There are many conditions that happen to individuals, explained and unexplained. In hypertrichosis, you will find a wide range of probably answers but not all of them will be the answers you are looking for. The best relief from conditions like these is to seek the advice of your doctor.

Hypertrichosis is a medical condition that causes excessive growth of hair in areas where hair does not normally grow. It may be present over the entire body, or you could have it in only one or more areas. Some individuals will be born with the condition and others will develop it later on in life.

Congenital Hypertrichosis is very rare. In fact, it is so rare that there have been only 50 verified cases since the Middle Ages. It occurs because of a flaw during pregnancy. A fetus is covered with lanugo which is a very fine layer of hair that falls off during the eighth month. In these cases, it does not fall off but continues to grow. In a serve case known as Congenital Hypertrichosis Terminalis, the hair becomes colored as well and remains there after birth.

Another variation of Congenital Hypertrichosis is called Naevoid Hypertrichosis. Here, the individuals will have excessive hair growth in only one area of the body.

Acquired Hypertrichosis

Acquired Hypertrichosis occurs after birth at any point. The symptoms may include unpigmented vellus hair or pigmented terminal hair. The excessive hair may cover the entire body, or it could be localized to one area.

What Causes It: Hypertrichosis?

Although there are no for sure answers to that question, many believe the condition to be a genetic disorder. It can be considered inherited or has been known to just happen due to the mutation of genes. Some are cancer related which occurs after individuals have cancer. Some individuals believe that it can be caused by drugs or metabolic disorders as well.

Treatments For Hypertrichosis

The best treatments available include:

Shaving regularly

Depilatories which are hair removal creams can also be used as long as the skin is free from cuts or open sores. Check for allergic reactions before use.

Bleaching products can help to lessen the look of these hairs but make sure to check for chemical reactions.

Electrolysis and laser hair removal techniques may also be helpful. Here, a laser will actually kill the follicle stopping it from being able to grow hair. Some at home kids are effective, but professional service is the best.

Hypertrichosis is a condition that really does not have a cure so to speak. Hair removal techniques can help though. Although the best treatments are those that are the most costly, they are likely to provide the most satisfaction here.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about hair removal.

Copyright Epilator.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

What’s in a name? Er…well, everything, really! Of course your little bundle of joy is the sweetest, most beautiful thing you have ever seen and you want to choose a name that reflects his/her individuality, spirituality, uniqueness and all-round special-ness.

But wait a minute!

Remember that the unique baby name you choose will help define junior’s life - how they are viewed and accepted - for many, many years. What sounds cute and original for a 5-year-old, may not sound so funky for a 15-year-old…and what about a 55-year old?

Time was when only celebrities could get away with unique baby names (Zowie Bowie, Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa, etc), but in the modern world, individuality is more prized than ever before, and increasingly, this starts with our names. Great idea – but don’t allow a flash of a self-indulgence to condemn your child to a lifetime of problems; it’s reported that a Chinese couple named their child “Saddam Sars” to mark the current world events at the time of the birth! I just hope it means something nice in Mandarin, or Cantonese!

This probably wouldn’t have happened in Germany, where names can only be registered if they recognizable, do not ridicule the child and are gender specific. Perhaps there is at least one Chinese child in the world, who will grow up wishing he/she were German!

So – assuming you are not German - what should you do if you want to create a unique baby name, without creating too many problems? Here are some tips and some warnings to make the process less painful:

1. Anagrams: try creating an anagram of an existing name.

2. Father and Mother: try using derivatives of one of the parents’ names, or a combination of both. Alternatively, how does the mother’s maiden name sound as a first name?

3. Telescoping: try dropping letters from another name or a word, until you get a nice-sounding name.

4. Spelling: an unusual spelling of a common name creates uniqueness. However, remember that your child will be condemned to a lifetime of “…that’s David spelt D..A..Y..V..I..D…” conversations.

5. Pronunciation: another trick is to pronounce a common name in an unusual way. But this can also lead to a lifetime of corrections and explanations – as well as teasing and accusations of pretentiousness.

