Before longing for pearls, please clarify this popular science article and avoid detours!

Many people who have just come into contact with pearls often do not understand the difference between sea pearls and freshwater  pearls, or do not know which type of pearl is better. Today, we will introduce you to the differences between sea pearls and freshwater pearls. I believe that after reading this article, you will have a general idea in your mind.

In fact, sea pearls and freshwater pearls are defined by the growth and breeding environment of pearls. Sea pearls, as the name suggests, are pearls bred in the sea, and their shells cannot be kept in captivity. Freshwater pearls are produced in pearl clams that grow in rivers and lakes.

The distinction between sea pearls and freshwater pearls requires some basic knowledge: sea pearls are generally divided into South sea pearls, Tahiti pearls, Chinese sea pearls and Japanese sea pearls according to their growing regions, while freshwater pearls are generally divided into nucleated and non nucleated pearls. Most freshwater pearls are nuclearless, and about 95% of the freshwater pearls in the world are produced in China, so ordinary freshwater pearls are also called Chinese freshwater pearls.

The differences between sea pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

1. Comparison in yield: The yield of sea pearls is scarce, and generally only 1-2 sea pearls can be bred in a single shell. The mortality rate of the shell is relatively high, and the breeding cost is relatively high. Freshwater pearl clams can generally breed 30-40 pearls, and of course, Edison pearls nowadays only produce one pearl per shell. Generally, only one or two of the 100 freshwater pearls can be selected to be more perfect. The scarcity of the output of sea pearls also directly leads to the higher value of sea pearls.

2. Compared in appearance:

(1) Shape: Seapearls are generally round due to their nucleated cultivation. Freshwater non nucleated pearls have different shapes, such as button, rice, potato, near round,baroque, irregular, etc., and relatively few are perfect round. The roundness of freshwater nucleated pearls cultivated with new technologies has improved significantly.

(2) Luster: The luster of sea pearls is relatively stronger, while the luster of freshwater pearls is relatively softer. Of course, the prerequisite for comparison is that the quality of the two types of pearls is similar. Whether it is sea or freshwater, pearls with strong luster are very rare. However, sea pearls have a much better luster than freshwater pearls due to their unique pearl structure.

(3) Surface : Whether it is sea pearls or freshwater pearls, most of them have natural growth defects, with very few being perfect. Extremely flawless or almost flawless appearance has the highest value.

(4) Size: akoya sea pearls generally have a size of 3-10mm, with most concentrated below 9mm. South sea pearls generally have a size of 9-14mm, and those above 14mm are even more precious. Tahitian black pearls have a size of around 8-12mm, and those exceeding 12mm are relatively rare. Freshwater non nucleated pearls have a size of around 2-11mm, and nucleated pearls with a size of 3-14mm are common.

(5) Color: Generally speaking, freshwater pearls have three common natural colors: white, pink, and purple. Sea akoya pearls are mainly white and gray. As for South sea pearls, there are elegant pure white and noble gold. Green, blue, or silver gray are the colors that natural Tahitian pearls only have.

Although freshwater pearls are different from sea pearls, each has its own characteristics, and each variety of pearls has its own quality. It is not possible to generalize which variety of pearls is the best. Choosing the right pearl for oneself is the most important thing.

Do you know how to distinguish the authenticity of pearls?

In addition to the natural freshwater pearls and seawater pearls mentioned earlier, there are also many fake pearls on the market, such as shell pearls, plastic pearls, glass pearls, and so on.

It is difficult for ordinary people to judge the authenticity of pearls with the naked eye! Although pearls for daily wear are not expensive, we also want to make every penny I spend worth it.

The most effective method:

1. Look at the color. The luster of natural pearls is more natural and transparent, and each pearl has its own growth attribute. Basically, each pearl grows differently, while the imitation pearls are bright in color and uniform in color. Each pearl looks exactly the same!

