The color of sea and river pearls. What are river pearls - properties of the mineral, differences from sea pearls

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Pearls are truly feminine jewelry. He attaches appearance sophistication and sophistication, therefore appreciated for many years. Excellent jewelry is obtained from this stone, such as earrings, bracelets, beads, sometimes pearls are set into rings. A set of pearls looks very beautiful, it can be worn even at social events. But how to choose and how river pearls differ from sea pearls can be difficult to understand.

river pearl

pearl mining

Pearl is a natural stone, it is obtained as a result of the activity of living beings. The hunt for pearls began a long time ago. Even during the first discoveries of stones in mollusks, their beauty was appreciated, so the stone was even used as money for goods. Hunters mined it in huge quantities, so over time, pearls became less and less until the moment when hunting was recognized as poaching and was banned at the state level. If you believe the statistics, then to discover 3-4 pearls, it was necessary to open up to a ton of mollusks. Accordingly, the cost of the stone was enormous.

Many pearl mollusks are found in China, as well as in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf. Although today the methods of pearl mining have changed. Now the stone is cultivated. This is not easy to do, but the process of obtaining a stone is faster than in natural conditions.

The bottom line is that today there are special "farms" where pearls are cultivated. Such establishments are especially popular in China, where colonies were set up on the site of former rice plantations. It was there that a good microclimate developed in order to eventually get freshwater pearls. Such stones cannot be called artificial or fake. Of course, their cost is cheaper, but the composition practically does not differ from natural pearls. The only difference is that the cultivation process takes place under human control.

River and sea varieties

A pearl is obtained when a foreign substance enters the mollusk. Over time, a mother-of-pearl shell is formed around it, which is the goal of the process. For a mollusk, a pearl is nothing more than a natural defense against a grain of sand, since the capsule neutralizes it. But for us it is a treasure. So, you can grow:

• Sea pearl. It can also be grown in shellfish colonies by the sea. There are varieties such as: Tahiti pearls, South Seas, Akoya. All of them differ in shade and size. At the same time, the process is more difficult, since a storm may occur at sea or the current will change to cold, which will also affect the mollusk.
• River pearl. The technology of growing such stones can be different. If we talk about a more natural way, then farmers plant a grain of sand or several grains of sand inside the mollusk. The technology is called nuclear-free. The process lasts from three to eight years, and at the end, up to ten pearls of various sizes can be found in one mollusk. But sea pearls are always found singly, even if they are cultivated and several grains of sand are planted. At the same time, the farmer monitors the composition and acidity of fresh water, and also mixes the mollusks from time to time, since the pearl can grow unevenly. The sizes of freshwater pearls range from 4 to 6 millimeters, although stones with a diameter of up to 8 millimeters come across.

For river pearls, the mollusk Hyriopsis schlegeli is used. The color of the stone as a result is cream to lilac and brownish. And the shape can be either round or egg-shaped or teardrop-shaped.

And then there is the technique of making mabe pearls, it also takes place with the participation of mollusks and river water. Such freshwater pearls cannot be called natural, since in the process a plastic core is placed in the mollusk, which over time acquires a layer of mother-of-pearl. After that, the core is drilled out, and the void is filled with epoxy. But such a core is ideally overgrown, and the pearls turn out to be even, “one to one”.

prey naturally today no one conducts at the industrial level, because the profitability of this business is unknown. It is much easier to grow a colony of shellfish and know that there are freshwater pearls in it.

Bracelet made of river pearls

Differences between types of stone

Since the difference in price between the varieties of pearls is noticeable, it is worth asking the seller about the documents for the product, which confirm the origin of the stone. You can also try to distinguish the two varieties right in the store. This is easy to do if you know the following rules:

• Freshwater pearls rarely have a regular round shape. Most likely, it has oblong or irregular contours. But there is no perfect circle. But sea pearls always have an even shape. What it depends on is not exactly known, perhaps the pH of the water or the action of the tides - the farmers do not know.
• The cost of a product made of sea pearls is always higher than that of a river stone. This is due to the complexity and painstaking process, as well as the number of pearls mined.
• The gloss is also different in these two specimens. Thus, river pearls have a matte hue, while saltwater pearls are more shiny and mother-of-pearl. This should be remembered when choosing a product, although you need to navigate by taste.
• If the product is more than one year old, then the pearls obtained by the river method retain their appearance longer, but the shiny layer of the sea stone can wear off over time, this is especially noticeable at the joints between the pearls. But this does not mean that the product is a fake.