6. History: do some research into names that were popular in previous eras, but have become less so.

7. Family History: are there any unusual baby names that can be used to honor family members or ancestors? But beware family politics…

8. Nature: many names come from the natural world, particularly flowers (e.g. Rose) and it’s a great source for unique baby names (e.g. Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple).

9. Geography: another useful source of great names - grab an atlas and start searching. David and Victoria Beckham called their first son Brooklyn, which many people think is a cool-sounding name. However, it’s reported that the choice was made because that’s where conception took place. Hmmm, imagine a lifetime in which your name is a constant reminder of your parents having sex! Eeeuuuuww!!!

10. Celebrities: famous people with slightly unusual names are a common source of inspiration. There are lots of teenage “Kylie”s running around the UK since Kylie Minogue’s arrival on the music scene at end of the ‘80’s, and her recent resurgence, will have created a second wave of them. And I’m sure many little “Be’yonce”s have been popping up over the last few years. The only problem is that names like these very soon begin to sound a little silly and “wannabe”.

11. Foreign Names: consider using a foreign version of a name, e.g., Pedro, instead of Peter. Or try using a name from a completely different culture.

12. Nicknames: try using a nickname e.g. Angie, instead of Angela or Angelina. However, make sure the name is will pass the “age test” – see number 17 below.

13. Middle Names: a great way to accommodate individuality when naming your baby, is to combine a common first name with a unique second/middle name. The benefit of this is that your child can avoid embarrassment throughout his/her life by ignoring it of keeping it hidden.

14. Initials: when you have settled on some names, check that the initials aren’t embarrassing. This is an easy trap to fall into and can lead to a lifetime of misery. “Zina Indigo” are may be nice sounding names for your lovely daughter, but make sure your surname doesn’t begin with “T”!

15. First Name-Surname: check how the selected first name combines with the surname. Make sure the two names do not create some something recognizable, to prevent a lifetime of teasing. Also, check the rhythm of the two names; a different number of syllables in each name usually flows much better. Avoid rhyming the 2 names at all costs or your child will hate you forever!

16. The loudness test: try saying the name softly, at normal pitch and shouting it very loudly. You may be surprised at the results.

17. The age test: try to visualize your child with the name as a baby, as a teenager, as a young adult, a mature adult and as a senior citizen. A name can create completely different perceptions of the individual at separate stages of life.

18. The meaning: the final test of the name that you choose should be to check its meaning (if any). Don’t leave your child open to getting a nasty surprise later in life.

Whatever name you decide, don’t fall into the trap of self-indulgence. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s all about your child. Your grand design to celebrate the uniqueness of this new human being, may eventually lead to a lifelong, desperate desire for conformity and anonymity. Even Zowie Bowie eventually changed his name to “Joey”…

For more information on all things BABY, see http://www.kuzmo.net/baby

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

A prison to some living things and a precious stone to others, amber is indeed a fossilized resin. While some consider it a gemstone, others think that it cannot be called a precious stone because it isn’t of mineral provenience. However discussed this issue might be no argument can stop people from wearing amber jewelry. Part of the amber charm consists mainly in the fact that it immortalizes something inside it. It acts like a cryogenic pod, keeping the insects body in great shape because it doesn’t allow the bodies to decay. Some pieces of amber jewelry have prehistoric organic matter captured in their resin adding mystery and charm to the wonderfully colored jewels.

Amber jewelry has become a common thing for all people nowadays, but for a long period of time only nobility could afford it. Because it was thought it had miraculous powers their price was very high. In time, more and more people could afford to purchase amber jewelry. Today things are a little bit different. Anyone can afford amber jewelry, but the prices go from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on what the buyer is looking for.

The first thing one has to decide when purchasing amber jewelry is the wanted metal for that specific piece. If it is crafted in silver the jewel can be cheaper, but if gold or platinum are used, the price can raise because these metals are more expensive. Then there is the problem of the stone. Amber stones don’t come only in the yellow-brown color. They can be yellow, red or even blue and green, but the most expensive and valuable are the transparent, clear ones. Although the brown normal stones won’t cost too much, the green ones are more expensive. The green amber isn’t different in any way compared to the brown one. The only thing that differentiates the green stones is that they’re harder to find than the brown ones.

