Carson Jewelers

Pearls continue to be an important part of jewelry. Traditionally, any discussion of pearls has entailed two main categories: Japanese saltwater (akoya) and freshwater. During more recent years, the variety and quality of pearls has greatly expanded.

In this newsletter, I want to provide a brief overview of the four major varieties of pearls and review some of the trends in this important part of jewelry.

Akoya Pearls

Overview

Akoya are the traditional variety of cultured saltwater pearls from Japan and to a lesser extent China. These pearls tend to be 10mm or less in diameter. The very finest akoya cultured pearls are round in shape having a white body color with rose overtone, without blemish. For more information about the qualities that are used to differentiate these beautiful pearls, look on our website under jewelry or come into our store and we would be happy to provide you with a tutorial.

The lengths of pearl strands are named choker for 16-inch length, princess for 18-inch length, matinee for 24-inch to 27-inch length and opera to reflect 32 to 36-inch length.

The finest pearls in the world have become synonymous with the name Mikimoto. Kokichi Mikimoto established the first pearl farm and cultivated the first akoya pearl from an Oyster in 1893. Today, Mikimoto carries only the finest of pearls and pearl jewelry. To learn more about Mikimoto you can visit their website at www.mikimotoamerica.com or come in and visit our in-store Mikimoto pearl salon. We have an excellent selection of strands, pendants, brooches, rings and earrings.

Trends

	For the past several decades (until recently) the prices of cultured saltwater akoya pearls have increased significantly. This has been, in large part, because of the inability for supply to meet demand. In the 1990s disease in many of the farms in Japan greatly reduced the level of production of the akoya.
	More recently the attractive relationship with the dollar and yen has actually made the price of akoyas more attractive.
	Price ranges for Mikimoto akoya strands: For an 18-inch strand, 6.5 X 6 mm, Mikimoto's A1 quality is $2020.00, the A+ quality is $3160.00 and AAA quality $6400.00. Other qualities and sizes are available.

Tahitian Black Pearls

Overview

Tahitian black pearls are cultured pearls produced by a larger species of mollusk known as the black-lipped oyster. Contrary to the name, these pearls are not found near Tahiti but rather in the area of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and the Philippines. These pearls range in size from approximately 8mm to 16mm and are associated with a dark black, gray, silver or green body color. In addition, these pearls also may have an overtone occurring in shades of pink, blue, green, gold, or silver.

Over the past twenty years, Tahitian pearls have earned a reputation for being one of the most prized of all gem materials. To view these gorgeous pearls we would invite you to come into our store as we have a nice selection of Tahitian black pearl strands, beautiful pendants, earrings and rings.

Trends

	Beautiful black Tahitian pearls continue to become much more affordable due to excess in supply. This has resulted in a 40 to 50% reduction in prices from approximately two to three years ago. Tightening of controls and supply in the future may result in higher prices.
	For the Fall, we have complimented our selection of fine Tahitian pearls with a new collection of beautiful Mikimoto Tahitian pearl necklaces with 18k gold which can be altered in length providing greater versatility. They are great for wearing casually or for dressing up for a night on the town.

South Sea Pearls

Overview

South Sea pearls are large, lighter colored pearls usually ranging in size from approximately 10 to 19mm in diameter and very valuable. The colors are typically white, silver-white, gold, pink and cream.

South Sea pearls are produced by the silver or golden-lipped oyster and typically come from tropical portions of the Pacific including Australia, Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, Polynesia and the Cook Islands. These pearls make beautiful full strands, pendants and earrings.

Trends

	South Sea pearls are very valuable but have seen some recent reduction in price but primarily at the lower quality end
	The finest qualities come from Australia. Production in Indonesia has fallen off somewhat.

Chinese Freshwater Pearls

Overview

In the past five years China has established itself as a major player in the production of cultured pearls. It produces both saltwater and freshwater but the freshwater variety has taken the market by storm. Unlike traditional rice-shaped pearls, today's Chinese freshwater pearls are closer to round or nearly round in shape with a bright luster and smooth surface.

Additionally Chinese freshwater pearls approach the size of some South Sea pearls at just over 10mm. These pearls are available in a wide range of colors including gold, apricot, peach, yellow, bronze, lavender, plum, pink, gray, black and white.

Trends

	Good production and affordable prices continue to make Chinese freshwater pearls one of the fastest growing varieties of pearls.
	Price ranges for Chinese Freshwater Pearl strands can vary greatly: An 18-inch strand, 6 X 5 ½ mm may be priced at $175.00. An 18-inch, 8 X 7 ½ mm strand would be in the $750.00 to $1000.00 range.

In closing, I hope the overview of these four important categories of pearls has been helpful. Please send us an email or call us at 301-739-0830, (888) 268-8505 if you have any additional questions. If you would like to see some of the latest in pearls or pearl fashions please come into our store.

Sincerely