Akoya Pearls (Saltwater) Versus Freshwater Pearls

1) As you may have noticed, freshwater pearl jewelry is less expensive. And you know the Akoya pearl is more expensive....

A few reasons for this difference, one the freshwater pearl is easier to grow. Freshwater pearls are easier to grow because the process of nucleation is different and easier. The amount of nucleation per mollusk is much more in the freshwater pearl mussel (at one time 40 to 50) the most an akoya can produce might be 4 or 5 and they do not that often because quality goes down and mortality goes up. Freshwater mussels can be nucleated again with less mortality than the one time for akoyas. There is more control over the environment, ponds and streams as opposed to ocean water, which has typhoons and red tides to contend with.

2) Of course, Akoya Pearls are mostly round in shape.

And needless to say, Freshwater pearls are rarely round shaped.

The Akoya is nucleated with a round bead made from a freshwater mussel shell that is made round to begin with. The Freshwater mussel is nucleated with a piece of soft tissue, usually just a flat piece, or many flat pieces.

3) The freshwater pearl earring is solid nacre.

Here is something you might not know about...an Akoya Pearl Necklace has a bead core made of shell and only a coating of nacre, as thin as 1mm.

See above, the soft tissue that the freshwater mussel is nucleated with is absorbed leaving a pearl of solid nacre, more like natural pearls. The Akoya is nucleated with a shell bead of some size, and only allowed to develop nacre for a limited time before harvesting. The length of time is limited only by the cultivator's desire for quicker harvests.

4) A benefit of thicker nacre means that a freshwater pearl necklace will last longer.

Truth be told, low grade akoya pearl necklaces with a thin coating of nacre often chip and or wear off.

As you can imagine, a freshwater pearl with solid nacre has nothing to chip away; whereas, an Akoya pearl is possibly only a coating of as little as 1mm, so it can easily be worn or chipped.

5) The better grades of Akoya Pearl Jewelry have a higher luster compared to freshwater jewelry pearls.

A Freshwater pearl bracelet can have "orient', a rainbow iridescence noticed on heirloom or natural pearls. An Akoya pearl bracelet does not have this.

The nacre or mother of pearl of the Akoya has a greater luster or glow. The Freshwater pearl can have a trait called "orient" which is a shimmering of a rainbow of color, like the way that oil looks on water. Orient is seen on natural saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls; but, not on Akoya cultured pearls.

So it adds up to this: Things they are a changing. From keshi pearls called rice crispies because that's what they look like, to gem grade pearls. Freshwater jewelry pearls are now rivaling Akoya jewelry pearls in beauty.

Freshwater pearl jewelry is changing rapidly. A Freshwater pearl necklace will last longer, and be tomorrow's heirloom. Freshwater Pearls are gaining in quality and popularity.

Patrick Cavanaugh

Freshwater pearls here--> http://www.sunshinepearls.com/freshwater-pearl-jewelry-c-295_150.html

Akoya Pearls--> http://www.sunshinepearls.com/akoya-pearl-jewelry-c-295_302.html

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Stauer Vintage Watch Styles - Gold, Stainless Steel and Chrome Stauer Watches

Every watch that Stauer makes is designed to make the elegant designs and functions of luxury watches accessible to a growing number of satisfied Stauer watch owners. Built using precision, Swiss engineering technology, the watches feature automatic jewel movements that ensure the precise time measurement is as sophisticated as the designs themselves. With a series of classical watch designs that represents the best of 1930s watches, Staur captures the feel of the era better than any company on the market.

Stauer Dashtronic Watch

Based upon a classic 1930s Speedster watch design, the Dash Tronic watch features a automated jewel movement with 21 independent pieces, as well as a level of durability that ensures water resistance and long-lasting quality with stainless steel construction. The watches sturdiness is enhanced with an alligator leather band, and a Speed dial display that combines the best of vintage design and modern engineering.

Stauer Graves Watch

The Gold Stauer Graves Watch is based upon a 1933 design that emerged from an era when industrialists competed to produce the finest custom watches. You can own a piece of history, built with modern engineering that is based upon the most expensive, commissioned watch in American history - selling for over $10 million at Sothebys Auction House, the design re-creates the watch with complete 24 karat gold plating, water resistance and a detailed 24 hour clock with four dials.

Each classic watch that Stauer produces carries the perfect balance of history design and significance with the precision and time-tested engineering that has come to make the company's vintage watches admired throughout the world for their quality in form and function.

Find the best deals on vintage Stauer watches and read more watch reviews

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The Review of Tag Heuer Golf Watch

In a corroboration with golf professional Tiger Woods, TAG Heuer created a new watch made for golf professionals. Many people are not professional golfers, but it is obvious that one should remove one's watch while engaging in golf less it interferes with one's swings in negative ways. TAG Heuer, with Tiger Woods, aims to create a watch that actually complements golfers, rather than oppose them.

The TAG Heuer golf watch is forged from lightweight titanium. Not only lightweight and durable, it is proven to be at least 60% lighter than the other creations of TAG Heuer. It encompasses an integrated clasp, designed to keep the watch out of the way of professional golfers. In detail, there are two safety release switches at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions that have to be pushed in order to release the watch, which explains how secure it is. Its crown is positioned at the 9 o'clock position, as compared to the traditional 3 o'clock position to prevent it from getting into the way of its users or getting stuck on one's glove. The watch strap is made of silicon, which accounts for its slide-proof characteristic and flexibility to adjust its size according to the golfer's wrist. It is made to be highly shock resistant as it will be constantly exposed to the shocks of golf swings, with the ability to withstand up 45 times the impact generated by the swing of a golfer. With quartz movement, the TAG Heuer golf watch will be even more durable than automatic watches. Another feature would be the inclusion of luminous hands and hour markers, hence users can also have access to accurate time even in the dark.

It is estimated to cost buyers around $1100, not a bad price in my opinion, considering that it is a very unique and limited edition watch, with also a percentage of the profits earned going to the Tiger Woods Foundation, a nonprofit organization to lend a hand to needy children to help them achieve greater heights. For golfers, it is definitely the watch to get or if one is looking for a watch that is sophisticated in appearance and unobtrusive.

Need gift ideas for your love ones? Visit Mindchic.net for watch gift ideas and read about building a solid relationship at the same time.

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