Amber is a lot softer than any other precious stone which makes it easier to shape by jewelers. The price is influenced by the amber shape also. A stone in its original shape is cheaper, but if you want a special design the price will rise. It’s almost impossible to wear amber jewelry with a big stone on it, especially if that jewel is a pin, a pair of earrings or cufflinks. Sometimes amber has a piece of tree bark or a small insect trapped in it. A long time ago, wearing amber jewelry with something imprisoned in it was considered disgraceful and those types of stone weren’t used. Now they’re valuable and the insect or object that is trapped inside it makes a huge difference. When making amber jewelry, the jewelers try to make the inclusion as visible as possible. This makes the jewel more valuable.

Another important aspect in amber jewelry is the provenience of the stone. Jewelry with stones from the Baltic area knows a wider and more rapid spreading than other. The stones from that area are the most common, because this is the largest excavation site were amber was found. Stones from the Dominican area are also very common. They’re a little bit softer than the ones found in the Baltic area. This is the place were the blue and smoky green stones originate from.

Jewelry can usually last hundreds of years. Amber jewelry is no exception and it can be a great inheritance for the generations to come. There is only one thing you should do: keep them in perfect storage conditions. Because the stone is very soft it’s easier to scratch or chip than other precious stones, like diamonds. So, you should keep your ambler jewelry wrapped in a soft cloth. Each piece of jewelry has to be wrapped in a different cloth because, if you put them together, they might rub one against another and get their shiny surface destroyed. The stone itself has to be stored in similar conditions, away from the metal of the chain (in case it’s a pendant). Amber jewelry has to be protected from the sun and from any heat sources which will damage the gem. For cleaning purposes, amber jewelry has to be rubbed only with a soft flannel cloth and with water. Rubbing the stone with olive oil and whipping any remains from its surface will give back that extra sparkle to the piece of amber jewelry you posses. One should never use hot water, steam cleaners or any type of soap and detergent to clean amber jewelry. If that happens, there is a high risk to destroy a beautiful jewel.

In the past amber was thought to have curative proprieties and was administered internally as a powder. To keep alive the traditions and beliefs people wore amber jewelry in the aching area. These superstitions may actually be true because of the energy the stone acquires. It is said that it can heal minor illnesses like throat ache, or head ache. So, if you have a soar throat you should try wearing a necklace and it’s possible the pain will go away.

Amber jewelry is indeed much appreciated nowadays and knowing some facts about the piece that you might be wearing right now can be quite interesting. Wrapped in mystery and beauty at the same time, this gem can fascinate anyone who is interested in it. For those who want to know more, amber jewelry is just a click away.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Fact is, online dating is as real as it gets.

The song “all we need is Love” struck a cord deep within our beings, that is truly to be explored a bit further.
Life is completely about Love, the only real meaning to Life would be to be loved and to Love. Don’t believe me, look into this for yourself. Ultimately we all need love and practically all of what we so eagerly pursue, has on some level or remote level, to do with seeking love…
How can I make such a statement? “Seek and ye shall find…” For the next week or two analyze the reasons for doing that big thing you are always keen to do…. That Friday night out with the girls that you would not miss, that fancy sports car you need to have…. The new shoes you can not do without. Is all of this not really an indication that we want to be out there, we want to look good while we out there and if we are looking good we might just find Love? Let’s look a bit at some of our beliefs about love.

How many of us believe we have to give up certain parts of who we are, in order to find or hold onto Love?
The opposite is however the real truth about Love. The highest expression of Love is finding yourself in a place where you can find more of you!
A place where you’re deeper Self can be expressed…. Your silly playfulness, your job, what you believe in and mostly who you are… We say this daily but do we really understand it? Do we truly hunt the relationships where we can be ourselves? Are you seeking experiences where you can learn more and be more of who you are? I know so many people rather seeking to get to learn more of who their partners are. What their partners believe and how their day jobs affect them. The wise old man on the street corner once said: Love yourself first…. You would be surprised at the level of accuracy that old fool spoke with. You can not find love from the outside if you are not love on the inside. While we like almost every other person learn about love and relationships through trail and error, we write thick books of rules who not to love, who to love and in which ways to love them. Rather then this I would advice writing thick novels about your self! Establish what is right for you and who you are. Relationships need you to come into them with a strong sense of self and a knowing of whom you are and the ones that really succeed would be those where both parties, brought to it a pretty full cup.

