Just when people in the pearl industry think they have seen everything, they are witness to the introduction of a new pearl. The Edison pearl is the result of a new freshwater pearl culturing technique. When looking at the traditional freshwater pearls, you will notice that these are relatively small when cultured. The donor mollusk’s tissue is only about a 2 millimeter square of tissue. Per host mollusk, this means that we should realistically expect between 12 and 14 freshwater pearls.
The Edison pearl is changing the game
However, that is until we saw the newest addition to the family of freshwater pearls – the Edison pearl. The cultivation of these pearls uses some techniques that manufacturers also use during saltwater culturing. This means that for every mollusk, only a single pearl is cultured. Now that might seem like a strange idea (less pearls = less money right?) but the harvest is a much larger sized pearl. These pearls have bright luster and colors that range from plum, peach, pink, white, and even exotic purple tones.
Both the exceptional color and the intensity of this luster produce the most unique pearls in the freshwater family in terms of size, undertone, and color. Right now there are only three pearl farms in the entire world that are producing these sought-after Edison pearls.
What sets them apart?
What truly separates these Edison pearls from any other freshwater pearl is the fact that it has a unique weight, luster, and of course the massive size of the pearl. During the traditional freshwater pearl harvests, one would have to be extremely lucky to find plum with metallic luster or natural peach and pink colors. However, with the Edison pearl, this is the standard instead of the exception. Sizes of up to three-quarters of an inch are common with these gorgeous pearls.
A closely guarded secret
As is to be expected, the manufacturers of these pearls are keeping their techniques a secret. However, what it does demonstrate is that Chinese pearl making is not only becoming a legitimate alternative to other pearls, but the growing scientific and technological sophistication might make them even better in the immediate future.
