kristin
07-14-2006, 10:24 AM
Post-Harvest Processing and Treatments
Most cultured pearls undergo some king of processing after they are harvested. These procedures generally include cleaning and buffing and don't dramatically alter their appearance. Other common post harvest processes commonly done that are undetectable are:
Cleaning- cleaning removes residue the mollusk left on the pearl
Bleaching- bleaching removeds any dark areas. Tahitian and South Sea pearls are seldom bleached
Buffing- buffing with or without a polishing compound, removes surface imperfections
Common Pearl Treatments
Dyeing- dyeing alters the basic color of the pearl. Dyed pearls might be mottled in color. When examined under magnification and with a strong light source, color concentrationsfrom the dye might appear in the surface depressions or in streaks just below the surface.
Irradiation- irradiation permanently slters the pearl's color. Irradiated freshwater pearls often exibit very intense, metallic-like colors.
Coating- coatings enhance the luster of pearls and are usually used on lower quality goods. The effect might not be permanent.
Most cultured pearls undergo some king of processing after they are harvested. These procedures generally include cleaning and buffing and don't dramatically alter their appearance. Other common post harvest processes commonly done that are undetectable are:
Cleaning- cleaning removes residue the mollusk left on the pearl
Bleaching- bleaching removeds any dark areas. Tahitian and South Sea pearls are seldom bleached
Buffing- buffing with or without a polishing compound, removes surface imperfections
Common Pearl Treatments
Dyeing- dyeing alters the basic color of the pearl. Dyed pearls might be mottled in color. When examined under magnification and with a strong light source, color concentrationsfrom the dye might appear in the surface depressions or in streaks just below the surface.
Irradiation- irradiation permanently slters the pearl's color. Irradiated freshwater pearls often exibit very intense, metallic-like colors.
Coating- coatings enhance the luster of pearls and are usually used on lower quality goods. The effect might not be permanent.