Frequently Asked Questions

Pearls are one of the most intriguing of all gems; however, they are also one of the most misunderstood. In an effort to answer your questions Imperial-Deltah, Inc. one of the largest and oldest pearl jewelry manufacturers in the United States, has put together this brochure in an attempt to answer some of your questions about pearl jewelry.

What is a Cultured Pearl?

Imperial-Deltah Cultured Pearls result from a small irritant (usually a natural shell bead and/or piece of fleshy tissue) implanted into living oysters (Akoya and South Sea pearls) or mussels (Freshwater pearls). The oysters or mussels secrete a substance called "nacre" which bonds to the irritant. The resulting layers of nacre form the pearls.

What's the difference between natural and cultured pearls?

Natural pearls, just as the name implies, were formed when irritants entered the oyster by accident. This is a pretty rare occurrence and doesn't result in many jewelry quality pearls being available.

About 100 years ago a Japanese pearl farmer developed a process whereby a small piece of shell could be inserted into living Akoya oysters. These oysters were then put back into the water and the pearl forming process began. Today cultured pearls account for the majority of pearls used in jewelry.

Are cultured pearls and simulated pearls the same thing?

No. Cultured pearls are formed, over time, in oysters in their natural state. Simulated, imitation, and "faux" pearls are man-made out of a variety of products including, glass and plastic compounds.

What makes some cultured pearls more expensive than others?

Because cultured pearls are organic gemstones formed by nature no two pearls are exactly alike. A variety of factors go into determining the quality and thus, the price of your pearl jewelry.