Online Dating is pretty much the same. It’s easy to say online dating does not work or it’s bad and we warn others not to attempt it. Does online dating not work or is it your choices that work against you? Bear in mind that I maintain, your search for dates or partners online, is another way to actually search for love. Many would say, no we just looking for “physical” partners online. Yet again we seek to find love within the physical as well. For many of us the physical is a subconscious trigger that we are being loved. Strange old energy this thing called love, is it not?
Exactly like seeking any other relationship or seeking love, love online would be a daunting experience if you bring a daunting self to its door. As many of us would advice about the ways to go about finding love, give advice and seminars on relationships, the same applies to relationships and love on the world wide web. Many of us might think well finding love in the physical world does not work for me and I will therefore try finding love in the cyber world….. hello ! It’s the same world! Going online as an empty shell is the same as going to a pub as an empty shell.
Apply all the deep truths you know and been taught by the gurus right here online as well. Online dating is as real as it gets. The very same real experiences we seek or choose to get into would happen from this online dating world that some of us believe to be separate from reality. Therefore apply your real Self to this very real experience as well.
Owner of an online dating site in South Africa :
http://www.eastrand-dating.co.za

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

If you have ever stood in front of your nicely stocked closet, had a number of discarded outfits beginning to pile up on the bed, and still had no clue what to wear to the occasion that you are already running late for, then you should know that you are not alone! As a matter of fact, there is not one woman alive who cannot boast the same difficulty at one point or another. Of course, the other reason why the outfits are piling up could be the fact that a well-meaning spouse or friend took one critical look at the ensemble you were wearing and simply remarked “you’re not wearing that, are you?”.

While this indecisiveness appears to be an epidemic for New Years Eve parties, the company holiday party, and other assorted celebrations of friends and families, thus far a bridal shower has not really ranked as an event that required a special kind of attire. Nonetheless, don’t you wish somebody would have given you a hint as to what kind of dress would be appropriate? Perhaps it is time for this to change! After all, you have spent a lot of time coming up with the perfect bridal shower theme, so why not go all the way and choose your bridal shower attire accordingly?

For example, if you are planning a bridal shower for your friend who will be going to Hawaii on her honeymoon, why not make the theme, as well as the attire, a Hawaiian celebration? Guests could wear Hawaiian shirts, dresses, perhaps even grass skirts! On the other hand, if the bride will be going surfing, why not dress in the height of California surfer fashion, complete with bleached blond wig and cut out surf board? As you can see, the possibilities for bridal shower attire are truly endless and guests as well as the bride will be able to capitalize on the individuality of the bride, her planned honeymoon, or simply the interests her and the groom share. If you are more formally oriented, or if the shower will be held at a formal location, you may wish to stay with the conservative ensemble of a skirt and blouse, or perhaps a pair of dressy slacks and a nice blouse. Depending on the kind of bridal shower you are planning for the bride to be, it is imperative to communicate the propriety of attire to the shower guests. As a matter of fact, there are actually some commonly understood “buzz words” that get the point across without getting into too much detail.

If you will be having a fancy party at a luxury restaurant, please be sure to include on the invitation that the dress should be “cocktail attire.” This signals to the invitee that this is the equivalent of a black tie affair, and she will know to get the little black dress off the hanger and pressed. This is especially appropriate for exclusive restaurants or hotels.

If the party is not held at the ritziest place in town but a close second runner up, please be sure to specify “evening resort attire.” This simply means an alternative to the little black dress, such as a nice conservative yet festive dress or skirt and blouse.

