Freshwater pearl nuggets of this size make a statement with their presence. They are large, but not huge, and the things that make baroque pearls unusual, like shape, lustre, and texture, are easier to see. They can be worn in any situation by someone who wants the light of pearls to be part of their overall look. The above photos include an example of a 10mm stud on the ear.
The earring posts are sterling silver, and come with rubber safety backs (pictured), which prop up the larger studs on the earlobe better than butterfly backs.
Buying studs online can seem tricky. I will be glad to work with you to help you find something you like in size, colour, shape, and overall feel. We gave a number of studs that aren’t listed, and I will be happy to send you photos. We can also send you photos of studs in various types of light, so you can get a better sense of their colour.
To keep your pearls looking their best, remember they should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Avoid getting perfume, hairspray, lotion, or any other chemical on them, and wipe them off right away if you do. Keep them out of water, where hair products, chlorine, or salt water could dull or discolour them. Water can also weaken the bond between the pearl and the post.
As popular as pearls are, the range of varieties and prices can seem confusing. But it's rather straightforward, and here's what you need to know:
1) Almost every real pearl on today's market, regardless of variety, is “cultured.” A cultured pearl is grown on a farm in an ocean or lake, around develops around a nucleus or irritant placed in an oyster or mollusk. It is created by nature, albeit with man’s help.
2) “Natural” pearls are pearls that have been found in oysters. Natural pearls sell for tens of thousands of dollars, and today are almost always part of antique pieces. They generally come with gemological x-ray certification.
3) The highest-price cultured pearls are cultured in seawater, and there are three varieties: Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea. Akoya pearls, grown off the coast of Japan, were the first saltwater pearls to be cultured, and became the "classic" pearls your grandmother might have worn. Tahitian pearls, which are farmed around Tahiti, grow naturally in shades of grey and black. South Sea pearls, grown in the Southern Hemisphere, are considered by many to be the most desirable pearls in the world.
4) Daily Pearls makes jewellery from cultured freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are the most affordable variety of cultured pearls. China produces most of the world's freshwater pearls, many of which are unusually shaped, hence the name 'baroque.’
5) Plastic or glass imitations of cultured pearls are called “simulated” pearls. You can tell the difference between cultured and simulated pearls by touching one to the top of your bottom teeth. If it feels gritty, the pearl is real. If it feels like plastic or glass, it is not a cultured pearl.
Let us know if we can help you with your pearl shopping!