Natural pearls are much more expensive than Mabe pearls or other fakes. The price also depends on the number of pearls, their color, size and class. Average, freshwater pearl necklace good quality can be purchased for $50. This is a good price for the average buyer. Prices for sea pearls are 5 times higher than for river stone, the cost of one copy can reach $400.

Pearl earrings beckoned with mother-of-pearl shine? It seems that the shape of the beads is correct, and they sparkle as they should. And the seller nods contentedly: “It suits you very much!”. But what if they sell an imitation under the guise of the original? Or is a river copy given out as a sea one? We reveal the secrets that will save you from ill-conceived investments: we understand how freshwater pearls differ from sea ones.

The name depends on the water in which the mother-of-pearl bead grows: it is river (freshwater) or sea.

Wild pearls, like many centuries ago, are mined at the bottom of salt and fresh water bodies. Now this method is considered expensive.

In order to reduce costs, humanity decided to artificially cultivate the mineral, inspired by nature: therefore, the methods for producing river and sea pearls are almost the same.

Mystery of birth: in the sea and in the river

In the natural environment, a pearl is born by chance:

1. The smallest foreign object gets into the sink: for example, a grain of sand.
2. Protecting its inner space, the mollusk coats this object with mother-of-pearl layer by layer.
3. The more time passes, the more layers are formed and the more valuable the bead.

Hunting for such treasures is a long, costly and very painstaking business. Therefore, a wild natural mineral is a rarity and an object of desire for investors.

Cultivated specimens are grown on special farms:

1. Foreign particles are intentionally placed in a suitable sink.
2. Further, the maturation ritual is no different from the natural one.
3. After about one and a half to two years, the beads are “ready to use”.

It is believed: the more time the pearl spent in the shell, the thicker and better its covers. Therefore, sometimes the mineral remains “in the house” for up to four to six years.

Nautical

Natural natural sea pearls are created by oysters who have chosen the salty waters of the oceans. The main deposits are in Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, Tahiti and other countries.

One of the most popular is the "" variety. Grown in Japan, China and Vietnam. Recognized for its high quality, dazzling brilliance and almost perfect round shape.

River

As for river pearls and how they look, such minerals with their marine “colleagues” are practically twins. However, mussels, which have chosen rivers and lakes, are involved in the creation of freshwater mother-of-pearl beads. Up to 16 river pearls can be found in one shell.

Nuclear and non-nuclear technology: what is the difference

Cultured specimens are grown using two main technologies.

• Nuclear technology is considered optimal for obtaining marine grade. A seed core is placed in the shell, which turns into a mineral.
• River (freshwater) pearls are grown in a nuclear-free way. With this technology, a mini seed core is used: usually it is a piece of mother-of-pearl from the shell itself. With a microscopic core, the pearl needs more time to mature to the right sizes than growing by the nuclear method.

PROPERTIES OF RIVER PEARL

There are several secrets that will tell you how to distinguish sea pearls from river ones.

The form

Sea and freshwater pearls have a different appearance.

Popular processing:

Baroque, or baroque form:

Sea pearls are often close in shape to a perfect circle, and their river "colleagues" are usually oval and elongated. In addition, oceanic ones look more accurate. River beads, rather, - style.

Shine

• The second difference is the degree of gloss. River pearls, produced in fresh water by molluscs such as mussels, are dimmer than their marine relatives.
• If you compare pearls in daylight, the radiance of oceanic mother-of-pearl will immediately catch your eye. The river bead will look much more modest: almost matte.

Color and shade

In terms of such parameters as a palette of colors and shades, river pearls are still inferior to their counterparts.

• The main color of the freshwater bead is milky. You can find pearls of gray, beige, brownish and even greenish shades. The probability of finding black or pink freshwater pearls is zero. Such colors are only found in a mineral from salt waters.
• If you like earrings or a ring with pink mother-of-pearl, and even a regular round shape, this is definitely sea pearls.

