Pearl Virtues
Visible Virtues
THE QUALITY OF OUR PEARLS
Visible virtues are those features which are easily identifiable. These visible features are typically used to value pearls by all pearl connoisseurs world-wide (this is despite no formal universal grading system).
In a global industry where chemical treatments and enhancements are common, we place a high value on understanding and disclosing every visible and invisible aspect of a pearl’s virtues, through education and experience.
Each of our pearls has natural colour and lustre and are backed with a Certificate of Authenticity. This certificate contains full transparency around both the visible and invisible virtues, including the full journey of the pearl, from where it was nurtured and eventually sprung to life within our pristine Australian waterways.
OUR SEVEN VISIBLE VIRTUES
LUSTRE
Lustre is the interplay of light bouncing off a pearl’s surface (reflection) and penetrating deeper into the pearl’s structure (glow). Lustre is the most beautiful aspect of a pearl and is often considered its most important virtue. Unlike most pearls on the global market, the lustre of all PoA pearls are as nature intended, having not undergone any chemical enhancement.
SURFACE
A pearl is created by a living creature and therefore almost always has surface imperfections and/or complexion irregularities. Surface issues manifest as little divots, lumps or lines. Complexion refers to the the deeper internal structure of the nacre crystals, which sometimes presents as either a mosaic or crazing effect below the surface of the pearl.
SHAPE
A pearl’s shape is purely a personal preference, but it does impact quite significantly on value. In essence the more symmetrical the pearl, the more valuable. All farmers aim to produce perfectly round pearls – a challenge for Mother Nature, but shape symmetry and off-round pearls also promote diversity and uniqueness.
SIZE
The world’s largest pearls are grown in Australia. All other virtues equal, a bigger pearl commands a higher price, with measurements over 15mm considered to be very rare. The largest fine quality pearl ever produced was harvested at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm in 2004. Round in shape and measuring 22.24mm, it is believed to be most valuable cultured pearl in the world.
COLOUR
Colour is the most subjective of all virtues, and reveals its true nature only when the pearl is applied on the skin of the wearer. Colour does influence price, and like all things to do with a gem, rarity and beauty will attract a higher value. Unlike most pearls on the global market, the colour of all PoA pearls are natural, having not undergone any chemical enhancement.
PROVENANCE
Each of our pearls comes from our own pearl farms and are backed with a Certificate of Authenticity. This certificate contains full transparency around the virtues of the pearl.
PURITY
In a global industry where chemical treatments and enhancements are common, we do not alter the colour of our pearls. Everything about our pearls are as natured intended. All Pearls of Australia pearls are of natural colour and lustre. Pearls are and should remain a direct reflection of the quality of the water and ecosystems they grow in, and the result of man and nature’s symbiotic relationship.
Invisible virtues
THE PROVENANCE OF OUR PEARLS
Invisible virtues are those that are often less visible to the final consumer, but extremely relevant to the calibre and value of each pearl. After three generations of farming the world finest pearls, we’ve come to learn first-hand through tireless efforts that every pearl has a story.
This important story begins with the collection, rearing and health of the pearl oyster and moves towards many other environmental factors that encompass the multi-year journey through to pearl harvest. It is very rare that an individual pearl can carry details of its journey from oyster to pearl, from farm to market, which in turn adds value to this precious gem.
In a world-first for pearls, we have partnered with Provenance Proof, an independent blockchain technology to bring you a ‘Statement of Provenance’ to augment our Certificate of Authenticity. This securely encapsulates the virtues of our premium and unique pearls and jewellery, as well as highlighting the inherent benefits our pearls provide for both people and planet.
Provenance Proof provides a unique digital signature of the journey, and immutably records this for future owners of these gems to enjoy
OUR EIGHT INVISIBLE VIRTUES
SHELL SPECIES
Refers to the shell that the pearl is grown in. This is important as the species of shell will determine many of the visible virtues of the pearl, and also connects to provenance depending on where the shell species can be grown.
SOURCE OF ORIGIN
The source of origin directly connects to a pearl's quality, and it is becoming increasingly important to both the pearling industry and pearl customers world wide.
PEARL PURITY
All Pearls of Australia pearls are of natural colour and lustre. Pearls are and should remain a direct reflection of the quality of the water and ecosystems they grow in, and the result of man and nature’s symbiotic relationship.
CULTIVATION PERIOD
The cultivation period is the time spanning between nuclei insertion (or seeding) and harvest. This connects directly to the quality and durability of nacre thickness.
HARVEST DATE
Is the date the pearl was harvested. This date is a reference for the generations to come, and signifies the ‘birth’ of the pearl. Harvest date is generally recorded as a year or vintage.
WILD / HATCHERY
It takes 3 shells to make a pearl. A mussel will provide the carved nuclei to be inserted (the seed). The host will bear the pearl, which is triggered by a piece of soft tissue provided by the donor oyster. Donor and host oysters can be hand collected from the wild, or hatchery born.
PEARL CATEGORY
Pearls occur naturally, however these days the vast majority of pearls on the market are cultured. A cultured pearl is a pearl that has come from a pearl farm and has had man's intervention to help create that pearl. They may be seeded or seedless.
NACRE THICKNESS
Refers to the distance (in mm) between the nucleus (seed) inserted into the oyster, and the outer part of the harvested pearl. The thicker the nacre, the longer the pearl will retain its virtues.