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Jewelry News > Cultured Pearls and Pearl Jewelry > New Zealand Paua Blue Pearls
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New Zealand Paua Blue Pearls
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Indigenous to New Zealand (NZ) coastal waters, the Blackfoot Paua Abalone univalve shellfish or haliotis iris is one of eight mollusk variety found around the Pacific Rim. The Paua shell lining (mother-of-pearl), iridescent and multi-hued, is widely known and used to create artistic inlays, art works, adornments and jewelry, i.e., rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Much like the oyster the Abalone produces natural pearls by coating irritants with its nacre. Reflections of their shells, these nacre-coated irritants (Blue Pearls) are colorful and most often, highly iridescent.
Most of the Paua Blue pearls we know today are cultured pearls produced with man’s intervention. Culturing pearls in the Paua has been fraught with difficulties, mostly due its hemophiliac nature and its ability to quickly expel most irritants. However, these difficulties are being overcome with the use of a special process, somewhat similar to the process used with the pearl oyster, to produce unique, spectacular multi-colored Mabe pearls.
Reflections of the Paua inner shells, with mirror finished or subtle reflected luster, the pearls ranges from 5mm to 20mm in diameter. The colors are vibrant purple, magenta, greens and blues. With characteristics similar to that of a chameleon, the pearls' soft iridescent colors change from blue, purple, green to gold/yellow with splashes of silver-grey, red and pink with a mere hint of light -- the color combinations are infinite.
NZ Paua Pearls are graded using Gem, A or B grade point system – that has some similarities to the grading system used to grade South Sea Pearls, Tahitian Black Pearls and the Cook Island Black Pearls. Each Blue Pearl is graded based on its size, intensity of color, degree of luster and surface imperfection. Grading points are then allocated based on a maximum ratio point of 40% for color; 30% for luster and 30% for surface imperfections.
Blue Pearls of magenta, greens and blues are considered the most desirable and are reflected as such in their pricing, however, majority has brownish color that does not diminish or distract from the pearl’s beauty. Their beauty comes from their unique shapes and colors. Paua Pearls are of 100% natural color – with no dyes, lacquers or any other enhancements, and are certified accordingly with Certificates of Authenticity. These Certificates are provided to retailers, for distribution to the purchasers, by the Paua Blue Pearl Hatcheries from which they originated.
Blue Pearl Jewelry is available set in 14k or 18k yellow or white gold with or without brilliant diamonds. These designs feature "Gem" quality 8mm to 14mm iridescent Blue Pearls. Contact us today and we will assist you with finding your special New Zealand Abalone Blue Pearl Jewelry.
Fusion Pearl
www.fusionpearl.com |
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