TWELVE PEARLS

When all others seem not to care,
Don't worry, mom will still be there.
Her mothers heart can feel your pain.
There are no words to best explain.

So, if at times you would push her away.
Trust that she still chooses to stay.
Your heart to mend and your tears to dry.
That's a mom. There is no other reason why.

by Sue Charles
Copyright May 2006

USA Grown Cultured Pearls

In 1963 a freshwater cultured pearl farm in the USA was started in Tennessee. Mr. John Latendresse set up this experimental effort founded on his 30-plus years of research and development in the industry.

Since the first experimental pearl farms were established in the 1960's the production of freshwater pearls and mother of pearl shells has increased and are now in operation in 31 of states of the USA.

Although most of the U.S. pearls are grown in the warmer waters of Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana, there are also productive farms in other states including: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Natural Pearls occur when a particle naturally, or accidentally becomes lodged in a mollusk's shell. Nature causes layers of nacre to coat and cover the particle. The shape of natural pearls will vary, depending on the shape of the original particle that is being coated.

Natural pearls are the most rare and generally most expensive. Natural pearls are typically sold by carat weight. Most of the natural pearls that are available in these times would be considered vintage pearls.

Cultured Pearl also grow inside of a mollusk. The difference come from the fact that the particle is placed in the shell by humans. The shell is carefully opened and the pear farmer places an object into the shell. The shapes of the final pearl is determined by the shape of the particle that was placed within the shell. In this way, certain desired shapes can be planned.

Over time the creature continues to cover the particle with more layers of nacre. The length of time that the particle remains within the shell, the kind of water where it lives, and the actual type of mollusk that "grows" the pearl are determining factors in the size and quality of the final harvested cultured pearl.

Saltwater Pearls originate from within a saltwater mollusk. Saltwater pearls may be either natural or cultured.

Freshwater Pearls are those that are grown inside of a freshwater mollusks, living in waters of a river or lake.

These necklaces are much like the classic design pearls... elegant but basic. Pearls are not just for formal wear. You can wear them for your daily outings and appointments.

These are in the classic style, but each are unique in personality. Some are coin pearls, some freshwater pearls, and some are saltwater pearls, a variety of colors.