cultured pearls. Some of the pearls are from Japan; other pearls come from
various Asian countries. Pearls with high lustre, no imperfections, round and
a pinkish glow are more expensive than pearls with a creme or white color.
Pearls with a high lustre and gold are available but not listed in sizes. Inquire
for a quote.
"Oriental" pearls are used in antique jewelry. They are usually white, small,
round, strung 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 offered 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 had a seed pearl implanted in an oyster for 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