Once step down from this occasion would be “business casual” or “resort attire.” This is most appropriate if the party is held at the local country club. Shorts, skorts, and even short skirts are appropriate, if they are properly cut and fit well. This is not the time for the bargain basement mini skirt!

As you can see, questions of fashionable attire are entirely appropriate when considering attending or hosting a bridal shower. If you are fortunate enough to be hosting one, please take the guests’ guess work out of the equation, and instead let them know how to dress for the occasion! On the other hand, if you are on the guest list of a bridal shower, be sure to ask if there will be a dress code. Most often you will be able to glean this bit of information when taking a look at the location of the event, but in case you are unfamiliar with the venue, a quick phone call to the hostess will clear up any questions and prevent embarrassing misunderstandings.

Planning a bridal shower is an intensive procedure, but getting the right combination of events will lead to a happy memory.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing; the more you understand about bridal showers, the more you will be able to share with others.

Nicole Owczarczak is owner of Dress-My-Wedding.com. Now offering beautiful, high quality designer wedding dresses at wholesale prices.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Let’s face it … Financial obligations can be tough, and many moms want the opportunity to work at home yet still earn money. Because of this, moms have become a big target for work-at-home scams. It has been estimated that $40 billion a year is lost to scams in the United States alone and 6 million people answer classified ads each year regarding money scams. These ads practically jump off the page, grabbing at our fantasies and checkbooks. They all sound too good to be true, and they are.

Beware. There are hundreds of scams out there that are easy to fall victim to. Most work at home scams use similar advertising tactics to get your attention. Familiarizing yourself with the different tactics out there will help you to determine a scam, even if they are not obvious. The accessibility of the internet has helped the number of scams out there more than double over the last several years serving as a breeding ground for get-rich-quick schemes. While real work at home opportunities are abundant and continue to become more available, keep in mind that for every real work at home job, there are hundreds of scams. Real work at home business opportunities will NOT advertise the following red flags:

• Fees or purchase prior to the understanding of what you are actually purchasing
• “Easy” or “Little work required”
• 900 numbers
• “No experience necessary”
• “Earn $300 – $800 a week and more!!!”

Do your Research. Researching all opportunities before investing your money will save time and money in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, a real work at home opportunity will encourage your questions as an opportunity for you to learn more about their company. As a rule of thumb, (1) never pay for anything without completely understanding what it is you’re paying for, (2) don’t make rushed or hurried decisions, think things through completely – sleep on it if you have to, and (3) always check out the company’s background/history. A common misconception is that there is easy money to be made with little or no work required. Anyone who has started a home business knows that working from home requires one to put more time and effort into their business than one would working for an employer. So don’t be taken by the scams that focus on how easy it is to make money. (link)Work-at-home-magazine.com works hard to research opportunities as they present themselves and make note of our findings to share on the message boards. Other research tools available on the internet to research or report scams are:

The Better Business Bureau - http://www.bbbonline.org/
The FTC’s Consumer Response Center - http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm
Consumer Sentinel - http://www.consumer.gov/sentinel/
Scambusters Newsletter - http://www.scambusters.org/
National Fraud Information Center - Fraud.org

To have your own business and work from home you need an idea and the will power and endurance to see it through. Find an online community seeking common goals to be your support group and guide you through your journey. But don’t fear if you’re not one of those idea people. There are many real work at home business opportunities available to almost anyone who is willing to work hard. Check out the Direct Sales Center or Work at Home Jobs at Work-at-home-magazine.com where you will find all types of telecommuting or work at home opportunities.

Along with the advice given above, use your best judgment when making all your business decisions.

Kryssa Lighthall is the founder of http://www.work-at-home-magazine.com. - Work at Home Magazine is the leading online resource for
work from home ideas. Kryssa Lighthall is the founder of http://www.work-at-home-magazine.com. - Work at Home Magazine is the leading online resource for
work from home ideas.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

False or artificial nails are the perfect solution for many “nail events” in your life. They are a perfect solution for replacing a broken nail. They are great as a temporary fix until your own nails grow out. And they are there - instantly. What is more, they can be applied yourself at home and, provided you select the right size and do something creative to eliminate the plastic look, they can appear entirely natural and convincing.

