Colored pearls!
30 03 2008
Dear Leslie,Why do pearls come in so many different colors?Morgan in North Carolina
Dear Morgan,
The main reason pearls come in so many different colors is because they come from slightly different species of animals. All pearls come from a bivalve, such as an oyster or mussel, but several different species and subspecies produce jewelry-quality pearls. Other factors that may effect color are the environmental conditions around the animal, its general health, or even the season. Expert pearlers in Scotland are able to tell which Highland river a pearl came from simply by looking at the color! Jewelry technology has also advanced to the point where pearls may be dyed, so that a jeweler can provide the look he wants for less than a king’s ransom. For example, here’s a striking red and white pearl bracelet and necklace set. It’s especially impressive to me because the dying process has not affected the lustrousness of the pearl – they remain “pearly” while sporting a striking new color. Each piece also comes with a cute heart-shaped bar clasp. Show your friends their first red pearls for only $75.
