Pearl & Gemstone Guide

This product guide is designed to help you become more knowledgeable about the different types of pearls and gemstones we use that make the Cupere Collection unique. Due to the wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors available in pearls today they have become a designers dream for mixing and matching with other stones, shells and gemstones. Today more than ever the pearl has become a symbol of timeless beauty to be enjoyed by everyone, whatever the occasion!

Freshwater pearls

In the Cupere collection we mainly deal with freshwater pearls. The emergence of the versatile freshwater pearl has brought increasing diversity into the pearl market. New contemporary looks and unique creations, which are key elements of the Cupere collection, have brought pearl jewelry front and forward in the jewelry industry.

One of the more popular freshwater pearls in demand today is the keshi (Japanese for “Poppyseed”) these pearls are an accidental byproduct of saltwater and freshwater culturing processes. They are generally irregularly shaped, and come in a variety of sizes and colors.

The coin pearl is another popular freshwater pearl. Resembling the size and shape of a coin, these pearls are known for their brilliant luster and iridescence. Strung alone they tend to have more of an elegant defined look, and mixed with gemstones and other natural shells can take on a fun contemporary look.

The freshwater baroque pearl, also gets its name from its irregular shape. They have a distinctive enough shape to be interesting and attractive. Baroque pearls have a special appeal because of their very beautiful tints of color and iridescent flashes. They are more common than round pearls, which makes them more affordable, but they can make beautiful creations.

A symmetrical pearl is one that is not round, but which has a beautiful, symmetrical shape, such as a teardrop or oval pearl. While they may be in the “baroque” class (since they are not round), they are rare, and depending upon the shape and how perfect they are can be as costly as the roundest of pearls.

When a concentric ring encircles the surface of a pearl, we say it is “ringed” or “circled” pearl; this is a type of surface characteristic that can occur on a variety of pearls. Usually off round or baroque in shape, and much less expensive than round pearls, these “ringed” or “circle” pearls have a special allure and are being used increasingly in jewelry.

Frequently Used Gemstones

Abalone Shells are popular for their inner, iridescent layer and were once used for ceremonial purposes. They can be found in a variety of colors including black, pink, green, blue and white.

Agate is a stone composed of layers of Quartz, known for its unusual markings and variety of color. It is found in continents in both the northern and southern hemispheres, including Africa.

Amethyst is a purple variant of Quartz. It is available in various colors, from deep burgundy to pale lilac. Amethyst is often viewed as the most beautiful of moderately priced, semi-precious stones.

Carnelian is a member of the Quartz family and is translucent to semi-opaque red, orange or brown stone. It is fairly uniform in color and has relatively high durability, which makes it a favorite of jewelry artisans all over the world.

Citrine belongs to the Quartz family and is named after the French word “citron,” meaning “lemon.” Citrine has either a pale yellow or amber color and is plentiful throughout the world, even in large sizes.

Coral is formed in the sea on underwater branches. It is categorized by its different color. It is much softer than a gem and is highly porous.

Crystal is formed naturally in molten environments deep within the earth. It comes in a variety of colors and can be opaque or translucent, which allows light to travel through it.

Garnet is a durable and brilliant semi-precious stone. It is commonly available in colors such as green, red and yellowish orange.

Hematite is a mineral and the most abundant ore of iron. Hematite is an opaque stone with a brilliant metallic luster. It is found in a range of colors, from gray-black to red-brown.

Iolite is sometimes referred to as a “water sapphire” for its striking color. This violet to blue-colored stone is found most often in Africa and South America.

Jade is a remarkably hard stone derived from the minerals jadeite and nephrite. It is most commonly green (Olive and Canadian Jade) but can be shades of yellow, pink, and red (Ruby New Jade).

Jasper is an opaque stone with wide color variations. There are more than 50 different types of Jasper, each categorized and named according to their pattern, including Dalmatian, Lemon, Leopard, Picture and Yellow Jasper.

Labradorite is a smoky gray or black stone. It sometimes possesses small, sparkling gold or silver-colored flecks. Its full name is “lapis lazuli” and has been very popular with jewelers since ancient times.

Lapis is a natural and intense blue stone. It sometimes possesses small, sparkling gold or silver-colored flecks. Its full name is “lapis Lazuli” and has been very popular with jewelers since ancient times.

Mother-of- Pearl is an iridescent material that forms the interior shell of freshwater and some saltwater mollusks. Like a pearl itself, Mother-of -Pearl is layers of secretion of the shellfish itself.
Onyx is known for its smooth, fine texture. When used for jewelry, it is almost always black but can be a deep brown or white.

Peridot is a volcanic gem and a variant of the stone olivine. While not particularly brilliant, its lovely rich colors go green are exceptional for jewelry purposes

Quartz is an important crystalline mineral, both lustrously transparent and opaque. It can be found in a vast array of colors including Rose Quartz, Cherry Quarts, and Smoky Quartz.

Tiger’s Eye is typically a yellow-brown stone that has a smooth appearance and possesses a unique, silky reflection. It is formed from seams of fibrous asbestos that through time are transformed into Quartz.

Topaz is one of the hardest semi-precious stones and can be found in a variety of colors and a wide range of transparencies.

Tourmaline is a crystalline mineral also known as the “rainbow gemstone”. It is one of the most diversely colored gems with a varied texture that sparkles as it catches the light.

Turquoise is an ancient derivation of the name “Turkish Stone” and was originally brought to Europe and Persia (Iran) via Turkey. Turquoise varies from light sky blue to intense shades of sea green. It is relatively soft, porous stone and is commonly lined with matrix.

Important Tips on Jewelry Care

Put your jewelry on last and take it off first. Exposing your jewelry to hair spray, lotion cosmetics and perfumes can cause permanent spots. Allow your lotion to dry before putting on your jewelry. Jewelry should be removed before swimming, showering, dishwashing or handling household chemicals, such as bleach, alcohols or cleansers. These types of chemicals can damage pearls and gemstones.

To extend the life of your elastic bracelet, take care to “roll” it over your hand. Do not “stretch” the Bracelet into your wrist.