Joy for life
They are smooth and shiny, look fantastic and simply feel great – real pearls are more than just small precious spheres. For millennia, they have been among the most coveted pieces of jewelry in the world and also hold a very special meaning.
How are natural pearls formed?
Pearl production itself is relatively unromantic. This is because pearls form when a foreign body enters a mussel. Because this could injure the mussel, it is encased in what the mussel has to offer inside, namely nacre. This can take several years.
Today, most pearls come from cultivation. This means that a foreign body is injected into mussels to stimulate them to cultivate pearls. Several pearls can be cultivated in one mussel. Pearls come in a variety of shapes – teardrop, oval, or even spherical. The perfectly round pearl is the rarest and most valuable. The chance that a freshwater mussel will produce a pearl is even as low as 50%.
Why does it make sense to buy real pearls?
Genuine pearls, cultured pearls, and natural pearls are the most valuable. The varying size of pearls within a pearl necklace is called graduation. The less graduation, the more valuable a pearl necklace, bracelet, or other pearl jewelry piece. However, jewelry designers often play with different graduations, which makes necklaces or bracelets even more attractive. Because pearls are a natural product, they also show differences. Notches, cracks, wrinkles or spots, as well as dull areas, can occur during a pearl's growth phase and are therefore completely normal. They are caused, for example, by dirt or strong temperature fluctuations, as mussels react very sensitively to external influences. Pearls without such flaws are, of course, much more valuable. However, true pearl lovers appreciate such growth characteristics as a sign of a pearl's uniqueness and naturalness.
So, those who value precious design "made by nature" will enjoy genuine pearls for a lifetime.
What should you look for when buying pearls?
One of the most important criteria for a pearl is its luster. Luster is the sheen of the pearl. This is created by the refraction of light through the individual layers of the pearls. The greater the light reflection and thus the luster of the pearl, the more valuable a pearl is. The thickness of the nacre layer is also an important value criterion for pearls. The thicker it is, the better the luster. Another value criterion is the roundness of the pearl, whereby the more perfectly round, the more expensive. The size of the pearl also determines the price, meaning the larger the more expensive. Nacre consists of conchiolin – a special protein from the outer skin of the mussel – and crystalline calcium carbonate. Even if the pearl may appear large, this does not automatically mean that it contains many nacre layers. Pearls can appear white, pink, gray, or cream due to light refraction and their layers. To check the authenticity of a pearl, it is best to rub two pearls against each other. If the pearls feel rough, they are real. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are smooth and slide off the teeth. If you rub a real pearl against your tooth, it feels rough and you feel resistance.
What is the difference between natural and cultured pearls?
To verify the authenticity of a pearl, one must first examine its surface. A professional rubbing of the pearls against each other or rubbing them against a tooth will clarify their authenticity. If the surface is smooth, it is an imitation such as Shellpearl or Majorica pearls. These inexpensive artificial products often appear deceptively real. Dents and grooves are even added to make the imitation look authentic. In synthetically produced pearls, the pearl only shines on the outside, as it does not consist of many layers like cultured or natural pearls. Sea pearls are generally more valuable than freshwater pearls, because in saltwater mussels, only a single pearl can ever be produced. Sea pearls such as Akoya, Tahitian, or South Sea pearls are among the most expensive types of pearls. However, caution is advised here, because many artificial pearls are also offered under these or similar names, but are purely synthetic, i.e., artificially produced, and therefore have hardly any value. For cultured and natural pearls, the larger and more uniform they are, the more valuable they are.
Do pearls affect one's joy of life?
As with everything, the same applies to pearls: if you take care of your pearls, they will last longer. Because pearls can lose a little of their luster over time. Sweat, cosmetics, and even perfume can make pearls duller in the long run. Therefore, after wearing them, they should always be wiped with a soft, red silk pouch from DIE PERLE. Once or twice a year, the pearls can also be cleaned with mild soapy water and then allowed to dry at room temperature. Even if they are valuable: pearls should not disappear into a safe. Because they need light and air. Real pearls are a valuable and special natural product and make their wearers shine in a special way. Some even believe that pearls are like a look into the soul of the people who wear them. Anyone who consciously wears real pearls will radiate and shine even more through them. Real pearls are value and joy that make you go through life differently.
By the way: the wearing comfort of real pearls and synthetic ones is like night and day. Once you have worn real pearls, cheap copies are no longer an option. Real pearls can also be seen as a real investment. Because their value never diminishes. Regardless of whether they are high-quality cultured or natural pearls – particularly valuable pieces are considered stable investments, similar to gemstones. They do not lose their value, especially when they are considered "Triple A" – as perfect round pearls with a flawless surface and excellent luster. When buying such high-quality pearls, you should only consult an expert dealer. Because good advice is irreplaceable, even with pearls.
