Different Pearl Treatments
Most people recognize the fact that cultured pearls are bleached and polished. Some are dyed or stained to bring out a better appearance and these treatments should be explained in determining the value of thee pearls. Unfortunately, not everyone will share this information and no standards appear to exist. One country that excels at the different treatments that are conducted on pearls is Japan.
One treatment that is very popular is bleaching. Natural and cultivated pearls usually are exposed to this process. The pearls are placed into a solution made of hydrogen peroxide that has been watered down with water to keep it from doing too much damage to the organic gem. Some companies heat the pearls and use radiation to help produce the rich white colour that most people associate with pearls. The time frame involved can range from 7 to 60 days. If the pearls are not carefully watched and checked, minute damage may occur.
Another treatment involves using a silver nitrate solution to cause the pearls to be more susceptible to light. This process can help to darken the pearl and give it a black colour. The Akoya pearl is practically always treated in this manner to achieve its unique colour and clarity. Some pearls are treated by dying them to change the colour of the organic gem. Dying pearls is done on a few different types of pearls but most are left alone to display their natural colours and lustre. Depending on the look that is hoped to be created, different treatments may need to be done.
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