FRESHWATER PEARLS
What is Nacre ?
Nacre is the substance from which pearls are
made. Nacre is the smooth surface that gives the
pearl its beauty. When an irritant enters the
mussel or as in the case of cultured pearls is
placed inside the mussel, it responds by coating
the irritant with a secretion - layers of nacre.
The thicker and smoother the nacre the more
valuable the pearl.
Since nacre determines luster, nacre quality is
a critical factor when determining a pearl's value.
Generally speaking, the thicker the nacre, the more
valuable the pearl. Thick nacre not only looks
better than thin but it also is much more
durable.
Nacre Quality Classifications
Nacre quality is usually broken up in three
categories:
A: Acceptable - This pearl isn't chalky. The
nacre is usually uniformly thick enough that you
cannot see the nucleus, the bead placed in the
oyster or mussel to cause it to create nacre. A
slight "blink" or glimpse of the nucleus is
permissible.
B: Nucleus Visible - This pearl shows strong
blinking, a flickering of darker and lighter, when
you rotate it. The flicker of dark is the nucleus,
which can be quite noticeable in thin-nacre
pearls.
C: Chalky Appearance - a dull and whitish pearl.
The thin nacre on these gems never developed that
glow that makes a pearl special.
Nacre Value
Pearls that are chalky, dull or blink aren't as
attractive as those that are gleaming and solid,
but they also won't be as durable. Freshwater
pearls are almost completely made up of nacre and
twill look beautiful and last for many years.
Pearls with thick nacre have more of a chance of
having a high-quality luster. The arrangement and
translucence of each nacre plate determines the
luster.
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