Pearl jewelry has tradition and is always fashionable. You can never go wrong with pearls; they are the perfect accessory for everyday wear and with an evening gown. I love browsing in the small and exquisite shop in Vöcklabruck. It's a real treasure to have this store nearby. The advice is competent and personal, and the selection is enormous.
As a long-standing regular customer, I love pearl jewelry. Pearls have a very calming effect on me and possess a special aura. I feel very comfortable wearing jewelry from DIE PERLE because pearls represent timeless elegance and enduring style.
Pearls are unique to me, and for every occasion, I buy my girlfriend modern pieces from DIE PERLE. This jewelry is delicate and sexy and always fits. As a student, the affordable prices for genuine jewelry are also very important to me. I find the virtual jewelry consultation, which I use quite often, excellent.
Diamonds are for princess – pearls are for queens.
For me, pearls are a symbol of friendship, solidarity, and love. Pearl jewelry is timeless and exciting. I have been gifting my wife and daughters jewelry from DIE PERLE for many years. Pearls are elegant, natural, and very delicate, and they make every face radiant.
A pearl is a natural product and that fascinates me. Pearls on women are particularly appealing and beautiful. A pearl necklace elevates any outfit, day or night. Jewelry from DIE PERLE is soft and feminine and shimmers mysteriously.
The 20 most frequent questions
How do I clean pearls?
Using a damp, soft cloth and, in case of heavy soiling, a mild, unscented soap solution.
May I wear my pearl jewelry while swimming?
Yes, of course, because pearls come from water. However, water is problematic for the thread, which is usually made of silk, especially in saltwater necklaces.
How do I protect my pearls?
Cosmetics, perfume, deodorant, household cleaners, and hairspray can damage pearls or leave behind residues that are difficult to remove. Self-tanner can even destroy pearls. Pearl jewelry should always be put on only after applying makeup and styling hair (hairspray).
How can I determine the value of pearls?
The better the luster (called orient in pearls), the more expensive the pearl.
The more perfectly round, the more expensive the pearl.
The larger, the more expensive the pearl.
Are shell pearls and Mallorca pearls real pearls?
No. Shell pearls are made from compressed mother-of-pearl dust, coated with a layer of lacquer, and Mallorca pearls are made by dipping a glass bead into a mixture of glue and ground fish scales.
Where do the pearls come from?
Freshwater pearls come almost exclusively from China, as there are no other cultivation areas worldwide. Saltwater pearls of the highest quality come from Japan, but also from China. Tahitian pearls come from French Polynesia. South Sea pearls predominantly come from Australia and the Philippines.
Can an old pearl necklace be redesigned?
Of course, we'd be happy to help you in our store. This happens all the time with inherited items.
Are repairs done in-house?
All repairs are carried out in-house or by a goldsmith employed by us.
Do you also ship jewelry internationally?
Yes, worldwide!
Where can I find your jewelry in Austria?
Our jewelry can be found at our pearl consultants, in approximately 80 display cases in Austria, South Tyrol and Bavaria in hotels, bridal and beauty salons, and of course at our main store in Vöcklabruck. We also supply about 500 jewelers in Austria.
Which are the most expensive pearls and can we buy them from you?
The most expensive pearls are conch pearls, with prices for a single pearl easily reaching €40,000. These pearls are natural marine pearls that grow in a sea snail. When it comes to pearls, there is NOTHING that THE PEARL cannot deliver.
Can I start working for you as a pearl consultant, what qualifications do I need?
Of course, we provide the relevant, in-depth training.
Are these pearls real?
The authenticity test is very simple: rub a pearl against an incisor. If the sensation is very unpleasant, like rubbing a stone against your tooth, the pearl is genuine. If the pearl being tested slides very easily and without resistance over the tooth, the pearl is fake.
Why is the jewelry so cheap?
We buy directly from the manufacturers and therefore avoid any intermediate trade.
What does pearl stringing cost?
Per button € 0.50. The number of beads multiplied by € 0.50 results in the total price.
Can I have a necklace custom-made?
Of course, we custom-make necklaces according to customer specifications, precisely fitted to the wearer's neck.
Can I borrow jewelry from you?
Generally not, but for prom nights in the Vöcklabruck area, we provide graduates with selected jewellery for their ball free of charge. Brides may take 5 pieces for the final fitting of their wedding dress to ensure the jewellery fits for the most beautiful day of their lives.
At DIE PERLE, will I receive a raffle prize for my event?
In the immediate vicinity of Vöcklabruck, we are happy to support events with raffle prizes. For matriculation balls in Vöcklabruck and Gmunden, we even provide the main prize – a pearl necklace worth €790.00 each.
Why do pearls become dull?
due to sweat and makeup. This can be cleaned again with a soft, damp cloth. If the pearl has become dull due to perfume, corrosive substances like self-tanner or hairspray, it is destroyed, because the luster is its most essential characteristic and value.
Can I wait for the repair? Bonding...
As a rule, no, as adhesives, for example, must cure for 24 hours.
