Be sure the item is stamped with its metal content and manufacturer. Be prepared to spend more initially because of the expert craftsmanship required to work in platinum. Although rich in luster, silver tarnishes when exposed to the elements, causing it to turn dark or black. The tarnish can be cleaned using a variety of products on the market. Return to Top Pearls Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks.
Imitation pearls are man-made.
Because very few natural pearls are now on the market, most pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation pearls. Cultured pearls, because they are made by mollusks, are generally more expensive than imitation pearls. Be sure to find out if the pearls are cultured or imitation. The longer a pearl is left cultivating in the oyster, the thicker the skin that develops. Strands of pearls that match in size, color and shape are more expensive than those of pearls that do not match as well.