Frequently Asked Questions

1.       About “Freshwater pearls” 

Chinese Freshwater Pearls are recognized as the most varied and beautifully cultured freshwater pearls in the world. With pristine freshwater lakes and abundant mollusk populations, Chinese harvesters continue to awe the pearl-loving community with gems in every size, shape and color and have been doing so for more than four thousand years!

In contrast to the Akoya pearls and other saltwater pearls, the freshwater pearls are not nucleated with round mother-of-pearl beads, but by inserting a small piece of mantle tissue from one mollusk between the mantle tissue and mother-of-pearl shell lining of the host mollusk. After nucleation, the pearl producing oysters are returned to their freshwater environments and nurtured for up to 6 years before the pearls are harvested.

While saltwater oysters are often nucleated to produce a maximum of two pearls, the freshwater oyster can be nucleated to produce upwards of fifty pearls per oyster. While the freshwater pearl rarely rivals the luster and roundness of the Akoya saltwater pearl, they abound in a beautiful variety of shapes and natural colors including white, pink, lavender and peach. Because of the greater abundance of the freshwater pearls, they offer a beautiful and affordable alternative to more expensive Akoya pearls.

As the Chinese have continued to increase their skill in pearl culturing techniques, the quality of freshwater pearls has increased dramatically, so much so that the top percentages of the pearl farmer’s harvests have begun to rival the quality of many saltwater pearls. Additionally, because of the larger size of the freshwater pearl oyster, it is not uncommon to see freshwater pearls many times larger than their saltwater counterparts (as large as 16mm) at a fraction of the cost.

2.       About “Akoya pearls”

“Akoya” refers to pearls produced by the Japanese Akoya oyster (Pinctada Fucata martensii). Primarily cultivated in the ocean waters off the coasts of Japan and China, Akoya are the most famous of all pearl producing oysters. Akoya yield saltwater pearls that are known for their intense luster, beautiful color, stunning overtones and exquisite roundness. In each quality, the Akoya are superior to freshwater pearls and therefore command much higher market values.

Because of the exquisite roundness and consistent color of the Akoya pearls, they are the most popular type of pearls for matching together to create beautiful necklaces and bracelets. While natural body colors include cream and white, natural overtones include green, yellow and rosé. As pearls with rosé overtones are the most rare, they are considered the most desirable and valuable.

Unlike freshwater pearls, the Akoya pearls are remarkably difficult to culture, which contributes to the powerful allure of this gem as well as its consistently high market value. While freshwater mollusks can be nucleated to harvest upwards of fifty pearls each, the Akoya oyster rarely produces more than two pearls with a higher mortality rate for the oyster itself. Additionally, the Akoya oyster is the smallest of all pearl producing oysters.

3.       About Tahitian Pearls 

The famous Black Tahitian Pearl is produced by the “black-lipped” oyster (pinctada maxima family) along the islands of French Polynesia.

Because of the extremely large size of the black-lipped oyster (up to 1 ft. long), they produce some of the world’s largest pearls in primarily blackish body colors (charcoal/metallic/gray etc.). They are often accentuated with a beautiful array of colorful overtones. The nucleating and culturing of the Tahitian pearl is quite difficult with relatively high mortality rates for the host oyster. For this reason along with the large size and high quality of pearls harvested, Tahitian pearls often command very high market prices.

Black Tahitian pearls are among the most exotic and sought after pearls in all the world. Because this oyster is much larger than either the Akoya bearing or Chinese freshwater pearl oysters, Tahitians are harvested in larger diameter sizes. Typical harvests yield pearls ranging from 8-14mm.

Tahitian pearls have become extraordinarily popular due to the variety of dark body colors such as gray, silver, charcoal etc. as well as rare, naturally occurring vibrant colors. National pearl offers high-quality Tahitian pearls with rarely occurring exotic colors such as copper, pistachio, taupe, peacock, aubergine, steel gray, olive, sea green, black and others. These pearls are artistically arranged to create our “National Treasure Collection” multi-color Tahitian necklaces.

Tahitian pearls are a favorite for use in pearl pendants, a popular choice for women who prefer stylish and exotic pearl designs over more traditional pearl strands.

Pearl farming is the process of nucleating freshwater or saltwater oysters to produce genuine cultured pearls of varying sizes, shapes, colors and qualities. Pearl farming is a business that relies as much on good fortune (luck) as it does on the high skill and dedicated care of each pearl farmer. Since most pearl producing oysters require 2-5 years of tender care and nurture prior to a successful harvest, many man-made and natural forces can destroy an entire harvest. Those dangers include pollution, disease, severe storms and irregular spikes of heat or cold. Given the severe risks associated with this business, what elements are needed to increase the chances of a successful pearl farm?