False nails can be applied professionally in the salon, or you can apply them at home using widely-available nail enhancement kits. They come with their own adhesive and are easily cut and shaped to the style you want.

So, assuming you want to fit the nails yourself, how do you get started? Here are the six simple stages:

1. First, clean and dry your own natural nails. Then file and shape them in preparation for attaching the artificial nails.

2. Then - very important - choose the right size artificial nail for each finger. File the edges if necessary to get an exact fit.

3. Now spread a thin layer of nail adhesive over the whole area of your natural nail that will be in contact with the artificial nail.

4. Position the artificial nail such that it is very close to, but not touching, the cuticle. Then apply a light pressure to the top for a short time to allow the glue to take hold and set.

5. Once the nail is set firmly in position, file off any rough edges.

6. Apply two coats of nail varnish of the color you require, then finish off with a layer of topcoat to seal it.

It’s recommended that you don’t wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks at a time - say a month maximum. Then remove them and give your natural nails a chance to breathe and refresh their growth.

It’s also important that you always use proper nail adhesive and never just ordinary glue you might find around the house.

To remove artificial nails, soak them in a non-acetone polish remover until they start to dissolve and come away. It’s very important to avoid acetone and other chemicals with an acetone-base. They will damage the surface of the nail, affecting the shine and also thin and weaken the nail plate.

Also, don’t try to peel off the artificial nails without first soaking them in polish remover, and certainly never, ever try to break them. This could result in serious damage to your own nails below.

Following the simple steps and guidelines given here, wearing artificial nails will be not only a simple and trouble-free process but also a delight to behold!

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

There are three main types of cultured saltwater pearls: akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea. Pearls can be cultured in fresh water as well. Each type has distinct characteristics, and each is very beautiful in its own way. Like with most things, individual tastes determine pearl preferences. Or you may have a taste for every pearl variety! The following is a look at the main types of cultured pearls.

Akoya Cultured Pearls
Timeless and popular, the akoya cultured pearl probably comes to mind when you think of pearls. (Because akoyas are easier to match than other pearls, they are a popular choice for bracelets and necklaces.) These saltwater beauties are typically small (they range between 2mm and 11mm; average is 6mm-7mm), and are most commonly white or cream-colored.

Akoyas are produced in the akoya oyster, or P. fucata, the smallest of the saltwater pearl oysters. The main animals used for saltwater pearl culturing in Japan, these small oysters typically reach only 8cm to 13cm in diameter, but they can accept multiple nucleations—up to five at a time. (If a larger pearl is desired, however, only one bead is inserted.)
Akoya pearls were the first round cultured pearls—called “spherical” in the jewelry trade—that were produced. Approximately 70%-80% of a given akoya crop is spherical. Typically white or cream with rosé or green overtones, akoyas typically grow from eight months to two years before they’re harvested. A jewelry staple, the simple and classic white akoya strand is a popular choice for brides.

Tahitian Cultured Pearls
If you think of black pearls, you probably picture a peacock-blue-sheened Tahitian. This is a desirable hue for a Tahitian cultured pearl, but they can also be black, gray or brown with hues of blue, green, and purple and overtones of rosé, green or blue. Marketed just since the 1970s, Tahitians are revered for their exotic colors and large sizes, and, as you may have noticed, their large price tag reflects their relative rarity.

Tahitian pearls are produced mainly in French Polynesia in the so-called “black-lipped” oyster, P. margaritifera, a large saltwater mollusk that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, weigh up to 11 lbs. and live up to 30 years. These oysters produce pearls that reach 8mm-14mm in size in a growth period that takes about two years.

Tahitian cultured pearls typically show fair to excellent luster, and achieve this by natural means, unlike akoyas and freshwater cultured pearls, which require treatment—usually bleaching—to bring out their sheen. When Tahitians are harvested, farmers wash them in fresh water, dry them and lightly buff them, usually by tumbling the gems with ground salt and bamboo chips.