Nacre

According to this criterion, in a dispute which pearls are better - sea and river, the advantage is on the side of the latter.

• The “enamel” layer on river pearls is usually thicker. Therefore, they retain their shine for many years.
• Beads from the salty ocean floor will fade faster - as soon as the mother-of-pearl is erased from them. The thickness of such “enamel” on sea pearls is from 0.5 to 6 mm.

Shelf life

Pearls are a living mineral. Like all living things, it has its own “shelf life”. It is strongly influenced by the conditions in which mother-of-pearl beads are stored and how they are used.

1. The main causes of aging of sea and river pearls are damage and drying of pearls. The main component of the mineral is water, and it tends to evaporate.
2. If you want to prolong the life of your favorite jewelry, it is better to store them in the right conditions. Ideally, keep a separate box for pearls in a humid place, protected from sunlight.
3. Tarnished jewelry will be grateful if you wash it in soapy water.

To “revive” the color, in no case do not use toothpaste, alcohol or acids. Harsh agents destroy the pearlescent layer, which cannot be restored.

The size

So which pearl is better to choose - sea or river? Here it is better to focus on personal preferences.

Fans of jewelry more massive more suitable ocean design.

The freshwater counterpart of the mineral is usually more modest in size. One of the explanations is the nuclear-free production technology.

Pearls are divided into:

1. Large, varietal. The diameter of such a “stone” can reach 10 mm.
2. Beads are also popular in jewelry. Such beads - no more than 3-5 mm in diameter - look good in discreet, classic jewelry.
3. Dust is pearls up to 3 mm in diameter. It can rarely be found in jewelry, but it is loved by designers who embroider haute couture outfits with mother-of-pearl dust.

SIZE MATTERS

The price of varietal pearls is always higher, and the love of jewelers is stronger.

Price

Sea pearls usually cost more than their river counterpart. Ocean rocks are larger, with regular roundness and a bright sheen.

Cost is affected by:

• bead size,
• pearl quality,
• the metal from which the jewelry is made.

So, silver earrings with freshwater pearls can be found in Moscow for one and a half - two thousand rubles. In gold, the price starts from five thousand. A pearl thread that will decorate the neck and make any look elegant and concise will cost two or more thousand rubles.

Any fashionista can afford pearl jewelry: their prices are quite affordable. The final price tag depends on the size, shape and quality of the “stones”.

WHAT DEPENDS ON PEARL YIELD

Another difference between river pearls and sea pearls is “yield”.

In an oyster at the bottom of the sea, as a rule, only one pearl ripens. Whereas in shells from fresh water you can find ten mother-of-pearl beads.

The cost of cultivating ocean pearls is higher - and so is its price.

Summarize

When choosing a pearl jewelry, it is worth considering: if there is a small matte stone of imperfect roundness on the window, it is a river mineral. Marine will shine and surprise with unusual shades - from pink to black and blue.

The price of salt water mother-of-pearl is higher than that of fresh water. Color, shine, size, shape - you have to pay for everything. But river pearls have a thicker layer of “enamel”, which means that the stone retains its natural properties longer. A more affordable cost is another plus for freshwater specimens.

With this knowledge, you can make a choice without spending extra money.

Exquisite pearl products have long adorned the female body, endowing the owner with a mysterious charm and emphasizing the sophistication of the image. In the countries of the East, precious stones are a measure of the social status of a person, telling about the spiritual values ​​and worldview of the owner of the mineral. Only strong-willed people can cope with the inexplicable magical properties of pearls, so not all female representatives are suitable for an energetically powerful stone as a wearable accessory.

Pearls appear as a result of a foreign body entering the shell of a mollusk, which, over time, “acquires” mother-of-pearl, acquiring rounded outlines. Organic minerals bring the owner longevity, well-being and beauty, have a healing effect on the body. The stones stabilize the work of the intestines, improve the state of the nervous system, react to changes in the acid balance, revealing the formation of tumors no worse than medical equipment. Pearl jewelry tarnishes in a short period of time if a person develops cancer.

The queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, drank a cup of pomegranate juice daily with the addition of crumbs of sea pearls.

According to historians, such an "elixir" helped the ruler to maintain natural beauty and youth for a long time.

