There are many types and grades of pearls. Most of the pearls shown are cultured pearls. Some of the pearls
are from Japan; other pearls come from other Asian countries. Pearls that have high lustre, no imperfections,
are round and have a soft pinkish glow are more expensive than pearls with a creme or white color. Gold Pearls
with a high lustre are available but not listed in sizes. Inquire for a quote at richardhetzel@dc.rr.com.
"Oriental" pearls are used in antique jewelry. They are usually white, small, round, undrilled or half cut.
Half drilled pearls are used for rings and pendants. 3/4 cut half drilled pearls have been cut at the bottom for a
flat setting. Full drilled pearls are used in strands.
Black pearls are also called peacock color. They are dark, not black; they have an iridescence like many bird
feathers. Blue pearls are usually grey or grey-blue.
Baroque pearls offered are odd shaped. Some look like baseball hats, others are oblong. They areoffered in two
grades and two colors: blue and white. The #2 grade is mottled and has imperfections. The #1 grade is better.
Biwa pearls offered sometimes look like a piece of gum with teeth marks. You will know they are not gum
because they have beautiful white lustre.
Cultured pearls is a product of a seed pearl implanted in an oyster to foster a matured pearl caused by the
irritation. #1 refers to the pinkish glow. #2 refers to the creme color.
Abbreviations: ud: undrilled
1/2 d: one-half drilled
1/2 cut: a round pearl that has been cut in 2 and looks like a cabochon.
fd: full drilled
rd:round
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