Educational Flash Cards

Transcription

1 What is Body Color in a Pearl? What is w long does it take to culture a pearl? What are the natural co d Pearl? What is Blinking? What is the most important rule for ca w do natural and cultured pearls differ? What is Nacre? Who was Kokichi Mikim eveloped the procedure know as Grafting? What is Iridescence colors of Akoya Pearls? Are Chocolate pearls real? pearl? What is a Keshi Pearl? What is a 3.5 momme gradua What does momme mean? What is a Coin Pearl? What a does the term Orient mean? Why are Sout w large can a freshwater pearl grow? When did the first whole ultured pearl appear on the market? Is a Cultured Pe are the three components of Pearl co What are s a bigger pearl always more expensive? atural or cultured? Is a Cultured Pearl a real pearl? ea pearls so expensive? e Chinese freshwater pearls inferior to other pearls? main categories of shape? How is size measure What is Ga so round? How can I tell if a pearl is natural or culture What is Luster? What does shape mean? Do cultured pearls have a What factors determine a pearls w pan? does Hanadama mean? How have freshwater Pearls beco pearls start with hatchery grown mollusks? Are freshwater pea fore grafting? What does the term to gra What does a clean surface mean? What is a Circled Pearl?

2 Educational Flash Cards Who we are: The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1957, comprised of the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers and suppliers of Cultured Pearls in the United States. Our intention is to cultivate awareness, interest, demand and successful marketability of Cultured Pearls for the retail community & consumer. Through promotion, education, public relations and unwavering commitment we aim to inspire an authentic passion for all Cultured Pearl varieties PEARL

3 What is Body Color in a Pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

4 The hue, tone and saturation of a pearl s color caused by pigmentation, not light interference.

5 What? is Iridescence Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

6 Play of color on or just under the surface of the pearl often seen as one or more overtones. It is caused by light interference.

7 What does term the Orient mean? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

8 Play of light on or just under the surface of a pearl; a stronger form of iridescence caused by light interference that appears more rainbow-like. Orient usually displays multiple colors as the eye and the pearl move relative to each other.

9 When did the first whole round cultured pearl appear on the market? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

10 In 1916, Mikimoto started mass production of beaded, cultured pearls.

11 What are the natural colors of Akoya Pearls? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

12 They are white, rose, cream, yellow and blue to gray. Overtones include rose, silver, blue, green and combinations of each. (Pink shades are called rose as a body color & rosé as an overtone.)

13 What are the natural colors of Freshwater Pearls? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

14 It is a wide range that encompasses most pastels including white to silver-white, many shades and saturations of pink, purple, orange and gold. The most common colors are white, pink-orange and purple.

15 What is Blinking? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

16 It is an optical phenomenon that one can see when rolling a strand of pearls on a white paper or spinning it over a light. It happens because light reflects from the shell bead nucleus under the nacre layers of cultured pearls. It can be indicative of thin nacre and is always proof of a beaded cultured pearl, typically Akoya.

17 What? is a Coin Pearl Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

18 It is a freshwater pearl produced by grafting a mussel with a bead in the shape of a coin. They are used in place of round bead implants to create new shapes and variety to the cultured pearl category. This technique is used in freshwater pearl culture.

19 a What is Keshi pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

20 Keshi is a term derived from the Japanese word for poppy seed. This was traditionally used to describe small seedsize pearls found as by-products of the culturing process in saltwater pearls. Today it designates a non-beaded cultured pearl formed accidentally or intentionally by human intervention in both saltwater and freshwater oysters and mollusks.

21 How do natural &cultured pearls differ? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

22 Natural pearls occur without any intervention by humans and are found in fresh and saltwater. They tend to form more organic shapes and unusual shapes. Less than 2% are perfect spheres or symmetrical. Cultured pearls are the result of humans inserting seeds (called nuclei or a nucleus for singular) inside a mollusk. They grow in saltwater or freshwater farms. Generally, cultured pearls are more uniformly colored and shaped if they are cultivated with the round bead of nucleus and tissue graft technique which is used by the saltwater pearl farms around the world. The tissue graft only technique which is used in the freshwaters of China typically produces more baroque shapes.

23 What is the most important rule for caring for pearls? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

24 Last on - first off put your pearls ON LAST, after you have applied all sprays, make-up, & perfumes. FIRST OFF- remove pearls before pulling clothing over your head or washing your face.

