FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


How can you differentiate between real and fake pearls?
When you rub two pearls against each other, fake pearls feel slippery. You can also rub it against your teeth where a real pearl should feel gritty. Also, look at the drill holes where the pearls are strung together. You can sometimes see the colour differentiation from treatments and enhancements.

What is the difference between cultured pearls and natural pearls?
A natural pearl is formed when a parasitic intruder or organic foreign object falls inside the gonad of an oyster. As a defence mechanism, the oyster isolates this intruder by coating it with nacre. The multiple layers deposited around the intruder forms a lustrous pearl.
Naturally formed pearls are unknown today as nearly all real pearls sold are cultured pearls. There are no differences between natural and cultured pearls besides the origin of the nuclei. A cultured pearl is formed using a surgically inserted nuclei. Edward Kong South Sea Pearls uses only quality shell beads harvested from freshwater mussels from the Mississippi River in the United States.


How do we tell good quality from poor quality pearls, or treated pearls?
A pearl connoisseur can immediately tell if pearls are of good or poor quality. In untreated and uncoated pearl, lights refracts in the layers of pearl nacre and the rays that re-emerge together make the light spectrum into rainbows effect.  In treated pearl, lights simply reflect from the coated surface.  We advise clients to buy pearls only from pearl farmers or reputable jewellers.


Are cultured pearls as valuable as natural pearls?
All pearls sold today are cultured pearls. Naturally formed pearls are rarely found today.


Why are Edward Kong South Sea Pearls available in different colours?
Pearl's colour depend on the oyster, sea water quality and composition.  Our oysters produce a range of unique colours ranging from white, champagne and golden yellow.


How can you tell what are freshwater pearls, and why are they so inexpensive?
One freshwater mussel can produce up to 50 pearls in six months time. Whereas South Sea Pearls require two to six years to form just a single pearl; that’s the reason they are known for their large sizes and rarity.
Where can pearls be cultivated?
Pearls can be harvest from mussel, oysters and shells found in river, lake and sea.  The basic requirement for pearl farming are clean, plankton rich water, and good water circulation.  
CARING FOR YOUR PEARLS

• Never use detergents or soaps to wash your pearls.
• Do not expose them to extreme temperatures where it is too warm or too cold, as pearls are living organisms.
• Do not keep your pearls with other jewellery. It should be kept on its own or wrapped in tissue or a towel.
• Pearls should be restrung with a knot in between each pearl.
• You should restring your pearls once a year if they are worn often, or every two years. Edward Kong South Sea Pearls can be restrung at our boutique/showroom.