http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/images/pearls-logo-rss.jpg Pearls of the Orient Online - Pearl Jewellery Specialist en info@pearlsoftheorientonline.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-20T08:30:43+00:00 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/michael-michaud-jewellery/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/michael-michaud-jewellery/ Pearls of the Orient Online is excited to bring you a selection of the beautiful hand-made jewellery by Michael Michaud. Michael has been creating unique pieces of jewellery based upon nature for over 20 years, creating moulds directly from natural objects to manipulate into realistic botanical jewellery. His inspiration started when he lived near New York City‘s flower district and he began experimenting with techniques that eventually launched the first ‘Silver Seasons’ collection in 1992. His collections are produced in bronze, sterling silver and gold metals as well as freshwater pearls, precious and semi precious stones and hand formed glass beads.… Michael Michaud Jewellery Wed, 02 May 2012 10:25:20 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/celebrate-with-pearls-for-the-queens-diamond-jubilee/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/celebrate-with-pearls-for-the-queens-diamond-jubilee/ We all know how much the Queen loves her pearls as she is frequently seen, on visits and walkabouts, wearing her much treasured triple-strand graduated pearl necklace with matching earrings.  As celebrations for her Diamond Jubilee ramp up, across the UK and Commonwealth,  Pearls of the Orient Online is offering a discount on their range of 'patriotic' inspired pearl jewellery to mark the occasion! With a range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings in our national colours we even have a specially commissioned Jubilee necklace - perfect for any street party or celebration you may attend over the coming months! Celebrate with pearls for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee! Tue, 01 May 2012 08:42:31 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/pearls-in-recent-times/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/pearls-in-recent-times/ The Great Depression of the 1930s effectively slashed the value of the natural pearl but many recognise that this time was coming. The introduction and advancement of the cultured pearl industry hit the natural pearl industry hard. Modern-day cultured pearls are primarily the result of discoveries made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Japanese researchers and by which technique was patented by Mikimoto Kokchi shortly thereafter. This discovery revolutionised the pearl industry as it allowed pearl farmers to reliably cultivate large numbers of high-quality pearls. In contrast to natural pearls—which have widely varying shapes, sizes, and qualities, and which… Pearls in Recent Times Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:02:13 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/diving-for-pearls/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/diving-for-pearls/ Before the dawn of the 20th century, diving was the most common way of harvesting pearls. Divers manually pulled oysters from ocean floors and river bottoms and checked them individually for pearls. Natural pearls were found in many parts of the world. Nowadays, “natural” pearls are often sold as a collector's item or set as centrepieces in unique jewellery. Present day natural pearling is confined mostly to seas off Bahrain.  Australia also has one of the world's last remaining fleets of pearl diving ships. Australian pearl divers dive for south sea pearl oysters to be used in the cultured south sea pearl… Diving for Pearls Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:19:35 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/pearls-fame/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/pearls-fame/ One of the most well known pieces of pearl jewellery belonged to Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.  Whilst her reign may have been brief (1533 – 1536), Anne was a stylish lady who was known as a bit of a Tudor fashion icon. One of her signature accessories was a strand of pearls with a gold “B” pendant dangling from the centre with three teardrop pearls. Pearls have been treasured since antiquity and were revered for their iridescence, radiance and lustre. People have even crushed pearls into their makeup, ingested them as medicine, and even worn them as protective… Pearls & Fame Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:16:46 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/pearls-religion/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/pearls-religion/ Pearls & Religion As conquests were made around the world, pearls were introduced to new areas. They were referenced in religious writings and are associated with high value and reverence in early Christian writings. In the New Testament, Jesus compared Heaven to a "pearl of a great price". Pearls are also found in Jewish literature where they’re used as metaphors to compare items and ideas with high regard. Ancient Hindu writings refer to pearls as bringing longevity and prosperity. There is an ancient story of Krishna who brought pearls to give to his daughter as a wedding day present. This… Pearls & Religion Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:41:37 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/history-of-pearls/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/history-of-pearls/ Pearls, throughout history, have been regarded as prized gems of beauty and rarity. They have been sought after for as long as 4,000 years and are unlike any other precious gemstones as they need no man-made enhancements such as cutting or polishing to reveal their exquisiteness. These symbols of wealth were highly revered by Romans, rulers of Ancient India and the Chinese. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls should be a part of weddings. It was believed that if a bride wore pearl jewellery on her wedding day that she would have a happy marriage with few tears. The word “pearl”… History of Pearls Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:49:26 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/you-can-find-us-at-both-general-trading-company-stores/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/you-can-find-us-at-both-general-trading-company-stores/ Pearls of the Orient Online is excited to announce a selection of our beautiful jewellery can now be found at both General Trading Company stores in London. This includes items ranging from one off exclusive Tahitian pearl necklaces to elegant classic ropes of pearls to cute little girls pearl bracelets!  There is something to suit everyone’s tastes. The General Trading Company began trading in 1920 where it became one of London’s first ‘boutique’ home stores selling a multifarious selection of pieces including furniture, interior decoration, gifts, china, glass, clothing and accessories. Always adventurous, sometimes frivolous, everything exuded passion and panache. … You can find us at both General Trading Company stores Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:24:17 +0000 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/the-magic-clip/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/the-magic-clip/ For those of you who like to mix and match your necklaces, you can take advantage of this useful magic clip (also called a 'shortner'!) which comes in silver or gold colour.  