925 Solid Sterling Silver Handmade Dangle and Drop Earrings Studded with Freshwater Coin Pearl
Product Details
Metal: 925 Solid Sterling Silver
Stone Used: Freshwater Coin Pearl
Pearl Shape: Free Shape Round
Pearl Size: 12 to 14 mm
Pearl Color:  White / Cream / Ivory
Coin pearls are pretty pearls that can be worn casually during the day and may add a touch of individual glamour to an evening party.
Shaped as flat buttons or coins, the best quality coin pearls will shimmer with a beautiful pearlescence. They are typically 10-12 mm in diameter, with all the amazing natural white, pink and orange colors of freshwater pearls.
Coin pearls are cultured pearls mostly farmed today in China in freshwater mussels in river, lakes or streams. The pearl farmer will insert a flat round nucleus made of the shell to help the mussel from the shape of the coin pearl, turning the shell so that there is an equal thickness of nacre on both sides of the pearl. This process can take up to a year before the pearl is ready.
Choosing exactly when to remove the pearl from the mussel is important. Too soon, and the nacre will be very thin, with the shape of the disc nucleus being quite visible. Too late and the pearl will begin to take on more a non-symmetrical shape.
The highest quality coin pearls with a perfectly round shape, excellent nacre, excellent surface quality and size over 12 mm are really quite rare and are bought and sold individually by specialist dealers.
We look for coin pearls that have a thick coating of nacre. Often these pearls will have some shape or surface irregularities, such as flame-like tails or small bumps, but we love the way that these add to the character of the jewelry. Their flat shape will lie beautifully and comfortably around the neck. If you are not familiar with coin pearls, view our collections of Freshwater pearl jewelry.