Actual ways to distinguish real pearls from artificial minerals

The level of demand for pearls determined the appearance in stores of artificial fakes that mimic the structural features of an organic mineral.

Silver brooch with pearls and cubic zirkonia, SL; silver brooch with pearls, SL; (price link)

Reliable ways to know the difference between a gemstone and a cultured pearl:

Lack of thermal conductivity properties, because pearls are a cold stone.
The rough coating of the mineral differs from the smooth surface of fake jewelry.
If you rub the “peas” of pearls together, then a crumb or dust is formed, which is not characteristic of artificial materials.
Natural products are heavier than hollow fakes.
Round-shaped pearl stones bounce when they fall on the floor, and synthetic "peas" are devoid of such properties.

Natural pearls differ in their place of origin, because they can be mined both from the shells of sea mollusks and freshwater ones. Such products have different prices, so when choosing stones, pay attention to the structural features of the mineral.

The process of formation of stones inside the shells is the same for both natural minerals and cultivated ones.

However, the influence of sea water, which contains much more organic matter, changes the visual characteristics of pearls, determining the value. jewelry».

The main differences between sea pearls and river mineral

Sea pearls differ from freshwater stone in cost, therefore, when purchasing expensive jewelry, you need to be sure of the origin of the mineral. In the 21st century, several proven methods are known to visually determine the habitat of the shells from which mother-of-pearl was mined.

Silver ring with pearls and cubic zirkonia, SL; (price link)

Visual characteristics of stones will help the buyer to distinguish sea pearls from river mineral:

Shine. Mother-of-pearl formed in the shells of sea mollusks shimmers in the light, and river minerals often have a matte surface.
Colour. Shades of sea pearls, unlike river stones, are saturated and monophonic.
Surface. The coating of products formed in salt water is much smoother, and the shape is rounder than the texture of "peas" from fresh water.
Time. River stones retain their original appearance for many years, and wear and roughness are noticeable on products made from sea minerals.

You can determine sea pearls or river pearls by visually examining the stone. The main thing is to remember the above rules that help you make a choice in favor of the option you need. In the photo, it is impossible to distinguish an organic mineral by origin, because illustrations are often processed using special programs on a computer. You need to choose pearl jewelry only in jewelry stores, where, in the presence of a sales assistant, you have the opportunity to look at the product, touch the stone, paying attention to the texture of mother-of-pearl.

When buying bracelets, necklaces and pendants, consisting of pearl "peas", consider the degree of coincidence of the stones.

Marine mother-of-pearl jewelry is more expensive due to the similarity of rounded pearls, unlike river minerals.

Acquisition precious stones- tangible financial investment, so be sure to check the authenticity of the organic mineral before buying. Knowing how to determine the origin of the stone presented in the store, you can be sure of the quality of the jewelry.

The sophistication of pearl products since ancient times amazes and captivates the views of men and women. The mysterious birth of pearls has made the jewel one of the most mysterious. The magical properties of pearls are far from being subject to all the fair sex, because only a strong, self-confident girl can cope with it.

A pearl is born in a very unusual way - in a clam shell. Getting into the shell, the foreign body is simply overgrown with mother-of-pearl, becoming a real pearl. However, not many people know that not only sea mollusks can create pearls, but also river ones. River pearls or freshwater pearls are very different from sea pearls and the difference is not only in price:

• A pearl born in the sea shines much brighter due to the presence of a high salt content in the water.

• The color of a freshwater pearl will be less pronounced, while a sea pearl will be white as snow.
• The shape of a sea pearl is always extremely round, while a river pearl can be oval and extremely uneven.

Of course, freshwater pearls are not as attractive as sea pearls, but they still have their own value and beauty, unlike cheap fake jewelry. How to distinguish cultured pearls from cultured pearls?

How to distinguish fake pearls?

There are many different methods for detecting a fake. By resorting to elementary tests, you can distinguish a fake from a jewel.

• Often, it is recommended to try the pearl “on the tooth”. A real gem will creak in your mouth.

• Having rubbed natural pearls, dust forms between each other, fake pearls will damage each other.

• Trying on this product, you will feel a slight coolness even on the hottest and most stuffy day. A fake decoration will not show itself in any way and will rather be at room temperature.

• Of course, an x-ray will help to accurately determine the naturalness of a pearl jewelry, which will see the contents of the pearl.