The magic clip can transform a single loop of pearls into four different necklaces!  A 40" loop pearl necklace can be worn long on its own or knotted but... by simply using the magic clip at the back of the neck, the pearl necklace can now be worn as a two strand pearl necklace and even twisted.  As if that isn't enough, why not mix and match by adding another… The Magic Clip! Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:34:31 +0000 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/something-for-the-kids/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/something-for-the-kids/ Pearls of the Orient Online understands that little girls also love their pearls and we have children's jewellery to please all ages!  It is never too early for little girls to start their pearl collection and most of our children's necklaces and chidlren's bracelets come with sterling silver extension chains so the jewellery can grow with them.   From classic almost round freshwater pearl necklace and bracelet sets to fun and cute sterling silver hearts strung with freshwater pearls - check out what is on offer in our Kiddies Corner! Something for the kids! Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:25:15 +0000 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/jewellery-restringing-service/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/jewellery-restringing-service/ Did you know that we offer a jewellery restringing service? It is recommended, iin particular, that pearl necklaces and pearl bracelets be restrung every 2 to 3 years unless they are well loved and need more frequent attention!  We provide a pearl restringing service which includes knotting between pearls or not knotting on thread.  Pearls are often knotted in between for various reasons including to absorb perspiration/dirt and to allow the pearls to sit nicely around the neck.  Valuable pearls should always be knotted as it enhances the beauty of each pearl and in the event that the necklace or bracelet should… Jewellery Restringing Service Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:21:45 +0000 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/care-of-pearls/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/care-of-pearls/ Pearls are quite soft and need special care after you wear them. Always store them in a separate jewellery pouch away from other jewellery and it is best to keep them in something soft. From time to time, after you wear your pearls you should wipe them with a soft damp cloth to prevent dirt, chemicals and perspiration from diminishing the lustre of the pearls. After a few years you should have them re-strung or earlier if they are showing signs of loosening. If unsure you should seek the advice of your jeweller. Do not expose your pearls to detergents,… Care of Pearls Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:00:31 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/the-pearl-cultivation-process/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/the-pearl-cultivation-process/ The Cultivation Process Generally speaking, all cultured pearls are cultivated in the same manner. Either two or three molluscs are needed for the culturing of one pearl. With seawater pearls, three oysters are needed: • Tissue is taken from an oyster of the same species • The tissue is finely sliced and inserted into a mother oyster • The nucleus which is a small mother of pearl bead usually around 4mm is cut from another mollusc and inserted carefully along with the tissue • The oyster is returned to its growth environment where it is checked and cleaned regularly until… The Pearl Cultivation Process Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:53:36 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/difference-between-natural-cultured-and-imitation-pearls/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/difference-between-natural-cultured-and-imitation-pearls/ How do I tell the difference between Natural, Cultured and Imitation Pearls? Whilst there is a range of tests requiring varying levels of technique and, in some cases, sophisticated equipment, the easiest test for the lay person is called the ‘tooth test’. Rub the pearls lightly along the biting edge of your upper front teeth. If they feel gritty or sandy, it’s likely they are cultured or natural pearls. If they feel smooth, they are probably imitation!  It is important to rub it lightly as imitation pearls can be scratched. We would recommend (because of today’s technology and imitation pearls… Difference between Natural, Cultured and Imitation Pearls Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:32:03 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/types-of-cultured-pearls/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/types-of-cultured-pearls/ Pearls are an organic gem – meaning that they derive from a living thing – rather like coral and amber and are produced by several types of seawater and freshwater molluscs – mainly oysters and mussels which have a pearly lining on the inside of their shell. There are three types of pearls: Natural pearls Cultured pearls Imitation pearls Natural pearls Natural pearls are extremely rare and occur when a grain of sand or parasite enters an oyster's shell and acts as an irritant which the mollusc covers with nacre. Over a period of two years or more a pearl… Types of Cultured Pearls Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:03:20 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/the-grading-and-valuation-of-freshwater-pearls/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/the-grading-and-valuation-of-freshwater-pearls/ The grading and valuation of freshwater pearls depends upon the following factors Lustre - the greater and more even the lustre the higher the value. Smoothness - the smoother the pearl, the more valuable it is – wrinkles and bumps are not necessarily considered to be flaws but add character which does not necessarily detract from the pearl’s appeal Size/weight - a freshwater pearl’s size is not as important a price factor as the lustre and surface quality. Shape - usually the rounder the pearl the greater its value. Good symmetry can make a pearl more valuable. Most freshwater pearls… The Grading and Valuation of Freshwater Pearls Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:09:09 +0100 http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/why-are-some-pearls-more-expensive-than-others/ http://pearlsoftheorientonline.com/news/why-are-some-pearls-more-expensive-than-others/ Natural Pearls Due to their increasing rarity, prices of natural pearls have risen considerably in recent years but they still don’t match in real terms those of the early 1900’s. Nevertheless natural pearls are still worth a lot more than cultured pearls. Seawater Pearls Cultured seawater pearls are more expensive than cultured freshwater pearls for a number of reasons including The cost of obtaining and implanting the US–sourced bead nucleus The substantially higher rejection rate of the shell bead nucleus The sea being a much harsher environment for the cultivation process with its greater variations in water temperatures and salinity;… Why are some pearls more expensive than others? Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:21:29 +0100