Pearl rings, the born of a natural pearl.

Pearl rings are getting more and more popular as an alternative to the traditional diamond engagement rings. Pearl is actually a wonderful piece of jewelry that is created by oysters and mussels when a foreign object such as a small rock or grain of sand enters inside. The oyster or mussel will then cover that small rock with nacre.

The amount of nacre in a pearl is dependent on several factors such as the mollusk, water composition and finally the how long the irritant (small rock) is left inside to grow. Generally the thicker the nacre coating the higher the quality, durability and value of the pearl as a jewelry. Cultured pearls are less expensive and they are often used in engagement rings because they can be easily found.

Pearl rings, natural and cultured pearls.

There are two kind of pearls. Natural pearls are extremely rare so the price will be extremely expensive. Cultured pearls on the other hand are cultivated by man. Kokichi Mikimoto was the first man who got the patent to produce cultured pearls. The only difference between a natural and a cultured pearl is that the latter involves human to add external irritant into an oyster or mussel to start the pearl creation process.

An interesting way to test whether a pearl is cultured or imitation is to rub the pearl up and down against your front tooth. You will get a rough feeling if the pearl is cultured or natural. If it feels smooth, it's definately a fake or imitation. A pearl ring is actually more difficult to set than a diamond ring.

Pearl rings, freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls.

There are two types of pearls. Freshwater pearls can be found in places such as lakes or rivers while saltwater pearls are only found in the sea. Saltwater pearls are more expensive. Akoya Japanese pearls and Tahitian pearls are among the most sought after pearls in the world.

Pearls come in various kinds or shapes and sizes. Most people think a pearl must be a creamy white, luminescent coloring round shape bead. That's not true. So, before you choose a pearl ring as an engagement ring, make sure you know what you're buying - natural, cultured or imitation. Ask about treatments involved and ask for the x-ray results if you're buying a natural pearl.

Also see:

Ruby rings
Ruby is also known as the ring of kings. When combined with diamonds, it has the meaning of timeless love.