Natural Pearl vs. Cultured Pearls Understanding the Key Differences

Natural Pearl vs. Cultured Pearls:
Understanding the Key
Differences
Most people know that pearls are among the gems which are loved for centuries and are called the
queen of the gems. If you’re thinking about wearing a Pearl stone ring or just learning about the types
of fine jewelry, you need to know the distinction between natural Pearl stone and cultured pearls.
What Are Natural Pearls?
Moti or Natural pearl that are formed within the body of the mollusks without imposing any effort by
humans. A grain of sand or a parasite invades the mollusk’s shell and to protect itself the mollusk
deposits several layers over and around the intruder, which makes a pearl. The nature of natural
pearls is to be very scarce hence they are often over prized when they are available. Today these
pearls are rare and come in only in antique jewelry or in colored auctions most of the time.
What Are Cultured Pearls?
Cultured pearls are produced following a somewhat controlled manner where the people insert
something that is an irritant to the mollusk – normally a bead or piece of tissue. The mollusk
eventually coats the irritant within the oyster with the substance referred to as nacre, to form a pearl.
Cultured pearl takes relatively large market share due to the relatively cheap price, yet high quality
and brightness.
Major Differences Between Natural and Cultured Pearls
Formation Process:
The natural pearls also develop spontaneously without interference from man, by the process of
Avery II.
Cultured pearls are therefore formed through a process which is started and directed by people.
Rarity and Value:
Semi-polished stones such as the Natural Pearl are much rarer and costlier.
Cultured pearls can be easily found and in general, are less expensive than pearls of the same
type.
Appearance:
The natural pearls usually differ in shapes and have slight irregularities.
Necklaces of cultured pearls are also more within size, shape and color because they are grown
instead of being discovered.
Market Availability:
The general majority of pearls available in the market today are cultured because of the rarity of
natural pearls.
Choosing the Right Pearl for You
As to the natural Pearl stone or a cultured pearl it is up to the buyer because of his needs, financial
possibilities and the purpose of the jewelry. For instance, Moti stone is used in a ring which could be
used to keep and cherish for many years the cultured pearls. On the other hand they are relatively
cheaper but they are equally as attractive as the other forms of the Moti gemstone.
Therefore I found that first natural and then also cultured pearls are equally fascinating. Appreciating
these distinctions allows your purchase, whether you are putting your money on a Pearl stone or any
cultured pearl, to be intelligent.