FAQ

3. How do you tell a Genuine Pear from an Imitation Pearl?

There is a simple test that the layman can do when wanting to test for authenticity. Train yourself with a pearl that you know is genuine and one you know is not.

To test, simply rub the pearl on the smooth surface of your tooth. The imitation will feel smooth as it rubs across the tooth surface. On the genuine you will feel a slight resistance; some describe it as slightly gritty. Train yourself to the sensation and be a more educated buyer.

Pearls benefit from being worn; the warm body temperature and natural oils from the skin enhance the luster. Enjoy your pearls for what they are, true organic gems.

4. What is the difference between Natural and Cultured Pearls?

Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, finds its way into an oyster (or mussel) without any human intervention. When you come across these mollusks in the "wild" you will rarely find a pearl of commercial value inside their shell.

Cultured freshwater pearls are formed in much the same way.

On a cultured pearl farm, a specialist will inoculate the oyster with a modified syringe, which injects tiny seeds of glass, sand or mother-of-pearl into the interior of the oyster.

To protect itself, the oyster begins to cover the irritant with a protective surface, called nacre. This nacre has a unique natural luster, and varying colors. As the oyster lives, it continues to cover the irritant, gaining in size and creating a larger pearl.

Not just one pearl comes out of each oyster. Many freshwater pearls grow in one oyster.

Oysters on pearl farms are meticulously cared for. The inoculated oysters are put into small mesh baskets in clean ponds. They are strung on lines, spaced at intervals and suspended at optimum depth for warmth, light and absorption of nutrients. Each day, every oyster shell is checked for health. If one shows any indication of ill health or distress, it is immediately removed from the pond. Its ill health could affect the entire production of the pond within one day.

Oysters feed on a mixture of fermented soy, crushed grains, rice, and secret ingredients, exclusive to each pearl farm, and based on years of experience. It smells terrible!

Age, no stress, and quality of life create a large size pearl. The longer the pearl is in the oyster, the thicker the nacre.

5. Can tarnish remover be used on Silver-Plated and Gold-Plated jewelry?

It is better that you didn’t use it on those pieces. Tarnish remover can be too harsh for plated items. It was designed for sterling silver, gold, copper or brass jewelry. It works in just a few seconds (2-10) and will remove stubborn oxidation and tarnish. Do not use this product on articles containing porous stones, pearls, painted jewelry, aluminum, stainless steel or lacquered surfaces. Do not immerse jewelry items in the tarnish remover, dip them.

6. What is the difference between Salt Water and Freshwater Pearls?

Saltwater pearls are usually larger and are found in oysters in parts of the oceans and other bodies of saltwater around the world. Some of the more well know places are the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Burma in South East Asia. Australia and Tahiti in the South Pacific are where some of the largest pearls are grown and where you will also find the beautiful black pearls. Other well known pearl growing areas are near the Arabian Sea in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and near Sri Lanka. Finally, there are the smaller Akoya pearls which traditionally have been associated with Japan but which can be found many other places in Asia.

Freshwater pearls are found growing in mussels living in lakes and streams all over the world including the USA and Europe. These pearls tend to be less expensive than saltwater pearls even in the same size and color. The best known, and probably the best quality as well as the most expensive freshwater pearls, are the Biwa pearls cultivated in Lake Biwa in Japan. Due to pollution, the production of authentic Biwa pearls has dropped sharply and many of the so called Biwa pearls you see actually come from many other places. The largest producer of freshwater pearls today is China and the continuous improvement in quality over the last ten years combined with the low cost of labor makes these pearls a true bargain for the time being.

7. Is the color on dyed pearls permanent?

Because pearls are porous, they often absorb human oils, makeup and perfume, which can stain. In fact, pearls are soft, porous and accepting to all contact with natural and chemical substances, such as dyes. Pearl treaters take advantage of this porosity to achieve finer, more uniform colors with natural extracts and inorganic and/or chemical dyes. These dyes can fade over time. But to stress the positive: matched strands are easier to create, and more affordable.

8. What does “Opera Length” mean?

Some people refer to Opera length as 26”-36”. I like to think of it as 28”-34”. An Opera length necklace can be worn in a variety of ways. When the opera length is worn as a single strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew neckline.

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10. Can I buy your products wholesale?

At this time Isabella’s Beads is offering wholesale merchandise, but not without limitations. Everything I make is done by hand and no piece of jewelry is mass produced. There are certain items that could be made easier than others (I.e., Key chains, “Simple” earring designs, Simple rings, etc.), and the turn around time would be pretty quick. However, more complex pieces will take a little bit longer depending on what you'd like, and of course if I need to replenish inventory to make several of the same piece that could add a little to the time. I don't expect that any moderate sized order would ever take longer than 2 weeks. Please see our wholesale login section for the requirements.

11. How do I measure for a bracelet?

As always, the best way to get an accurate length is to measure your favorite bracelet. If you don't have a bracelet that you'd like to use as a guide, take a tape measure and wrap it around your wrist completely until slightly snug and then add 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

12. How do I measure for an anklet?

As always, the best way to get an accurate length is to measure your favorite anklet. If you don't have an anklet that you'd like to use as a guide, the first thing you need to do is determine where you would like to wear your anklet (above or below the bone). Take a tape measure and wrap it around your ankle completely until slightly snug and then add 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch depending on how loose you prefer the jewelry.

*Some information courtesy of Firemountain Gems