Proper Water Conditions

Stable water conditions are very important to Akoya and Freshwater pearl culturing. For example, freshwater mollusks thrive best in temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The waters should be calm with proper circulation and should maintain nominal depths (typically 6-8 feet). If the water is too shallow, temperature changes can occur rapidly, resulting in “shock” and high mortality rates among the pearl producing oysters/mollusks. pH is also important to pearl culturing. If the waters are overly acidic, the pearl nacre will erode resulting in smaller pearls. If too alkaline, the pearl nacre will exhibit undesirable “yellowing”. While many freshwater lakes readily meet these conditions, finding appropriate ocean locations (such as protected gulfs) that have not been sullied by man-made pollutants is exceptionally difficult.

Oyster Nursery

Before pearl farming can begin, a farmer first needs thousands of healthy oysters or mollusks. Typically, oysters are either harvested directly from the ocean for this purpose, or in recent years, bred for pearl culturing. Bred oysters/mollusks are typically kept in a “nursery” for up to 2 years until they have reached sufficient maturity for nucleation. During those 2 years, the baby oysters are given exceptional care and proper nutrition in order to ensure a healthy and mature oyster population capable of producing high quality pearls.

Pearl Harvesting

After many years of preparation and constant nurture, it is finally time for the pearl farmer to collect their harvest. The harvesting process is typically carried out in the winter months of October through February. Pearls are collected from the oystsers and mollusks, cleaned and dried. They then go through a rigorous sorting process based on many parameters such as size, color, shape, and surface quality. The pearls are then sold to pearl dealers who distribute them to manufacturers and jewelers around the world.

1.  Choosing Pearl Diameter 

As pearl diameter size is considered one of the primary factors contributing to overall pearl value, slight increases or decreases in pearl diameter often dramatically impact the overall cost of the jewelry piece.

This is particularly true with pearls that are harvested from small mollusks/oysters such as the Akoya pearl, which is harvested from the world’s smallest pearl producing mollusk.

Akoya Pearls: Akoya Saltwater Pearls are most commonly available in sizes from 5.5mm to 7.5mm. Akoya pearls can be as large as 10mm, but sizes that large are very rare and costly.

The most popular size for Akoya Saltwater Pearls is 7.0-7.5mm, which are suitable for dress, casual and business attire. The second most popular size, likely for their affordable price is 6.5-7.0mm. Those with a larger budget and a taste for bigger pearls often chose 7.5-8.0mm and 8.0-8.5mm pearls. We also offer 8.5-9.0mm and 9.0-9.5mm Akoya Pearls for those who really want to make a statement.

Freshwater Pearls: Freshwater pearls are available in a very wide range of sizes, from 2mm \”micro\” pearls to more than 10mm in diameter. The most popular size in our experience has been between 7 and 9mm. Freshwater pearls are also more affordable than any other pearl type because of large supplies. Do not let this form your opinion on their value, however, as Freshwater pearls are very beautiful and in some cases rival Saltwater pearls for luster and overall appearance.

Tahitian & South Sea Pearls: These pearls are famous for their large sizes. They are also very costly due to their rarity and because of the difficult culturing process.

2. Choosing Pearl Color & Overtone

Appreciation for pearl color and overtones, as with beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. While the choice of pearl color should be based purely on the personal taste of the customer, it is helpful to have a general understanding of the elements that constitute pearl color before making a decision to purchase.

In general terms, pearl color refers to the following three elements:

Body Color: The body color is the primary color of the pearl. Depending on the type of pearl (Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian etc.), the body color of pearls could range from white to black with many variations in between.

Overtone Color: Overtones are a subtle, secondary hue that can be seen in the luster of the pearl. They are sort of an accent to the body color of the pearl and, unless very strong, are best seen when the pearls are compared to a solid white background.

The most popular overtone color for Akoya Saltwater pearls is rosé, which complements the widest range of skin tones. Other overtones include ivory, silver, and green on white pearls and emearld, blue and others on black pearls.

Orient: A very rare color component of some types of pearls normally found on baroque or irregular shapped pearl surfaces, orient color will appear as an iridescent or rainbow-like coloring that will reflect upon the surface of the pearl as light shimmers across the surface.

Seed Bead Sizing

Seed beads are sized in aughts, which are different than millimeters. The most popular school of thought of the sizing of seed beads states that the size (6/0) refers to the number of seed beads per inch (6 beads per inch). Another sizing theory is that the size is based on the rod used to make the beads. The larger the number, the smaller the bead (20 is small, 3 is large).




Thread, Cord and Wire.

