pearls. Both freshwater cultured pearls and saltwater cultured pearls form inside of mollusks, the way natural pearls do. The main difference between the two is cultured pearls are made with human supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jewelry made with natural pearls, like pearl engagement rings, commands a higher price because of the natural pearl’s rarity. But both cultured pearls and natural pearls are essentially the same thing: balls of nacre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pearl Qualities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like any other precious gem, experts rate gem-quality pearls according to specific qualities and standards. These qualities and standards include luster, shape, surface, size, and color. Let’s take a look at each of these a bit more closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a pearl, luster refers to its brightness or brilliance–this is an important quality because it helps determine a pearl’s value. The more brilliant luster a pearl has, the brighter and cripser its reflection and the more valuable it becomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most pearls are irregularly shaped (baroque pearls), but when people think of pearls they usually think of a perfectly formed sphere. Perfectly round pearls are rare and very expensive, and become more valuable when they have even luster and color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A pearl’s surface refers to how smooth it is, as well as how clean it looks. Any scratches, bumps, ridges, or other obvious irregularities will decrease its value. In fact, if any of these irregularities is bad enough, it can affect the pearl’s durability and decrease its value even more. However, minor surface issues don’t always affect price as long as they are few and easily disguised with a drill-hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to size the larger the pearl the more expensive it will be. Of course, as with other precious gems like diamonds, there are additional qualities to consider that will affect price. But in general, if you want a large center pearl for an engagement ring it will be more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pearls come in a vast array of beautiful colors that extend beyond basic white. These colors<\/a> include white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Interestingly, the environment of the mollusk that produces pearls influenes the pearl’s color <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, freshwater pearls come naturally in the widest variety of colors–except for black. Saltwater pearls still come in a variety of colors, but the only naturally occurring black saltwater pearls come from the waters around Tahiti and other French Polynesian islands<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Typical Cost of Pearl Engagement Rings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pearl
Pearl Engagement Ring With Diamond Accents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There is no hard and fast answer to this question. The cost of a pearl engagement ring will vary depending on factors that include pearl quality (luster, shape, surface, size, color), whether you choose a natural or cultured pearl, and if it is a saltwater or freshwater pearl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also have to think about what type of setting your pearl engagement ring will be in, as well as the type of metal. For instance, white gold and yellow gold (depending on the karat) can be more expensive than rose gold<\/a>. Do you want your ring to feature just a large pearl center stone, or do you want to include glittering diamonds as accents? Any extras you decide to add on will increase the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Saving Money on a Pearl Ring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like when choosing a diamond for an engagement ring<\/a>, you have wiggle room to get what is important to you at a price that fits your budget. Cultured pearls are always going to be less expensive (and more readily available) than natural pearls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can choose a pearl that has slight blemishes but hide them with a strategically chosen ring setting. If color is important to you but not size, you can purchase a smaller pearl in the color you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to include diamond accents like a diamond band or halo? Consider lab grown diamonds<\/a> for your pearl and diamond engagement ring. Lab grown diamonds are 30-40% less expensive than mined diamonds, and they shine just as beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drilled vs. Undrilled Pearls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undrilled pearls are more expensive that drilled pearls because jewelers often use drill-holes to hide blemishes. Therefore, jewelers usually sell lower-quality pearls already drilled and in premade strands. The advantage of an undrilled pearl is you have greater flexibility when you incorporate it into your ring design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Take Care Pearl Engagement Rings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Gently
Gently Clean Pearl Jewelry With a Soft Cloth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pearls have a hardness of 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale<\/a> — this makes them incredibly soft. And since a pearl is so soft it is susceptible to damage from everyday wear. It can also dull easily. Therefore, it’s essential that you take special care when both wearing and cleaning your pearl engagement ring, and any genuine pearl jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since pearls can dull easily, avoid getting lotions or harsh soaps on them. Even sweat can cause them to become dull over time, so be sure to gently wipe your ring with a soft cloth to remove any substances that may corrode it. You should also keep it away from heat sources and store it in a soft jewelry bag when you aren’t wearing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Clean Pearl Engagement Rings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best method for cleaning a pearl engagement ring is to scrub it gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water and mild soap. Do not scrub it hard because harsh scrubbing can cause scratches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also avoid using harsh chemical cleansers on it, and never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Never leave it fully submerged in water, especially if the pearl in your ring has a drill-hole because excess moisture will build up in the hole and damage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Pearls for Pearl Engagement Rings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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