25 How long does it take culture a pearl to? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

26 This varies for species of mollusk and general farm practices: On average, Akoyas from 6 months to 2 years, Tahitian 11/2 years to 2 years, South Sea approximately 2 years and freshwaters from 1 to 6 years.

27 What 3.5 is a momme graduate necklace? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

28 It is a strand of Akoya pearls that weight approximately 3.5 momme and is graduated from 3mm at the end to 7mm in the center. This became the iconic pearl necklace many American women received as gifts after the war.

29 How large can a freshwater pearl grow? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

30 The largest round is nearly 22mm and is on display in the Pure Pearl showroom in Shanxiahu. Some beaded pearls have been reported to be larger but perhaps are not perfectly round, rather baroque in shape. The very unusual baroque shapes are elongated and can be over 35mm in length. From 1mm to 14mm are the typical sizes.

31 What components are the three of pearl color? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

32 Pearl color is a combination of body color, overtone and orient. Body color is the overall color of the pearl. Overtone refers to one or more noticeable translucent colors that overlies the body color. Orient is a form of iridescence that appears to be just below the surface. Not all pearls display all three characteristics.

33 How size is measured? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

34 Size is measured in millimeters. Round shapes are measured by diameter; other shapes are measured by length and width and depth. Natural pearls are measured in millimeters and carat weight. Historically, they were measured in grains. Some dealers still measure in grains. One carat is equal to 4 grains.

35 What are the main categories of shape? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

36 Shapes are first classified either as symmetrical or baroque. For saltwater, symmetrical includes: Round, Semi Round or Off Round, Oval, Drop or Pear or Teardrop, and Button. For saltwater, baroque includes: Semi Baroque, Baroque and Circled. The terms semi-baroque and baroque are used to describe saltwater round bead nucleated cultured pearls which are not round and have varying degrees of out-of-roundness. For freshwater, symmetrical includes: Round, Semi Round or Off -Round or Near-Round, Oval, Drop or Pear or Teardrop, Button, Coin and Bar or rectangle. For freshwater, baroque includes: Barrel, Chunky, Petal, Rice, Pillow, Comet, and many more descriptive shapes. The term baroque, for freshwater, generally describes all non-symmetrical shapes or those unusual shapes without specific descriptions.

37 What factors a determine pearl s value? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

38 The value factors include luster, size, shape, color, nacre thickness and surface quality (clarity of surface). Luster, the reflection that makes a pearl beautiful, is the most important single factor. The next important factor is size. All other factors being equal, the larger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Size and value are relative to each particular mollusk species. A 10mm Akoya is rare and very expensive, while a 10mm South Sea is considered small. Generally the rounder the pearl, the more expensive it is, as a perfect round shape is difficult to achieve. Color can be a personal preference, however, within each color category is a range of colors and within that range there s usually at least one that stands out from the rest as the more valuable. The most valuable colors vary according to the type of pearl. A pearl free from blemishes (scratches, cracks, bumps, ripples or dimples or pits) is more valuable. Some consider surface blemishes as natural characteristics. An abundance of surface blemishes reduces value. In pearl strands, the quality of the matching in size, shape, and color also affects value.

39 Is a bigger pearl expensive always more? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

40 Yes, but only if all other factors are equal: Lustre, Shape, Surface, Color and in the case of beaded cultured pearls, nacre thickness.

41 Is a Cultured Pearl a real pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

42 According to the FTC, there are three classifications of pearls; Natural (real), cultured and imitation. A real pearl is a natural pearl according to FTC s guidelines. Generally, when the question is asked whether a pearl is real or not, they are asking if it is fake or imitation. A cultured pearl is valuable and real. It is not an imitation pearl or a fake pearl.

43 Why are South Sea pearls so expensive? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

44 The larger-than-average size of cultured South Sea pearls is a major factor. Another is the tight price and production controls set in place by the largest South Sea producers.

45 Are Chinese freshwater pearls inferior to other pearls? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

46 The word inferior is misleading. There are many fine quality freshwater cultured pearls, some of which are used to create the beautiful multi-color strands sitting side-by-side with the finest Tahitian and South Sea cultured pearls. Overall, freshwater cultured pearls are less valuable than other varieties of cultured pearls. This is not strictly due to aesthetic considerations, but is in large part due to prolific production and very low cost of labor in China. They do not have a high proportion of symmetrical or spherical shapes as saltwater cultured pearls, because most are composed completely or almost completely of nacre. Saltwater cultured pearls are seeded with a round bead insuring their round shape. This technique is being used in China and soon we will see more round freshwater bead cultured pearls.

