Where to buy freshwater pearls and freshwater pearl quality

[FireballFan]

What is used to coat pearls if I may ask?

 

[CortezPearls]

What is used to coat pearls if I may ask?

Coatings have varied over time...used to be beeswax, later some lacquers. According to Strack, the most common are "transparent polymer film"

 

[FireballFan]

I received this baroque where the shiny part of the pearl fades quite abruptly, as can be seen around the top edge. Is this a likely example of coating?

 

[CortezPearls]

View attachment 464465

I received this baroque where the shiny part of the pearl fades quite abruptly, as can be seen around the top edge. Is this a likely example of coating?

No. That's what I believe a "chalky area", a part where nacre is not deposited well...the mantle of the pearl sac could have deposited calcite instead of aragonite. The Expert in this field (inner working of the mantle) is Dave @Lagoon Island Pearls
I have many freshwater pearls that display this kind of defect.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

That's what I believe a "chalky area", a part where nacre is not deposited well...the mantle of the pearl sac could have deposited calcite instead of aragonite.

Correct. Calcite, though not attractive in the same way aragonitic nacre may be, is very important in the early development of molluscs. While calcite is the bane of cultured pearl production, in nature it's important in juvenile and mature to over-mature individuals to maintain shell thickness and strength.

Fireball pearls are generally mature pearls, hence it's not unreasonable to occasionally find calcitic patches.

Sometimes these layers can be peeled away, but it's not with out risk of damaging the underlying surface.

 

[FireballFan]

Thank you for the detailed answers guys, I really appreciate it. Love the technical answers!

 

[CortezPearls]

Correct. Calcite, though not attractive in the same way aragonitic nacre may be, is very important in the early development of molluscs. While calcite is the bane of cultured pearl production, in nature it's important in juvenile and mature to over-mature individuals to maintain shell thickness and strength.

Fireball pearls are generally mature pearls, hence it's not unreasonable to occasionally find calcitic patches.

Sometimes these layers can be peeled away, but it's not with out risk of damaging the underlying surface.

Thanks Dave! Your input is always valuable and appreciated

 

[FireballFan]

Does anyone know what kind of freshwater pearl these are? They’re off-round with a mainly copper body colour but are multicoloured… very interesting in my opinion

 

[pearlescence]

Probably standard bead nucleated freshwaters.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

And I assume natural color.

 

[FireballFan]

Yes bead-nucleated and natural colour.

 

[Bigwellpearls]

Hi Pearl dealers,

Do global economic slowdowns impact your pearl business?

Basic living allowance is guaranteed in developed countries, but welfare system in China is unfair. Retired public servants and officials have priority and privileges to enjoy high pensions of up 5000 RMB per month, Farmers who are over 60 can enjoy only 150-300 RMB per month.

 

[Marianne]

Hi Pearl dealers,

Do global economic slowdowns impact your pearl business?

Basic living allowance is guaranteed in developed countries, but welfare system in China is unfair. Retired public servants and officials have priority and privileges to enjoy high pensions of up 5000 RMB per month, Farmers who are over 60 can enjoy only 150-300 RMB per month.

Seems like those pension amounts should be the other way around. Without farmers, nobody eats...

 

[Sri]

Hi,

I’m a relatively new pearl addict and have a few questions to ask.

I’ve ordered freshwater pearls from various sellers from China, looking for blemish free round pearls and have found quality to be generally an issue.

I’ve received pearls with growth textures, ‘fish bites’ and what look like scratches from handling. I’m not sure if what this means is I should really be getting pearls from more reputed retailers, or if it’s normal for freshwater pearls to generally have a number of flaws.

My very first pearl purchase (AAA 12mm Tahitian round pearl) was almost flawless and I expected the others to come close to it, but they generally haven’t.

Alternatively, are freshwater pearls just softer than Tahitians and prone to scratching / marks over time.

I would be grateful if anyone has thoughts on reasonable pricing too . For example, is $USD45 a reasonable price for a 13mm round freshwater pearl ( which may have a few blemishes)?

Thank you,
Fireballfan

I have similar question on a freshwater pearl strand i purchased. looks like peeling -- is this normal in a 100% nacre freshwater pearl?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Not solid nacre-- they look to me like bead nucleated freshwater pearls.

 

[Katbran]

Look like a lower grade nucleated pearl . That's when a bead is inserted into the mollusc and the nacre forms over the bead - this gives a round shape and lets the grower get a larger pearl faster. Like all pearls you get a range of quality from a metallic high lustre to a lower dull surface. For that high lustre you need a very smooth tight skin .

 

[jshepherd]

I've seen this with tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls too. This looks like damage either caused during processing or after purchase.

In years past, when I would buy freshwater pearls from small processors in Zhiju, the "technology" as they called it was really important. If pearls are processed incorrectly or get overprocessed, you can see it in the peeling nacre.

 

[Sri]

What do you mean processing? Also I bought this very recently wore it for 2 days continously and it got washed once in warm soapy water. Hope thats not a mistake on my part.

 

[jshepherd]

Freshwater pearl go through a bleaching process that whitens and evens out the tones. The chemicals used are mixed at the processor's factory, and if the mixture is too strong or if they were left in too long, it can damage the nacre.

If you just bought this strand a couple of days ago and can return it, I'd recommend sending it back. It's only going to get worse.

 

[Sri]

The strand looks ok when seen normally without magnification. I just dont remember if the issues were there before or its like this after 2 days of wearing. If the pearls will get worser due to issues I better send it back I guess. TY!