Pearls, Pearls, Pearls
Different types of pearls
There are basically 3 different categories of pearls: natural pearls (not cultured), imitation pearls (artificial pearls) and the most important category: cultured pearls. When it comes to jewelry today, “pearls” almost always means cultured pearls.
Cultured pearls
Culturing of pearls is a process in which a mostly round nucleus, which usually consists of the material of a so-called donor shell, is carefully implanted in another shell. This recognizes the nucleus as a foreign body and initiates a rejection reaction as an immune response: it forms mother-of-pearl around the intruder. It was long believed that even a grain of sand would be recognized as an intruder. However, this seems to be more of a fairy tale. It is often small parasites or crabs that cause the natural reaction of mother-of-pearl formation.
The culturing process
In any case, humans have taken advantage of this reaction and a Japanese named Mikimoto invented and perfected this breeding method about 100 years ago. Since then, cultured pearls can be harvested in relatively large quantities and the pearl has quickly conquered its place among jewels. Of course, environmental conditions are important for this: pollution and tsunamis can quickly wipe out a year’s harvest and drive up pearl prices. To what extent climate change with rising temperatures will affect pearl harvests is still unclear.
We happily provide you with more information about the individual pearl types:
Large assortment of still unprocessed pearls
Maximum individuality
You love it individually? Choose your own pearls for your new ring, earrings or necklace! We have a substantial stock of unprocessed, sorted precious pearls.
Pearls, the tears of the gods
We have the widest range of pearls in the Basel region: freshwater cultured pearls, saltwater cultured pearls (Tahiti, South Seas, Akoya) and even very rare uncultured natural pearls.
Let us show you our inventory and let’s discuss together without obligation how your desired piece of jewelry can be realized from an initial idea. We would be happy to prepare a photorealistic visualization for you in advance.
Due to a general change in our business philosophy during the pandemic, we no longer offer freshwater cultured pearls as knotted pearl necklaces and we no longer repair necklaces – thank you for your understanding!