Natural
pearls are both rare and expensive. This has encouraged merchants to find
ways to manufacture a man-made pearl.
Shell pearls are available in a range of sizes and colors to match your
wardrobe. Shell pearl sets can be matched closely in size to create an
elegant effect. And they are affordable, particularly in larger sizes.
Man-made pearls start with a bead of some sort. Glass, enamel, ceramic,
or plastic can be used. Beads are cut from natural sea
shells, too. The bead is dipped repeatedly into a solution that contains
iridescent mother of pearl powder, coloring agents and binders. Once dry,
the shell pearls are strung as sets.
A Mother of pearl is the iridescent lining of the shell of a mollusk. It is made of nacre. While a pearl and a mother-of-pearl are both made of nacre, they are not the same. Mother of Pearl is also known as "liquefied" pearl or "milk of pearl." It was especially popular in northern Europe.
It takes
a trained eye to distinguish a well-made faux pearl from a natural one.
Experts often can't tell until they examine the pearl up
close. Here are two ways to tell a natural pearl from a man-made alternative.
First, a natural pearl often produces a gritty feeling when you rub it
on your teeth.
Second, a natural pearl will produce bubbles if you immerse it in vinegar.
Don't leave the pearl in vinegar too long! It will dissolve.
To view an enlarged version of my designs below, simply click on the thumbnail images.
