Known as the "Queen of Gemstones", pearls symbolize nobility, purity and elegance. In the market, we see two main types of pearls: artificial pearls and natural pearls. There are many significant differences between these two types of pearls.
First of all, from the point of view of the formation process, natural pearls are formed in the body of mollusks such as shellfish or mussels, and it usually takes several years. Small grains of sand or parasites in these animals stimulate their mantles, and to protect themselves, they secrete a substance called nacre that encapsulates the irritant. Over time, this nacre will gradually cascade and form a complete pearl. Artificial pearls, on the other hand, are made by artificially simulating this process.
In appearance, there is also a big difference between natural pearls and artificial pearls. Natural pearls come in different colors and shapes, such as pale yellow, pale green, pale red, pale blue, etc., and shapes such as round, oval, tapered, and pear-shaped. Because each natural pearl is unique in its formation process, they often have an irregular appearance with a unique texture. In contrast, the color and shape of faux pearls tend to be more consistent, with regular shapes such as round and oval common, but the texture tends to be more monotonous.
In terms of value, natural pearls are usually higher because the formation process takes years and they vary in shape and color. Artificial pearls, on the other hand, are usually lower because they are cheaper to make and faster to produce.
In terms of care, natural pearls and artificial pearls are also slightly different. Since natural pearls are formed from substances secreted by mollusks, they are highly sensitive to moisture and need to avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments. Artificial pearls, on the other hand, are typically made of plastic or other chemicals, so they are less sensitive to moisture, but still need to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme environments.
In general, there are significant differences between man-made pearls and natural pearls in terms of formation, appearance, value and care. Consumers need to choose the right type of pearl for them according to their needs and preferences when purchasing.