• Cultured real pearls, unlike a fake, cannot have a perfectly even and smooth surface, on the contrary, each pearl is unique, has roughness, abrasions, jagged edges and individual shine.

• Natural cultured pearls glow green under ultraviolet light. Artificial does not glow at all.

• You can distinguish black pearls from fakes in the following ways. Also pay attention to the edges of the drilled hole in the bead, a smooth and even edge is a sign of a fake.

You can buy products with real pearls by visiting the online store of natural precious and ornamental stones in St. Petersburg. Here you will find a wide selection of jewelry inlaid with precious gems and minerals, learn how to distinguish natural pearls from artificial ones (photo), how to choose a talisman stone and choose an amulet that attracts money.!

And where is it mined? It is definitely not a mineral and not a natural stone. These are deposits inside a sea oyster or in river shells covered with mother-of-pearl. There are river pearls and sea pearls.

How to distinguish river pearls from sea pearls, how much do natural pearl jewelry cost, does it have magical properties and who suits? You will learn about all this from the article.

What is natural pearl and how it happens

Let's start with the fact that natural pearls cannot be completely identical. Firstly, these are beads of different colors, ranging from white mother-of-pearl to black and even pink. Secondly, the size and shape are different.

How to check naturalness? Pay attention to the quality of the surface. If these are natural pearls, then they necessarily have a rough surface, are quite heavy and cool.

Which pearls are valued more - river and sea, are there any differences or are they contrived? From the name it becomes clear that sea pearls are formed in the sea, in salt water. River - in mollusks from freshwater.

Unlike sea beads, river beads are more affordable. The reason is simple. The process of cultivating beads in freshwater rivers takes less time. In the mantle of mollusks, 12-20 beads are grown at once, while no more than two or three foreign bodies can be introduced into the sea oyster.

How much does a natural pearl cost on average? It all depends on the shape, size, method of cultivation. The price can be from several hundred dollars to several tens of thousands.

Production in Russia yesterday and today

Once upon a time, Russian pearls managed to become famous all over the world. There was so much of it that it was enough for everyone, including for export. Delicate natural beads were used to decorate royal clothes and the crown, icons and kokoshniks; wedding dresses of noble ladies could not do without them.

Freshwater pearls black, silver, white and even with a greenish tinge were actively used in Russia to create designer jewelry. At the time they were:

• earrings;
• rings;
• necklace;
• bracelets;
• beads;
• brooches, etc.

The most valuable was the material extracted from the Karelian rivers. Pearls from this area had a unique bluish and silvery glow. It is noteworthy that a lady with any income level could afford a bracelet or pendant with natural pearls. Jewelry was equally highly valued by both queens and simple fisher girls, each of which had several threads.

The uniqueness of products in Russia in the 19th century is mentioned in the description of a visit to the Nizhny Novgorod province of a German researcher. He wrote about how much he was struck by the beauty of whitish or yellow jewelry, delicate blue and even black in Russian women. The higher the position of the lady, the more products she wore. This made an indelible impression on the foreigner.

In those days, the mother of Russian pearls was the freshwater pearl oyster Margaritifera margaritifera. Dozens of provinces hunted on the pearl-bearing rivers. These are the Arkhangelsk, Siberian, Yaroslavl, St. Petersburg, etc. The extraction of mollusks was especially active in Karelia and on the Kola Peninsula.

Not so often, but met Margaritifera margaritifera in the Moscow region. In what rivers were shellfish harvested? There was a pearl oyster in the basin of the Dnieper, Amur and tributaries of the Volga. In total, there were up to 150 pearl-bearing rivers in the country, half of them were used for fishing on a large scale. A third of the production accounted for at that time in the provinces in the northern part of the country.

Today in Russia they do not find out which pearls are better in the country, they are mined mainly on an experimental basis on the territory of Karelia. Every year, the state treasury is replenished with hundreds of pearls of the highest quality.

How are pearls mined today? More than 25 years ago, delicate methods of influencing mollusks with partial opening of the valves began to be used, allowing them to remain alive. Near the Northern capital, there is a reserve for the protection of salmon and mollusk fish. In 2006, research was carried out on its territory for the presence of margaritan. Several populations of no more than a few dozen adults were found.

