Edison Pearls, A Look Inside...

The Edison pearl is a new type of cultured Freshwater pearl, well not brand new as it was introduced to the world a few years ago.

If you are not familiar with it, then this blog post is for you! In this article, I will talk about what an Edison pearl is and how it came to be. But let me give you a quick refresher on the beautiful world of pearls in general.

 

The Origin of Pearls 

Pearls have been cultivated in Asia as far back as 15,000 BC. Early pearl jewelry has been discovered at numerous archeological sites throughout Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Pearls have long been cherished for their beauty and scarcity by a variety of civilizations. In several ancient societies, the pearl was seen as a sign of wealth and aristocracy, which is probably why they remain popular to this day.

 

Cultured Pearls

Commercial production of cultured pearls began in Japan in the early 1900s and has since spread to other countries, including China and Australia.

Today, most of the world's cultured pearls are produced in these three countries. Unlike natural pearls, which form randomly inside oysters, cultured pearls are grown intentionally by implanting a small piece of mantle tissue from a donor oyster into an oyster host. The implanted oyster is then placed back into the water so the pearl farm can monitor it for three to four years until a pearl forms.

 

Classification of Pearls

The first classification is between natural or wild pearls and farmed or cultured pearls. Natural or wild pearls are formed without the interference of humans, while pearl farmers grow cultured pearls (described above). The next distinction is between saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls.

Saltwater pearls are usually called Akoya pearls, mostly from Japan. These pearls usually go up to 9.5 to 10mm max South Sea pearls, which have two popular varieties. Golden South Sea pearls, from the Philippines, and white South Sea pearls from Australia, and finally Tahitian pearls, for years referred to as black pearls. Such pearls usually range in size from around 9-10mm to about 15 millimeters and are very expensive the bigger they get.

 

A Quick List of Pearls by Name

Akoya * South Sea * Golden South Sea * Tahitian  are all saltwater.

Freshwater Pearls, including edison pearls come from lakes and rivers

Freshwater pearls are farmed mainly by Chinese pearl farmers but can be found all over Asia. Such pearls come in a wide variety of colors because they are cultured with different species of clams that create specific hues.

To name two examples: The White or Silver Yin Yang pearl is grown using the Pinctada Radiata (a freshwater mollusk) and produces a white to off-white pearl.

The Black or Smokey Yin Yang pearl is grown using the Pinctada margaritifera (a saltwater mollusk) and produces a black pearl.

The next classification is between natural pearls and cultured pearls: Natural pearls are formed without the interference of humans, while cultured pearls are grown by pearl farmers by the process of implantation of a bead onto the oyster.

 

 

The Edison pearl

What Are Edison Pearls?

A few years ago, the pearl industry made a significant and exciting discovery in pearl farming technology when they developed Edison pearls. A brother and sister team from a pearl farming family with over 40 years of experience, Weijian Zhan and Weiyu Zhan, invented this new type of pearl.

They put three times more money into pearl farming research than the average firm over the last twelve years, and they've created a new species of massive freshwater pearls with unique hues and saltwater pearls of excellent quality.

The majority of freshwater pearls are formed by tissue, but Edison Cultured Pearls are formed using beads (innovative bead incubation techniques) just like saltwater pearls.

This new type of pearl was named the Edison Pearl and it was developed through a process of specifically selecting nuclei and carefully monitoring the culturing process. The result is an astonishingly large, lustrous, and colorful freshwater cultured pearl.

 

Awesome Colors

The unique colors and sizes of Edison Pearls have made them a popular choice for jewelry designers and consumers alike.

A single pearl is grown in each mussel, allowing for the shell to create a much larger pearl. The amazing luster produced by this process is only matched by the vivid colors this process produces. Such as amazing shades of plum, different shades of gold, and whites, similar to south sea pearls.

Peach and pink, like the traditional freshwater pearls but with a much better, bigger perfectly round shape.

Also, metallic aubergine-purples that are breathtaking. Traditional freshwater pearls rarely produce pearls in such large sizes and so many unique natural colors with amazing luster.

These exquisite Edison pearls have the same characteristics of high-end saltwater pearls, but they are big, can be almost perfectly round, which is usually difficult in freshwater pearls, and come in a variety of unique colors as well. 