P margaritifera can be nucleated, or implanted, several times over its lifetime, but in general, the first harvest produces the finest quality pearl. Unlike its smaller cousin, the akoya, Tahitian cultured pearls are spherical less than half the time. For this reason, it may take years to find just the right pearls to match for a necklace. This is one of the reasons why a matched strand of Tahitian cultured pearls is so costly. Because they can often come in unique shapes, however, Tahitians are used by many jewelry designers in pieces that feature a single pearl. These pieces are uniquely beautiful and can be as breathtaking as a costly Tahitian strand.

South Sea Cultured Pearls
P. maxima, one of the world’s largest mollusks, produces the magnificent South Sea cultured pearl, generally the largest cultured pearl on the market. As its name implies, the South Sea cultured pearl is produced in Australia, Indonesia and the Phillipines. (The cultured pearl is the national gem of the Phillipines.) Most South Sea pearls are silver, white, or a gorgeous and coveted golden color. Farmers do not treat these pearls after harvest, although some wholesale buyers do so after export.

Unlike a freshwater pearl mollusk, P. maxima can accept only one nucleation at a time; however the oyster can be nucleated up to three times in its lifetime. After nucleation, the South Sea cultured pearl requires 20-24 months to grow, and typically produces a pearl around 13mm, although some reach 15mm or larger. Between 10%-30% of any given crop contains spherical pearls. Australia produces about 60 percent of the supply of South Sea cultured pearls, although Indonesian farmers produce more of the golden variety than Australian farmers do.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Unlike their saltwater cousins, freshwater pearls are produced in mollusks rather than oysters, and, like their name implies, are grown in ponds, lakes and rivers rather than in the ocean. Most of today’s freshwater cultured pearls are produced in China, and, thanks to improvements in culturing techniques, the round, high-luster gems of today are a vast improvement over the inexpensive, squishy rice-krispie-shaped gems typical of the freshwater crop of yesteryear. Indeed many experts maintain that today’s freshwater cultured pearls rival the beauty of saltwater cultured pearls—a far cry from the freshwater pearl’s humble reputation from the not-so-distant past.

Freshwater cultured pearls are produced in mussels belonging to the family Unionidae. Most are grown in China, yet the United Sates produces its fair share. In fact, the mother-of-pearl beads used to induce the pearl growing process worldwide are made from ground American mussel shells.

Many freshwater pearls are nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only, which is taken from a donor mussel. Because they do not contain a starter “bead,” tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls are 100% nacre. This gives them a beautiful luster and a durable surface that won’t flake or peel to reveal the inner bead. By contrast, pearls that are bead-nucleated and prematurely harvested often have only a thin coating of nacre that is prone to flaking and chipping. Unfortunately, pearls cannot be polished back to perfection once they’re destroyed.

Freshwater pearl-producing mussels can accept up to 50 implants at a time. They typically require 2-6 years to grow, and the finished pearl typically ranges in size from 4mm to 11mm. Larger freshwater pearls do exist, although their bigger size will likely be reflected in a bigger price tag. Approximately 60% of a typical freshwater pearl crop is made up of button pearls (flat on one side) or oval pearls. Only about 2% of the harvest is round, according to the latest information from the Gemological Institute of America. Baroque (no symmetry) and semi-baroque pearls typically make up the remainder of the crop. As with Tahitians and other pearl types, in a skilled designer’s hands, these unique pearls can be turned into extremely beautiful jewelry.

When it comes to color, the freshwater cultured pearl offers a wonderful variety. Pastels like cream, white, yellow, orange, and pink are common; as well, universally flattering lavender pearls are enjoying a surge in popularity today. When deciding which color freshwater pearls to buy, keep in mind that the wearer’s skin tone should be the most important consideration. Choose a color that will flatter and not detract. Overall, freshwater pearls are more plentiful than other pearl types, thus they are usually more affordable. Your budget may allow you to choose a few different colors!

Conclusion
Whatever your taste or budget, there is sure to be cultured pearl jewelry that will thrill you. Choose carefully, treat them with care, and your pearls will give you a lifetime of pleasure, no matter which variety you choose.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for Moon River Pearls, www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.

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