Natural pearls
Cultured pearls
Since time immemorial and across all cultures, the pearl has always been a symbol of Beauty, Purity and Wealth. Pearls come from the ocean.
Delicate and discreet, they do not shine, but they glow, giving lustre to the skin. 2 terms are particularly important when speaking of pearls :
Orient : The more layers the pearl has, the greater its orient. By orient, we mean the breakdown of light in the internal layers of the pearly substance giving the pearl its translucence. It's the light that comes from inside the pearl.
Lustre: the brilliant appearance of the surface due to the reflection of light on the pearl. Lustre is not linked to the number of layers of pearly substance.
Dark colours hold the light inside and don't have orient. Fine Tahiti pearls may have surface lustre.
The colour of pearls depends on :
• The species of mollusc which varies according to the geographical location. There are molluscs with pink, black or gold lips.
• The organic pigment of the plankton they eat, which colours the conchyolin.
- Melanin produces black pearls
- Carotene produces salmon pink, orange and gold
- Porphyrin produces aubergine pearls
- Siderite produces chocolate brown pearls.
• The environment :
- The temperature of the water influences the appearance of the pearl. In cold water, pearls are more brilliant and in warm water, they are more satin.
- The degree of salinity of the water : very salty water gives cream-coloured pearls. If azurite is present, pearls will have a bluish tint.
