Use this guide to find the pearl that is right for you by educating yourself on the quality and value of the cultured pearls that Chandrani Pearls offers.


What is a Cultured Pearl?

Natural pearls are so rare to find in nature that most pearls sold today are cultured. To create a cultured pearl, a tiny bead is implanted into the oyster and gradually over time the oyster coats the bead in many layers of natural minerals and proteins. These layers are referred to as nacre (Nay-Ker.) It is the nacre that gives pearls their beautiful luster and color.


Choosing the Right Pearl

At Chandrani Pearls we offer a variety of Freshwater cultured pearls. Our pearl jewelry is available in a variety of different styles including studs, fashion earrings, strands, necklaces, pendants, pendant sets and bracelets. In addition, we offer our pearls in varying price ranges so that you can find the perfect pearl for your style and budget.


Quality

While industry wide there is no standardized grading for pearls, Chandrani Pearls ensures that each pearl meets our high quality standards. At Chandrani Pearls you will find education related to each pearl type we offer and encourage you to learn more about the differing qualities in each.


Color

The general color of a pearl is also called the body color. Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. A pearl can also have a hint of secondary color, or overtone, which is seen when light reflects off the pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined more closely, a pink overtone may become apparent.


Luster

Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. When selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so it will also exhibit even more luster. Compare a 5mm Freshwater cultured pearl with a 10mm South Sea cultured pearl and the difference in the amount of nacre is obvious. The difference in luster is as clearly visible as the difference in the pearl sizes.


Shape

At Chandrani Pearls, we offer the highest quality, pearls of different shapes and sizes. While Round is the rarest and most expensive, there are other pearl shapes that can make a design look stunning.


Surface Markings

As a mollusk creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. It is this process of nature that makes pearls special. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls. At Chandrani Pearls, to offer you a range of prices, we offer pearls with a range of surface qualities.


Size

The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls range in size from about 2.0-12.0mm, Akoya pearls range from about 6.0-8.5mm, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes as large as 13mm.


Care

When cared for properly, pearls can last a lifetime. The best way to care for pearls is to wear them often as the body's natural oils keep pearls lustrous. However, it's important to keep them away from household chemicals including perfume, makeup and hairspray. Chemicals found in these common products can dull the luster of your pearls and sometimes also eat into the surface. It is recommended that you put your pearls on last when getting ready and make them the first thing you take off when you come home. Before putting your pearls away, wipe them with a soft cloth and store them separate from other jewelry to avoid scratching their tender surfaces.