Cultured pearls form inside the body of a mollusk. However, technicians help the process along by inserting a man-made irritant to stimulate the creation of nacre. The resulting gemstone is far more affordable and is as authentic and beautiful as a natural pearl. The majority of pearls on the market today are of the cultivated variety.

There are four different types of cultured pearls available for fine jewelry pieces: Akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian. Akoya cultured pearl jewelry has a gorgeous white color and high luster, giving it a classic look. Freshwater cultured pearl jewelry is a popular alternative as it has a similar appearance at a less expensive price, while South Sea cultured pearl jewelry is known for pearls of exceptional size and luminous white color. Tahitian cultured pearl jewelry is distinguished by its darker and more modern hues of green, black, blue and purple.

Touch is the best way to tell a real pearl versus a fake one. Real pearls will be gritty to the touch, while fake pearls are often uniformly smooth. Fake pearls are entirely uniform in shape, size and color while real pearls, as organically created gems, have variations in their appearance. Real pearls will also conduct heat differently than fake pearls. A real pearl strand will initially feel cool to the touch, and then warm as you hold them in your hands.

Pearls are among the softest gemstones, ranking at just a 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. They are also quite sensitive to chemicals. However, you can certainly wear them every day as long as you take some easy precautions like putting your pearls on last, to protect them from cosmetics and body care products, and taking them off first. Pearl earrings and Pearl necklaces are a particularly good choice for everyday wear as they don't experience much wear and tear.

Both tips and knobs form on the ends of the pearl (99% of the time on baroque shaped pearls). Occasionally, knobs can have additional features that resemble small bubbles. They can be rounded or elongated, pointy protrusions located at either end of a pearl. Knobs and tips are natural growth characteristics and are also not counted as inclusions or blemishes.

To keep your pearls looking perfect, it's important to clean them regularly. Try to wipe your pearls down with a soft cloth after every wear to maintain their luster. Combine this with semi-regular cleaning using a gentle jewelry cleaner and your pearl jewelry will stay as beautiful as the day you bought it.

To date, the largest cultured pearl in the world is an astonishing 29.65mm South Sea baroque.

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence, culturally, among the younger generation longing for a style reminiscent of a more elegant time. Think about the gilded ’40s or the classic American style of Jacqueline Kennedy in the ’60s. In everything from architecture to fashion, we are seeing influences from these time periods today. Pearls have always made a statement about class and sophistication, finding their way into almost every woman’s wardrobe. Further, cultured pearls are affordable and dynamic accessories perfect for donning on a romantic night out, while casual enough to wear with jeans and your favorite blouse.A6

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located inside the Mall of Louisiana and there is also a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store located at the corner of Corporate Boulevard and Jefferson Highway near mid-city. In Lafayette, Louisiana, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located on Ambassador Caffery. In Shreveport, Louisiana, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located on Youree Drive at East 70th. Just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, in Metairie, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located in Lakeside Shopping Center with a new and expanded, freestanding location coming Fall of 2022. In San Antonio, Texas there are two Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry stores. Find one at The Shops at La Cantera and another located inside the Northstar Mall on San Pedro Avenue. In Jackson, Mississippi, visit a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store located at the Renaissance at Colony Park on Highland Colony Parkway. Visit the newest Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store, located in ABQ Uptown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.