Frequently Asked Questions

Where is AMERICAN PEARL located?

AMERICAN PEARL is located at 576 5th Avenue, Suite 1102 in New York City in the heart of the diamond disrict. If you would like to visit us, please feel free to call us at 800-847-3275 to make an appointment to view the pearls you are interested in.

What can you tell me to help comfort my purchase?

We wan't you to be happy with your pearl purchase. We encourage you to call the contacts under the references page. In addition, please read the testimonials.

Are cultured pearls artificially manufactured?

Absolutely not. Cultured pearls, like natural pearls, are grown within live oysters. Each begins when a skilled technician surgically implants a host oyster with a shell bead and piece of mantle tissue. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a crystalline substance, called "nacre," over the irritant. Over time, the nacre layers build on one another, creating a surface that glows with a luster unique to true pearls. Artificial, or imitation, pearls, on the other hand, do not involve oysters in any way, but are manufactured from various chemicals and compounds. Even so, be aware that some imitation pearls are sold as "organic." One popular technique for producing artificial pearls involves dipping a glass bead many times into a fish-scale-and-lacquer substance. While the shine of most artificial pearls is primarily surface reflection, a cultured pearl emanates a deep three-dimensional glow that appears to come from within the pearl itself.

What's the difference between cultured pearls and natural pearls?

Natural pearls form without human assistance -- when a foreign object, such as a parasite or piece of shell, accidentally lodges itself in an oyster's soft inner body where it cannot be expelled. This happens so rarely that, today, nearly all natural pearls one sees are in estate jewelry collections.

Is there a standardized grading system for cultured pearls?

Pearls have been bought and sold for thousands of years, but there still is no widely accepted standardized grading system, though individual vendors may use their own. Because no two pearls are ever alike, such a grading system would require hundreds of quality parameters. Also, the fact remains that some gem-quality pearls are so distinctive they defy comparison.

Why are pearls given two numbers to describe their size?

It's industry practice to measure cultured pearls in a necklace by range: 6 to 6 1/2 millimeters, or 7 to 7 1/2 millimeters, for example. This means that every pearl in the strand falls at or between the two sizes given. Note, however, that this practice does not apply to South Sea and Tahitian pearl necklaces, which are usually graduated in size.

Are white pearls the best?

When it comes to the color of pearls, white pearls are indeed the most valuable. Of course, there are two components which comprise the make of a pearl. They are the bodycolor and the overtone. The bodycolor of pearls with the most value are white. There is no mistaking this. These are the pearls that are found at finer jewelry stores such as Mikimoto or Tiffany & Co. Creamy pearls, according to the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) are worth 40% less than white pearls. Always, always insist on a pure white bodycolor pearl and be sceptical before purchasing pearls that are yellowish or creamy. The overtone of a pearl is the color that overlies the bodycolor and can be either silver or rose. A consumer, therefore should be shopping for one of two possible choices to insure optimum value: (1) A white bodycolor pearl with rose overtones or (2) A white bodycolor pearl with silver overtones.

May I leave my pearls in a safety deposit box for years?

Please don't. Pearls contain small traces of water, so it's unwise to leave them in such a dry environment over very long periods. The conditions may cause the pearls' moisture to evaporate and cause them to lose luster. Pearls worn frequently retain their moisture by absorbing it from the air or from the wearer's body.

Pearls are so old-fashioned

Not so. Fashion magazines have recently featured cultured pearls as one of the top accessories complimenting today's styles.

How do I care for my cultured pearls?

Because cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals, it's important to take special care of them to ensure they remain bright and beautiful for generations to come. Cosmetics, perfumes and hair sprays all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of pearls if exposed over extended periods of time. Acids in body oils and perspiration can damage pearls' lustre in the same way. So, we suggest wearing your pearls after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray, and then wipe their pearls afterward with a soft damp cloth to remove any harmful build-ups. Occasional washing with a mild soap is also recommended. Also, pearls should always be separated from hard jewelry items, whether metals or other gemstones, to prevent them from being scratched. It's best to keep pearls in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined jewelry box. If you plan to wear your pearls several times a week, we recommend that you return for restringing once a year to avoid breakage. The strand must be knotted between each pearl, both to prevent the pearls from rubbing against each other, and to save them from all falling should a break occur. With proper attention and handling pearls will last for generations. But if continuously exposed to harmful products -- such as cosmetics or abrasive detergents -- pearls' luster can diminish. For this reason, light cleaning with a soft, damp cloth after each wearing is recommended, along with periodic deep cleaning by a professional jeweler.