Are there pearl oysters today in the previously “prolific” Novgorod region? So far, mollusks have been found in only one river, and the number of individuals is not more than a thousand, all of them are on the verge of extinction due to replacement with less environmentally demanding pearls.

So what is the difference between past centuries and modern times, why did the country run out of pearls? It's all about the salmon. There is too much demand for them. Pearl oysters can only exist in those rivers where salmon live. After all, larvae develop on their gills.

Is there a possibility of a revival of the fishery for production at the previous level?

Work is underway to revive it. To do this, they establish the process of reproduction of salmon, the protection of freshwater rivers, suitable for the life and development of pearl mussels.

What is the difference between river pearls and sea pearls

Returning to the topic of differences, including the photo between sea and river pearls, we will define the main points:

1. Shine. Sea pearls shine brighter in daylight, while river bead looks dull and almost matte in comparison.
2. The form. For river pearls, as well as for natural stone, by the way, irregular shape. Marine beads also rarely have ideal parameters, but still, they look more accurate. In addition, river beads are more often in the form of an oval, while sea beads are mostly round.
3. Price. Important difference. Sea pearls are always more expensive than river pearls. Why? This was mentioned above.
4. Nacre. Another significant indicator. Sea beads have a thinner coating, on average from 0.5 to 6 mm. This explains the wear and tear that occurs over time. Freshwater pearls are almost entirely mother-of-pearl and therefore last longer with minimal maintenance.

It is possible to distinguish between river and sea pearls by size analysis. Freshwater specimens are usually smaller than marine specimens. Previously, cultured freshwater pearls were grown for several years, which negatively affected the quality of the coating, the shape, of course, and the size. Not so long ago, the growing period was extended to 6 years, which made it possible to correct the situation and achieve almost complete identity of pearls with sea pearls in shape and size.

The magical properties of freshwater pearls

The magic of natural river pearls has been believed since the first acquaintance with it. It was believed that mother-of-pearl products would help to live happily ever after, reward the owner with strength of mind and body.

Psychics confirm the powerful energy of pearls, arguing that people of any age can wear jewelry with it with the same benefit for themselves.

Many believe in the properties of freshwater pearls to attract love, sincerely convinced that products with mother-of-pearl beads will help you meet your soulmate and live happily ever after for many years.

There are some signs in relation to freshwater pearls. It is believed that people with a nomadic lifestyle, as well as families with small children, should not have them.

Who suits pearl jewelry

So, who can wear freshwater pearls? Astrologers recommend wearing jewelry to representatives of the water signs of the zodiac. That is, the most harmonious beads will feel in life:

• Rakov;
• scorpions;
• Aquarius.

Other signs (do not forget that the beads are more for the female half of humanity) can also wear pearls, but without much hope for an energy relationship.

The exception is black river pearls. He is advised to wear strong signs to Leo and Aries for peace of mind and peace.

How to clean pearls at home and how to store them

Natural freshwater pearls are stronger than sea pearls, but they are not a stone, they are vulnerable and subject to degradation over time. To extend the life of mother-of-pearl beads, you need to follow simple rules operation, provide delicate and regular care.

For example, to maintain the luster of a pearl, you need to clean it from time to time. In no case should this be done with cleaning products or vinegar. The latter will corrode the layers of mother-of-pearl, becoming a sure death for jewelry (with its help, some check whether real pearls or not).

Clean with warm soapy water and soft cloth. Before being stored in a box (protected separately), the pearls are allowed to dry and carefully rubbed.

How to care for pearls

How to care for pearls folk recipes? Potato starch or a teaspoon of salt diluted in a glass of water will help. They replace the soap solution.

A separate box for storing pearl jewelry is not enough. For a complete set, take care of the accompanying protective fabrics. It can be:

• silk;
• atlas.

It is important that the materials are not only natural, but also unpainted. Is heat dangerous for pearls? It happens, therefore, take care of the beads from drying out in the summer, store them next to a glass of water. And yet, if you do not want to shorten the life of a pearl jewelry, never store it hanging without a case or box.

You have learned what river pearls look like and how they differ from sea pearls, now you will definitely not make a mistake when buying products. Share the article with your friends! See you soon!

Team LyubiKamni