 

Amazing sizes 

It is so exciting to see how Edison pearls can come almost three-quarters of an inch sometimes.

Large pearls are usually rare and expensive, but the Edison pearl is very affordable, plus it has a unique luster that can be compared with that of high-end pearls such as the Tahitian pearl or the South Sea pearl, but at a fraction of the price. I mention this because for generations, this wasn't possible.

 

 

Edison pearls have quickly become a popular choice for pearl jewelry, especially when manufacturing in gold, because of their amazing colors and sizes. If you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry, then an Edison pearl  is the perfect option!

And, the best part is, they're very affordable 

The average working woman can afford these treasures. With their high quality, large size, and unique colors, every woman can adorn herself in with Edison pearls.

Every pearl lover may now embellish herself in the superior treasure once fit for only nobility. Pearls were too rare and expensive for anyone outside the royal courts to wear for hundreds of years.

With their exquisite quality, huge size, and distinctive hues, Edison pearls make it so that every woman can treat herself to a gorgeous pearl necklace in either the famous Opera length, or the equally sought-after Princess length.

The large sizes, perfectly round shapes, coupled with the luster of their higher-end cousins are what make Edison pearls so unique, and in my opinion, underrated.

The benefits of owning an Edison Pearl necklace are many. They are affordable, they come in many colors and sizes, the pearls are round and lustrous with unique color options. They have an interesting backstory that can be shared with others, and they will last a lifetime if taken care of properly.

 

 

So, the next time you are looking to buy pearl jewelry for yourself or someone special in your life, be sure to check out the amazing Edison Pearls.

 

A few tips on choosing the perfect Edison Pearl necklace for you:

Choose a length based on the size of your neck, don't go too long or short. The pearls should sit a little longer than a choker would fit and make sure you can comfortably clasp it behind your neck without straining or tugging.

Make sure to choose quality over quantity when buying Edison Pearl jewelry, or any pearls for that matter. Always buy the best pearl you can afford. The difference in quality will be worth it. I have seen many dark pink Edison pearls out there and they look amazing.

 

Some things to keep in mind

The luster and colors of an Edison Pearl are incomparable to most other pearls for the price. Their luster compares to Akoya pearls, south sea pearls, as well as Tahitian pearls but at a much lower price.

Check out the different shapes, sizes, and colors available before purchasing to find the perfect one for you. Remember that a strand of pearls is usually made up of many individual pearls, so while some may be smaller or imperfect you can still make a beautiful necklace or piece of jewelry.

 

A few tips on how to care for your pearls, any pearls

Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after every wear to keep them looking new. This will aid in the removal of any oils or other substances that may have come into contact with your pearls during your day.

Clean with a damp cloth only as needed. If your pearls are visibly soiled, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls. NEVER submerge a pearl necklace in water, as it will soften the silk thread with which they are strung together.

Let them dry completely before storing. Again, this helps preserve the strength of the silk strand.

Take them to your local jeweler at least once a year. While you want to wear your pearls often to keep them hydrated, all that body oil doesn't do the silk thread any favors.

Make sure to have your jeweler check the integrity of your pearl strands once a year. My advice would be to have them re-strung if you wear them on a regularly. Your jeweler will also give them a thorough, safe cleaning.

If you're a jewelry lover and happen to have these machines, NEVER clean pearls with a steam machine or ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Both of these will probably damage the outer layer of your pearls.

A few tips on how to store your pearls

Last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Pearls should be the final touch to your outfit. Makeup, hairspray, lotion, or perfume should not be used after your pearls have been put on, and they should come off first thing when you get back home.

Keep them flat. While most chains and necklaces are better placed on a pretty stand, your pearl strands should not be hung. To keep pearls from stretching, store them flat.

Dedicate a space just for your pearls. Pearls can be delicate, and are prone to scratches, so store them separately in fabric-lined compartments.

Make sure you wear your pearls often. Pearls flourish in a humid atmosphere, so wearing them frequently preserves them from drying out.
You're Welcome. 

 Thanks for stopping by and reading about one of my favorite pearls. They are beautiful! It's esciting that they come in such an array of colors, shapes, sizes and textures. I'm so happy to be able to share this with you.

Do you have any Edison pearls, even if they're South sea pearls, or any other type of pearls that's ok, I would love to hear about them. What is your favorite color? Please let me know in the comments.