June 23, 2009
Mother of pearl
I have recently been asked, “How does mother of pearl relate to actual pearls?” Mother of pearl is also know as nacre, an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is strong, resilient and iridescent. This is called “mother of pearl” because it is literally the “mother” or creator of real pearls. Pearls and the inside layer of pearl oyster shells and freshwater pearl mussel shells are made of nacre. Mother of pearl can be shaped into all sorts of things including flower shaped earrings settings such as these as seen above and more found on the Mai Pearls website.
Posted: June 23, 2009 11:05 AM
June 22, 2009
Imitation Pearls
Another question that I have been asked recently is “Do pearls get made synthetically now?” The answer is yes; synthetic pearls do exist and can be found in many high street shops. However, synthetic pearls are not real pearls and they are usually referred to as “imitation pearls”. These “pearls” are made of crushed shell which is then treated with a resin to stabilize and harden it into a solid mass. This mass can then be shaped, dyed and polished to resemble real pearl. Most synthetics are painted on enamelled glass or something similar. An important fact to note is that all the pearls used within the Mai Pearls designs are all Chinese freshwater pearls and no imitation pearls are used.
Posted: June 22, 2009 02:31 PM
June 19, 2009
What is a black pearl?
A black pearl is literally that, a black coloured pearl. If a pearl is naturally black in colour it is because it is a Tahitian pearl formed in a black-lipped pearl oyster. The colour will range from grey to black with green, blue or rose overtones. Tahitian pearls can be cultured or farmed and range from 10 – 18mm diameter. Natural Tahitian pearls can also be found throughout the Indian Ocean and western to central Pacific. Tahitian pearls are a speciality and therefore prices are a great deal higher than for example Chinese freshwater pearls. At Mai Pearls we have some Chinese freshwater pearls that have been permanently dyed black with green, blue and rose tones. For more information please see the website.
Posted: June 19, 2009 02:59 PM
May 28, 2009
Sterling Silver
All of the clasps that you find on the Mai Pearls pearl bracelets, pearl necklaces and pearl pendants along with the hooks and attachments found on the Mai Pearls pearl earrings are made out of either sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver. The sterling silver used is 925 an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. Silver is a soft metal which is why mixing it with other metals creates a slightly stronger metal that can be used for more functional things such as clasps.
Posted: May 28, 2009 12:34 PM