The Pearl Library

Ancient Pearl History

• Overview
• Timelines
• Pearls and Mythology
• Pearl Fashion History

Kokichi Mikimoto

• The Man
• His Work
• Mikimoto the Business Man
• His Legacy

Pearl Farms

• World Leaders in Pearls,
• Saltwater Akoya Farming,
• Saltwater Tahitian Farming,
• Saltwater South Sea Farming,
• Freshwater Pearl Farming,
• Red Tide,
• Perils of the Pearl Farm,
• Technology and Pearl Farming

Harvesting Pearls

• Overview
• Saltwater Akoya Harvesting
• Saltwater Tahitian Harvesting
• Saltwater South Sea Harvesting
• Freshwater Pearl Harvesting
• Technology and Harvesting

Natural Pearls

• Overview
• Why the Transition to Cultured Pearls?
• World's Natural Pearl Beds
• World Wildlife Fund Recommendations
• Value of Natural to Cultured Pearls
• What is the Difference between Natural and Cultured?
• Conch Pearls
• Melo Pearls

Cultured (Nucleated) Pearls

• Overview
• Cultured How does the Miracle Happen?
• Nucleating Saltwater Akoya Pearls
• Nucleating Saltwater Tahitian Pearls
• Nucleating Saltwater South Sea Pearls
• Nucleating Freshwater Pearls
• Other Pearls
• Technology in Nucleation

Saltwater Akoya Pearls

• Overview
• Akoya Pearl Color Guide
• Demand and Supply of Akoya Pearls
• Post Harvest Processing
• Cutting and Drilling
• Matching and Stringing
• China and the World of Akoya Pearls
• Versatile Akoya Jewelry
• Hanadama Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

• Overview
• Demand and Supply of Tahitian Pearls
• Post Harvest Processing
• Cutting and Drilling
• Matching and Stringing
• French Polynesia and the World of Tahitian Pearls
• Where Else do you find Tahitian Pearls?
• The Distinguished look of Tahitian Jewelry
• Why Baroque Tahitian Pearls?

South Sea Pearls

• Overview
• Demand and Supply of Saltwater South Sea Pearls
• Post Harvest Processing
• Cutting and Drilling
• Matching and Stringing
• Northern Australia and the World of South Sea Pearls
• Other Locations of South Sea Pearls
• The Stunning South Sea Jewelry

Freshwater Pearls

• Overview
• Demand and Supply of Freshwater Pearls
• Post Harvest Processing
• Cutting and Drilling
• Matching and Stringing
• China and the World of Freshwater Pearls
• Other locations of Freshwater Pearls
• The Marvelous options of Freshwater Jewelry
• New Freshwater Orient Pearls! Technology at its Finest!

Pearl Quality and Grading

• Overview
• Mikimoto Grading System
• Value Factors
• What does AAA Really Mean?
• Tricks of the Business
• Imitation and Mallorca Pearls
• How are Mallorca Pearls Made?
• Tooth Test and Magnification

Pearl Treatments

• Dyeing Methods and Detection
• Irradiation
• Luster Treatments

Pearl Luster

• Luster Ratings
• Value of Luster

Pearl Body Surface

• Surface Characteristics
• Value of Body Surface
• Nacre Quality

Pearl Shape

• Common Shapes
• Value of Spherical Pearls
• Value of Symmetrical Pearls
• Value of Baroque Pearls

Pearl Color

• Color Characteristics
• Trade Color Vocabulary
• Body Color
• Overtone
• Orient
• Value of Pearl Color

Pearl Size

• Common Sizes
• Value of Size
• Examples of Pearl Sizes

Pearl Care

• Pearl Care Instructions

Questions and Answers

• Difference between Cultured and Natural Pearls
• Difference between Saltwater and Freshwater Cultured Pearls
• What are Mikimoto Pearls?
• Tips on Buying Pearls
• Real Pearls versus Imitation
• Chinese Akoya Pearls VS Japanese Akoya Pearls
• What Size of Pearl should I Buy?
• What Size of Pearl Necklace should I Buy?
• How do I measure for a Pearl Bracelet?
• What Pearl Necklace do I Buy for my Wedding?
• What should I Buy for my Wedding Party?
• How else can I Fashionably Wear my Pearls?
• F.A.Q. (Frequently asked Questions)