Silk Bead Cord – is used for beads with smaller holes such as freshwater pearls and beads under 5mm. You can add a designer look by using our Tri-Cord knotter, and placing knots on either side of the pearl. Wide spectrum of colors.

Nylon Bead Cord – is used as an all purpose bead cord. You can use Beeswax to coat the cord to keep it from fraying and tangling when it is repeatedly threaded through metal beads with sharp edges. Wide spectrum of colors.

Using light colors against a dark bead will lighten that bead color… Dark color cord will darken a light bead. Example: White cord with Garnet bead will add to the luminosity of the bead.

Tiger Tail – is a commonly used stringing material, and does not require a needle.

Beadalon – is our favorite stringing material. Unlike Tiger Tail which can sometimes kink, Beadalon wire remains soft and pliable, even when using the smaller beads. Beadalon is a multi-strand braided stainless steel wire with a nylon coating.

C-Thru Translucent Cord – is perfect for stringing Austrian Crystals, or any light colored bead when you don’t want the cord to be visible.

Stretch Magic – is a flexible clear elastic cord. It is often used for slip-on crystal bracelets, and is a beader’s favorite as it only requires a knot to finish.

Memory Wire – is a pre-coiled stainless steel wire that retains it shape. Very popular for wine charm markers and bracelets.

Rattail – is a round, satin-like cord, often used to show off one large pendant or centerpiece as it’s beautiful colors beg to be seen.

Leather Cord – is always a popular stringing material as there is no finishing required. Simply add a pendant or centerpiece, tie a bow and go.

Plating (Standards and Abbreviations)

SC – Silver Color Metal

GC – Gold Color Metal

SP – Silver Plated Finish – over a base metal for a Sterling Silver appearance.

GP – Gold Plated Finish – over a base metal for a 14K Gold appearance.

SS – Sterling Silver – .925 actual silver content.

GF – Gold Filled – a layer of 12K or 14K Gold, milled to a base metal for a long lasting gold appearance.

14K – .585 actual gold content.

18K – .750 actual gold content.


Wire Size and Temper

Wire Gauges – In reference to wire gauge sizes, the larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the wire.

26g – extra fine – for very small and delicate projects
24g – fine – for pearls & most gemstones – easy to work with
22g – medium – fairly universal for glass beads, fits some pearls and gemstones
20g – medium heavy – great for earwires, clasps or larger beads
18g – heavy – often good for chainmaille or when you want a heavier look
16g – heavy – often used as a base to wrap finer wires around
14g – heavy – often used as a base to wrap finer wire around
12g – very heavy – hard to work with, good for rings and buckles

The most commonly used sizes for wire wrapping are 20 to 24g.

Wire Temper – Measures the amount of spring in the wire.

Soft – Has no spring when you bend it. Good for making wire beads.

Half-Hard – Has some spring, but is still malleable. Good for basic wirework. Hold its shape well.

Once your order is shipped out, our system will inform you the tracking No. by email,  so that you can trace your order in our website:

https://pearlsatpearls.cn/track-order/

But kindly please note Shipments via DHL, UPS, FEDEX and EMS can be tracked, while shipment via airfreight, Mail Post, ocean shipping etc cannot be tracked online.

Yes – PearlsATPearls.cn choose products to sell based on their excellent quality and wonderful design. We check all of your orders from raw materials to finished products. 
Every working procedure is monitored by our specialists, so the quality is guaranteed.

We have a QA team, who tests if your ordered products are functioning correctly before they are packed and sent to you. This is in addition to the normal quality assurance checks, which all the goods have passed in the factory line.

Though items have been inspected carefully before being sent out, sometimes mistake might happen due to some staffer’s incaution or transport problem. In this case, please contact us as soon as you receive the goods, we will solve the problem for you at the earliest time.

Here are our complaint policy and return policy for your reference:

Return policy: https://pearlsatpearls.cn/refund_returns

The price on our website is wholesale price already, if your quantity is really large, we will consider according to the size of your order.

We suggest that you place the order directly from our website, so that we can check your order size and status to see if we can offer you discount.

For our discount policy, kindly refer to:https://pearlsatpearls.cn/Discount-Policy

1、 Register or login in PearlsATPearls.cn

2、 Choose and add items to your shopping cart. Make sure the color, size and quantity etc is what you want, send a ticket if you have any doubt of that

3、 In the check out webpage, correct shipping address, most economic shipping method and suitable payment method is necessary. Besides, please add comments if you have special requests on the order.

4、 An order number will be shown automatically once you click the button of Check Out Securely Now

5、 When the payment is confirmed, the order will be started within 2 business days.

6、 All information can be tracked during the production; the parcel will be shipped out quickly once the items are ready.

7、The tracking number will be provided to you for tracking the status of your order.