Careems launches new pearl collection

Thursday, 12 May 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Careem Jewellers has introduced an extensive selection of pearl strands and pearl studded jewellery, which is now on display at its Hilton Colombo showroom.

Commenting on the new collection, Managing Director Shezard Careem said: “With many varieties of pearls available in the market, it is important for customers to have a clear understanding of the different types of pearls available, so they can buy with confidence the next time they would like to own these wonderful creations of nature.”

The species of oyster in which the pearl is formed, the region in which the pearls are cultivated, the size and colour of the pearls help to differentiate one type of pearl from another. Careems offers its clients a choice of all the major pearl varieties including lustrous Akoya pearls, large golden South Sea pearls, shimmering Tahitian pearls and also Freshwater pearls.

Careem added: “By offering a large variety of pearls, we are able to meet a wide range of requirements from our customers across pearl colours, shapes, sizes and price points.”

Careems provided the following advice to help identify one pearl type from another:

Akoya pearls

Akoya pearls are primarily grown in the cool to temperate saltwater of Japan by cultivating the Pinctada Fucata oyster species. Many experts believe Akoya pearls have the highest lustre amongst all pearls. The size can range from two to 10 millimetres (average size is 6-7mm) and the colours are rose, silvery-white, cream, gold and grey-blue.

Freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are formed in lakes, rivers, ponds and other freshwater bodies. Most of these pearls are produced in China. The size ranges from three to 13 millimetres (average size is six mm) and the pearls come in a variety of pastel shades including white, pink, peach, lavender, grey, yellow and cream.

South Sea pearls

South Sea pearls are grown in the warm, pure waters off Australia and Indonesia. The oyster species Pinctada maxima produces these pearls which are the largest and rarest grown. South Sea pearl sizes range from nine to 20 millimetres (average size is 13 mm) and their colours include beautiful shades of white, silver and gold.

Tahitian pearls

These pearls are formed in the waters of French Polynesia. The sizes range from 8 to 18 millimetres (average size is 9-10mm). Though commonly called ‘black’ pearls, they actually vary from light to dark gray in colour. In addition, Tahitian pearls uniquely exhibit a variety of colours shimmering about their surfaces including shades such as peacock, eggplant, green, olive green, blue and magenta.