Natural Pearls:         
A grain of sand or other irritant (nucleus) accidentally becomes lodged in the soft inner body of an oyster, where it cannot be expelled. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a smooth, hard, crystalline substance around the object (nacre), forming, over a period of years, a pearl, usually of irregular shape.

Cultured Pearls:      
The process is very much the same as previously illustrated, but the nucleus is inserted by man rather than nature.  This allows for a spherical object to be inserted thus creating perfectly round pearls.

Surface:
A clean pearl surface should be free of disfiguring spots, bumps, or cracks.  Both natural or cultured pearls are expected to have some imperfections, but the fewer and less noticeable they are, the better.

Shape:
Because pearls are grown naturally, a perfectly round pearl is extremely rare. They range from round (the rarest and most expensive) to baroque (most common and cheaper)

Colour:
Cultured pearls come in a vast colour spectrum ranging from white through champagne, pink to black    

Size:
Cultured pearls are measured by their diameter in millimetres. Generally, the larger the pearl, the greater its value, however the average-sized pearl sold today is between and 6 and 7 1/2 millimetres.

Caring for your Pearls:      
Pearls are more delicate than other gemstones, as they are porous and fairly soft.  Cosmetics, perfume, and hair spray contain chemicals that can harm pearls, so it's best to put on your pearls after you've used these products.  Wipe the pearls with a soft, damp cloth after you wear them, and keep them separate from other jewellery  to prevent harder items from scratching them.