47 How can I tell if a pearl is natural or cultured? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

48 Unless you find it yourself or it comes with a lab report with certification, assume it is cultured. If there is a question of provenance, send it to a lab.

49 What are Cortez Pearls? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

50 Cortez Pearls is a trade name for cultured pearls produced in the Gulf of California (in the sea of Cortez) with the Pteria sterna shell. It is the only successful saltwater pearl farm in North America. Pteria also produces a lot of natural pearls. These are typically referred to as Mexican or Baja Pearls.

51 What is Luster? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

52 Quantity and quality of light reflected from the surface or just under the surface of a pearl. The combination of surface brilliance and a deep, almost three-dimensional glow. You should be able to see your reflection on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

53 What does a clean surface mean? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

54 Cleanliness of the pearl s surface refers to the absence of organic spots, bumps or indentations. Pearls with cracks or chips should be avoided as they will only get larger over time. A pearl with a clean surface will be more valuable than a pearl with a blemished surface.

55 What? does shape mean Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

56 Shapes range from round to baroque. Since cultured pearls are grown subject to the whims of Mother Nature, it is rare to find a pearl that is perfectly round. While round pearls command the highest prices, asymmetrical or baroque pearls have a unique charm at a more modest price.

57 What does Hanadama mean? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

58 In the Japanese language it means flower pearl. Hana means flower and dama means bead. Using as a pearl term it means the highest quality portion of a cultured pearl harvest.

59 What Circled is a Pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

60 A cultured pearl is produced by the human insertion of a bead, a tissue graft, or a bead and a tissue graft into a freshwater mussel or saltwater mollusk. The mussel or mollusk is returned to the water and it covers the bead or graft with layers of nacre, creating the cultured pearl.

61 What is a Cultured Pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

62 A cultured pearl is produced by the human insertion of a bead, a tissue graft, or a bead and a tissue graft into a freshwater mussel or saltwater mollusk. The mussel or mollusk is returned to the water and it covers the bead or graft with layers of nacre, creating the cultured pearl.

63 What is Nacre? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

64 Nacre thickness, quality and composition determine the luster of a pearl. Nacre is composed of extremely thin layers of crystalline calcium carbonate held together by an organic substance called conchiolin secreted layer by layer by mollusks. In the case of bead-and-tissue cultured pearls, the nacre coats the nucleus. A thin nacre coating can result in a dull and chalky appearance. Most of the time thicker nacre results in a more lustrous pearl. Thick nacre is not insurance for good luster, but the pearl must have adequate nacre thickness to have good luster.

65 was Who Kokichi Mikimoto? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

66 (March 10, 1858 September 21, 1954) First person to commercially produce spherical cultured pearls using the Nishikawa-Mise (piece) method of pearl culturing. Because of his marketing savvy and intense worldwide promotions, he is now known as the father of cultured pearls.

67 What does the term to graft? mean Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

68 To graft is to cut a piece of mantle tissue from a donor mollusk and insert the grafted tissue into a host mollusk (mother mollusk) to induce the host mollusk to create cultured pearls. The grafting technique can be used alone or with a bead nucleus. Bead nucleus and tissue graft is the popular technique used in saltwater cultured pearls

69 How have Freshwater pearls round become so? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

70 The tissue implantation techniques have improved, and Chinese farmers switched to a mollusk that naturally produces better quality cultured pearls. When the Chinese switched from Cristaria plicata to Hyriopsis cumingii, the overall quality of the cultured pearls increased dramatically. Improved grafting techniques and reducing the number of grafts per shell have helped significantly. Also, more rounds can be attributed to the enormous production volume. Statistically, less than 2 percent are round or near-round, but even that small percentage of a typical annual crop of 882 tons of jewelry-quality cultured pearls means a huge number of rounds and near-rounds.

71 Are freshwater pearls still cultured in Japan? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

72 Yes, but the production is extremely limited. Most freshwater pearls are cultured in China.

73 What is the average age of a mollusk before grafting? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

74 Akoya Pinctada fucata mollusks from 18 to 24 months, Chinese freshwater Hyriopsis cumingii mollusks from 6 to 12 months, Tahitian Pinctada margaritifera cumingii mollusks from 24 to 36 months, South Sea Pinctada maxima mollusks 32 to 36 months.

