The word pearl has become a metaphor for love, purity and commitment. Since time immemorial they have captured the hearts of the fairer sex. Queens, celebrities, corporate women and even teenagers love pearls because of its iridescence and perfect round shape. These orphic gems have been known to cast their magic spells even during the ancient civilization.

This albumen colored orphic gem enhances the beauty of the wearer with its soft feminine hues, lustrous body and scintillating overtones.

Pearls are formed inside a living organism. They are formed when a foreign substance enters the mollusk. The mollusk immediately reacts by secreting a crystalline organic material called the nacre. The circular secretion around the foreign object finally develops into a solid pearl.

These sea gems come in many shapes and sizes, depending upon its origination and the mollusk in which it was formed.

Most of the sea gems that are available today are cultured. They may be cultured from saltwater or freshwater mollusks. Cultured Sea gems are formed with human intervention when pearl farmers insert beads into the mollusk.

Akoya sea gems are cultured in salt water. China and Japan are the two biggest producers of Akoya orphic gems. Its scientific name is Pinctada Fucata. Akoya Sea gems are the most sought after due to their perfect round shape and excellent body color.

Another saltwater cultured pearl, called South Sea pearl is cultivated in the oyster called Pinctada Maxima oyster. It is typically found in the South Seas, off the northern coasts of Australia and Indonesia.

On the other hand freshwater cultured sea gems are cultivated in freshwater mollusks. These are produced in China and Japan. Freshwater orphic gems are comparatively cheaper than south sea gems, making them a favorite with the younger crowd.

Finally, the Tahitian sea gems are found off the coast of Tahiti in French Polynesia. These are saltwater pearls, extracted from the oyster called Pinctada Margaritifera. Unlike other orphic gems which have white or cream body color, these sea gems are dark.

Of all the jewelry that is crafted from sea gems, pearl necklaces command great respect and attention. It simply creates an aura which is compelling, intriguing and mystical. Below mentioned are some typical designs which are categorized by their lengths.

1. Collar - 12 to 13 inches in length, this design is most suitable for high neck dresses. It sits around the neck and is typically made in three or four strands, stitched on a velvet cloth or leather.

2. Choker - 14 to 16 inches in length, it reaches around the collar bone and is perfect accessory for any dress; whether formal or informal.

3. Princess - 17 to 19 inches in length, it rests comfortably around the chest area and is suitable for low neckline dresses.

4. Opera - 26 to 36 inches long, it reaches the rib cage area and looks good on gowns and other formal dresses.

5. Rope - 37 inches or even longer. It provides several options to the wearer. This necklace can be broken down into many pieces to be worn as a bracelet and necklace or simply doubled or tripled around the neck.

The Pearl Source was officially established in 1991 in the Jewelry District of Los Angeles as one of the first direct importers and wholesalers of loose pearls in the United States. Today, The Pearl Source is a supplier of Tahitian, South Sea, Freshwater and Akoya pearls and also specializes in creating exquisite pearl necklaces and pearl earrings.

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