Pearl Rings

Pearl rings are yet another option for engagement rings as well as gifts for special events. The beautiful and elegant pearls come in various colors, not just the milky white pearl many people are familiar with. Most pearls today are cultured pearls with some natural pearls.

Before the late 19^th century, all pearls were natural. In1893, Kokichi Mikimoto was able to cause oysters to produce pearls by introducing irritants to the oysters. Since then, many countries have started pearl farms.

Design pearl rings today are usually set in silver, gold, white gold and platinum metal bands. Some may be set with diamonds circling a large pearl while others may be set in twos or threes with elaborate designs. A pearl should be bright and the luster should be such that you can see a reflection. Dull plain white pearls which may be chalky are pearls of low quality. The most common types of pearls are:

• Akoya – are saltwater cultured pearls from China and Japan which are about 6 to 8 mm in size; color is commonly white to cream but may also be yellow, blue and gray

• Mabe – a type of pearl that is formed on the side of a mollusk’s shell

There are also imitation pearls. To know if your designer jewellery pearl rings are imitation or not, the tooth rubbing test is used. Natural and cultured pearls rubbed on the tooth enamel feel rough while imitation pearls when rubbed feel smooth. With the many colors of pearls today, one can choose to find the color that matches and complements their skin.

Want to know more about designer rings? Browse around our site for designer diamond rings , designer engagement rings and other jewellery pieces.