2. Look at the weight. A pearl of the same size, natural pearls will have a more tactile feel, and there will be a solid sense of weight on the handle, while imitation pearls are relatively light and floating, and the obvious feeling on the handle is plastic!

3. Listen to the sound. Two natural pearls rubbing against each other will make a rustling sound, and the surface layer of pearl powder will also be worn off. However, after being absorbed by the skin, it will restore its original appearance. When imitation pearls rub against each other, the surface is very smooth and will not lose pearl powder. Multiple rubs will wear off the surface coating and cannot restore its original appearance!

Do you know how to maintain pearls?

Why did the  pearl necklace  I bought turn yellow after wearing it for a while? Did I buy a fake? "Today, the editor received a question from fans backstage. First, tell the editor that taking off the pearl necklace and throwing it directly into the box is something you often do? The maintenance of pearls is actually very important, sometimes it's not because the pearls you buy are not good enough, it may be because the maintenance is not in place! Today, we will teach you how to maintain pearls.

(1) Maintenance method:

1. Keep away from water: Do not use water to clean the pearl necklace. Water can enter the small pores of the bead, which is not only difficult to dry, but may also cause fermentation inside, and the bead line may turn green. If you sweat a lot while wearing, you can carefully wipe it off with a soft and damp towel, and store it after air drying.

2. Stay away from the kitchen: Pearl has small pores on its surface, so it is not advisable to let it inhale dirty substances in the air. Pearl will absorb Hair spray, perfume and other substances. So don't wear a beautiful pearl necklace for electric hair, and be careful in the kitchen. Don't wear beautiful pearls for cooking. Steam and oil fumes can seep into pearls and make them turn yellow.

3. Sheepskin Attendance: After wearing a pearl necklace, the pearls must be wiped clean before being placed properly. It is best to use sheepskin instead of face paper, as the friction of some face papers can wear away pearls.

4. Need air: Do not keep the pearl necklace in a safe for a long time, nor seal it with a plastic bag. Fresh air is needed between pearls, and they need to be taken out and worn every few months to let them breathe. If left in a box for a long time, pearls can easily turn yellow.

5. Three year thread change: It is best to string the pearl necklace again every three years. The dirt entering the small hole of the bead will generate friction, causing the nylon thread to break. 6. Pearl Chain Maintenance: Do not hang pearl necklaces for a long time, as the chain line may deform over time. It is a good idea to tie a knot between each bead with a long bead chain. This practice can prevent friction between beads. Even if the thread breaks, it ensures that the beads will not scatter everywhere, and you will only lose one bead at most.

(2) Cleaning method:

1. Pearls should be cleaned regularly: Due to their weak resistance to acidity and alkalinity, they cannot withstand the erosion of sweat. Therefore, regular maintenance and upkeep should be carried out on pearls. Frequently wipe with a clean soft cloth to remove dust and dirt adhering to the surface of the pearl. When wiping, soft paper or cloth containing silicone oil can be used for wiping. When cleaning with water, acidic or strongly alkaline liquids should not be used, and hot water or boiling water should not be used to prevent the solution from eroding the surface structure and luster of the pearl. Only neutral washing solution should be used for washing, and then thoroughly rinse with clean water.

2. Reproduction of Pearl Light: Some pearl jewelry that has been worn or stored by ancestors for decades or more may turn into a dull yellow color. For pearls that have turned yellow but are still limited to the surface layer, they can be slightly soaked in 1% -5% dilute hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide. After the yellow shell is dissolved, quickly remove the pearl, wash and dry it with clean water, and the pearl can regain its luster. But special attention should be paid to not soaking the pearls in dilute hydrochloric acid for too long to prevent damage. Of course, if the color becomes severe, it will be difficult to reverse. For pearl jewelry that is blackened, dull, and severely stained, it can also be soaked in 10% concentration of salt water, washed with 3% concentration of dilute hydrochloric acid solution, and then rinsed with water to restore its luster.