At The Ringmakers we love natural coloured gem stones. We commonly make one off pieces using sapphire, ruby, emerald, tanzanite, iolite, garnet, amethyst, morganite and others. We have a number of suppliers so can source stones in the colour and shape and budget that you require. We can also have stones specially cut where necessary if something out of the ordinary is required. We keep a great selection of loose stones in stock so viewing stones to choose colours is no trouble.
Pearls come in many sizes, shapes and forms, so it is helpful to understand the different types:
Natural pearls – these are formed without any assistance from humans. They form when a bit of sand, shell or a parasite enters an oyster or mussel (mollusc) shell and cannot be flushed out. The mollusc then secretes layers of a crystalline substance called nacre over the irritant. Natural pearls are very rare today.
Cultured pearls – these are still natural but are assisted by human intervention. A shell bead is surgically implanted in a host oyster or mussel, triggering the production of nacre and the formation of a pearl.
Pearls can be further classified according to whether they are cultured in fresh or saltwater and the type of mollusc used to grow them. Different parts of the world are famous for different types of pearls and these vary hugely in price. There are seven key factors which affect the price of a row of pearls. These are:
Colour – this may range from white/cream or golden, through pinks, lavenders and greens, to deep black in some cultured South Sea (Tahitian) pearls.
Shape – pearls come in a surprising range of shapes, including round, off-round, potato, stick, rice, button, coin, drop, and baroque, the last of which is very asymmetrical. The rounder and more symmetrical a pearl is, the more expensive, generally, though baroque pearls are also very popular due to their striking appearance.
Size – the price of pearls tends to increase as the size increases.
Lustre – this is the measurement of the quality and quantity of light that reflects from just under the surface of the pearl. The more lustrous the better!
Surface – the pearl’s surface may be blemished with little pits, wrinkles or pockmarks. Unblemished pearls are considered more desirable than blemished ones.
Nacre thickness – this is the thickness of the mollusc’s secretion around the irritant and in cultured pearls it tends to be very good.
Match – the better the match between individual pearls in a pair or set, the higher the price.
We are able to source pearls of many types, including stunning Eyris paua pearls. Come in and chat to us about your requirements.
