Pearls Before Swine

Pearls are so special because they are rare in nature. They form only when something gets inside an oyster or mussel and causes irritation. The mollusk then secretes substances similar to those found on its shell. These harden around the foreign body to create a pearl. Only about one out of every 10,000 wild oysters will ever make a single pearl, and the vast majority of the pearls that occur naturally are too small to use in jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of pearl jewelry.

Yes, there is a fake pearl. In fact, many materials can be used to make faux pearls, such as glass, plastic, mollusk shells, alabaster, bone and stone. These alternate materials typically feel smooth, and their texture sets them apart from real pearls, which have a slightly gritty or rough surface. If you'd like help determining whether a piece of jewelry has real or fake pearls, seek the opinion of an experienced jeweler or certified appraiser. Shop a large collection of pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

Yes, there are freshwater pearls. Certain species of pearl-producing mollusks do live in bodies of freshwater. Among them are Hyriopsis cumingi and Hyriopsis schlegeli. Most freshwater pearls come from the United States and Japan. Shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

A pearl clasp is an opening and closing device that holds a necklace together - in this case, a pearl necklace. The clasp works by hooking one end of the necklace into the other end and locking in place. Shop a collection of expertly vetted jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

The best way to tell if a pearl is a conch pearl is to use the services of an expert appraiser. An appraiser can perform the necessary tests to determine what type of precious stone you have. Identifying pearls by color, weight and patterns alone can be challenging. You'll find a variety of expertly vetted conch pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

Yes, mabé pearls are freshwater pearls, but they can be grown in saltwater. This makes them more budget-friendly than other pearls because they’re more readily available and grow in clusters. Find a large collection of mabé pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

No, mabe pearls are not valuable. Mabe pearls, also called blister pearls, are rather common. While White South Sea pearls can cost upwards of $1,000, a similar mabe pearl costs less than $100.

No, Marvella pearls are generally not real pearls. The American jewelry maker typically used simulated pearls crafted out of glass and other materials to produce its signature multi-strand necklaces and chandelier earrings. However, some of the company's pieces are highly sought by collectors and still have value as a result. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Marvella jewelry.

No, not all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya. Mikimoto also uses Black South Sea cultured pearls, White South Sea cultured pearls, Golden South Sea cultured pearls, and Conch pearls to create their jewelry. Shop Mikimoto Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

Yes, Mikimoto pearls are Akoya, meaning they come from Akoya oysters. The brand largely pioneered the production of cultured pearls, which are genuine pearls developed with human assistance. Mikimoto creates Akoya pearl necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings and brooches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.

Yes, you can wear pearl earrings. Pearl earrings are versatile and can work with everything from jeans to your favorite little black dress to your go-to work blazer. Pearl earrings come in a variety of styles. Options include the traditional solitaire stud, swingy dangles, sleek drops and halos that feature a pearl surrounded by sparkling gemstones. Shop a large collection of pearl earrings on 1stDibs.

To clean Mikimoto pearls, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to carefully wipe each individual bead. The brand recommends that you visit an authorized Mikimoto dealer for professional ultrasonic cleaning if a cloth alone doesn't produce the desired results. Find a selection of Mikimoto pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

How you style pearl earrings is up to you. One of the biggest benefits of pearl earrings is that they can complement almost anything. Wear them with jeans and a casual sweater for a weekend hangout or with a little black dress for a night on the town. They can also put a sophisticated finishing touch on workwear like suits. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of pearl earrings.

A baroque pearl is any pearl that has an uneven, non-spherical shape. Check the surface of the pearl and if there are any irregularities, then it is considered baroque. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary baroque pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

To tell if pearls are Mikimoto, look at the clasp closely. Pieces produced by the luxury jewelry maker will usually be marked with the capital letter “M.” You will also usually see a hallmark indicating the metal's purity. Because convincing counterfeits exist, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert authenticate your jewelry. Shop a selection of Mikimoto pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

Melo Melo pearls are natural mineral pearls produced by a large sea snail colloquially known as Melo Melo. The pearls range in color from orange to brown to tan. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted gems and pearls from some of the world’s top sellers.