75 Do all cultured pearls start with hatchery? grown mollusks Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

76 No. However, the majority of mollusks that yield cultured pearls are produced in hatcheries and grown to adulthood on or around a pearl farm. For example, the Tahitian mollusk, Pinctada margaritifera, spat is collected from the wild and reared on a farm. The South Sea mollusk, Pinctada maxima, may be collected in the wild as adults or some are grown in a hatchery.

77 Do cultured pearls have a grading system like Diamonds? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

78 No not at this time, the many varieties and different colors have made it hard to grade the cultured pearl under one system.

79 Can any oyster produce a cultured pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

80 Theoretically yes, but not a nacreous pearl. In fact, oysters do not generally produce valuable pearls. Pearls are generally produced by mollusks from the class Bivalia.

81 When did South Sea Cultured Pearls first appear? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

82 Mikimoto experimented with South Sea pearl production as early as 1912 on the Ryukyu Islands. It was not until 1954 that the first successful operation began in Burma.

83 Why are 9mm cultured more Akoya pearls expensive South Sea pearls? than 9mm cultured Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

84 This is not necessarily the case but it can be. But, a 9mm Akoya pearl is in the top range of Akoya pearl size. It is in the lowest range of South Sea pearl size.

85 What is a Mabè cultured pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

86 Originally, the Japanese trade term for an assembled blister pearl grown in (Pteria penguin). In Japanese, that mollusk s name is mabe-gai, hence the pearl s name. today, the word is used to describe any blister pearl that has been worked.

87 is a What Biwa Pearl? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

88 A pearl grown in (Hyropsis schlegeli) a freshwater mussel in Lake Biwa, Japan. Term is often incorrectly used to describe freshwater pearls in general.

89 What is bleaching? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

90 A very common whitening treatment applied to most cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls, and occasionally applied to cultured South Sea and Tahitian pearls.

91 What is the best color to display pearls on when? presenting them Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

92 White has proven to be the best color.

93 What is the number increase? one way to pearl sales in your store Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

94 Most jewelers have discovered that wearing pearls when selling them is the #1 way to increase sales.

95 When showing? shown strands in what should they be order Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

96 Always start with the best and sell down not up.

97 What famous Jeweler purchased his building with pearls? Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

98 In 1916 French jeweler Jacques Cartier purchased his famous Fifth Avenue store in New York City by trading two natural pearl necklaces for the property.

99 did many How Americans? get introduced to pearls Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

100 We need to be grateful to the thousands of husbands and boyfriends and sons and brothers who introduced a great majority of American women when they returned from the war with a gift of pearls from Japan.

101 What rubbing does? a pearl on a tooth tell you Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

102 Rubbing a pearl on a tooth is a fairly accurate way to tell if a pearl is a cultured or natural pearl. When you rub the pearl against the tooth you should feel a slight natural texture. If the pearl was an artificial pearl, made of glass or plastic it would feel slick and or smooth.

103 Pearl Myths Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

104 Pearls are bad luck for the bride. FALSE old wives tale You can t wear pearls unless it is your birthstone. FALSE pearl s beauty is meant to be worn. Pearls need body oils to keep their luster. FALSE oils can stain and ruin pearls.

105 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

106 Did you know that during the Dark Ages, knights wore pearls into battle because they believed that the magic in pearls would keep them from harm?

107 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

108 Did you know that during the Renaissance, the royal courts passed laws forbidding the wearing of pearls outside of nobility?

109 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

110 Did you know that the Pearl was the earliest known gem to be highly prized and coveted; long before diamonds and gold?

111 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

112 Did you know that the birthstone for June is the Pearl?

113 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

114 Did you know that besides being beautiful Pearls are the perfect gift for weddings, anniversaries, Mothers Day, birthdays, sweet sixteen celebrations, graduations, Christmas, Chanukah and of course to celebrate a unique special event?

115 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

116 Remember that in caring for your pearls always avoid contact with perfume, hairspray and any alcohol based product.

117 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

118 The best way to remember is last on and first off when caring for your pearls.

119 Fun Facts Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.

120 The classic strand can be worn in a variety of lengths; Collar 12 to 13 inches Choker 14 to 16 inches Princess 17 to 19 inches Matinee 20 to 24 inches Opera 28 to 34 inches and Rope 45 inches