Natural pearls have become scarce in recent decades, and are extremely expensive and difficult to care for. Looking for huge, dazzlingly perfect pearls that not only look gorgeous but won’t break the bank? Look no further than our collection of fabulous shell pearls. Emitations has scoured the world to find the best quality imitation pearls out there.

What are shell pearls?

Shell pearls are man-made pearls created from materials beginning with the shell of an oyster. The process of making a shell pearl involves several different stages. The raw material for the base of the pearl is the sea shell, which is coated and polished to the shape of the pearl. In order to produce a good quality pearl, a key ingredient is what we call a “mother of pearl bead.” This element adds weight, value and durability to the final pearl. Shell pearls are considered to be the best quality replicas you can get, as they’re made out of the same materials as natural and cultured pearls.

How are shell pearls made?
They’re made in a process similar to how pearls are cultured, although these pearls are made in a factory rather than grown inside an oyster or mussel. The process of making shell pearls involves several stages. The raw material for the base of the pearl is a shell bead, similar to those used by natural pearl producing oysters. This bead is covered in a paste made from ground up mother of pearl which is then polished and smoothed.  Each coating dries, is machined and polished, and then another layer applied, mimicking the way pearls are made in nature by depositing the coating in layers.  The more layers each replica has, the more expensive the simulated pearl.

What is the difference between natural pearls, cultured freshwater pearls and shell pearls?
There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to the various pearl types sold in jewelry today. Here’s the basics:

• Natural pearls are formed around an irritant, such as a grain of sand, a piece of coral or seashell. Today, true natural pearls are the most rare, expensive, and are consequently considered the most valuable pearls.
• Cultured freshwater pearls are generally formed the same way as natural pearls. The main difference is that the irritant is introduced  (the irritant is inserted into the oyster by man) and the oysters are raised in a controlled environment, like an oyster or mussel farm.
• Shell pearls are factory manufactured versions of pearls designed to create a uniform look. These pearls are man-made so the manufacturers can guarantee flawless pearls with each batch, including total control over the shape, size, color and every other attribute of the pearl.

Why should I buy shell pearls?
Although shell pearls may not have been grown inside an oyster, they’re in very high demand by consumers. Shell pearls can be a much better choice than cultured pearls for many reasons. Here are a few reasons why we love shell pearls:

• Price – Shell pearls are infinitely cheaper than getting the same size, shape and quality in any sort of pearls. On average, a shell pearl with the same weight and much of the same feel as a cultured pearl will be at almost 1/10th the price.
• Quality – The rarity of the natural pearl not only makes it expensive, but also makes it hard to find in perfect shape and size. The manual production of the shell pearl enables the manufacturer to determine the shape, size, and color of the pearl, thus making the final result seem perfect.
• Durability – The modern technology of shell pearl production can also assure its durability. Due to intensive quality control inspection, the shell pearl will always keep its shine and color, and will not be affected by sweat, perfume or detergents.

The bottom line is that natural pearls are a genuine pearl gem, while freshwater and shell pearls are different versions of its imitation. Freshwater and shell pearls look nearly identical and have the same weight to them. Shell pearls offer the best in price, quality and durability, and allow pearl lovers to wear their favorite styles for much less.

Star of the year, Natalie Portman, recently attended the Academy Awards nomination luncheon on February 7, 2011.  Like usual, Natalie Portman shined among her fellow nominees.  She wore a short, sapphire blue dress with a dark pearl necklace.  Her pearl necklace hit the right note as a mix between casual and dressy.  Natalie was even seen wearing the same pearl necklace later that day at the airport.  Changing her attire from a fancier dress to a blouse and jeans, she was able to seamlessly change from one look to another with the help of one jewelry accessory.

In one day Natalie Portman went from classy and elegant to casual and put together.  Pairing a pearl necklace with a simple blouse and jeans is a great way to jazz up any casual day look.   The pearl necklace Natalie chose to wear was full of large black pearls with a sampling of lighter ones on one side.

Classic. Clean. Elegant. Simple.  Pearl earrings are such a versatile staple in a woman’s jewelry wardrobe that they can be worn from the office to a black tie event to the grocery store.  If you have a polished, shimmering pair of pearl stud earrings framing your face, you will always feel, and look, put together.

Emitations has a huge selection of pearl jewelry.  The best selling pearl earrings continue to be our Regina’s pearl earrings.  Regina’s pearl earrings feature a single pearl 6.5 to 7.5 mm freshwater pearl on a standard post backing.  These are the perfect sized pearl studs for a classy look that won’t overpower your face.  The affordable way to achieve this chic look is with freshwater pearls.  Regina’s earrings feature real freshwater pearls.  Because they are genuine pearls, each one is slightly different from the next.

Regina’s earrings come in a plethora of hues.  Our elegant black pearl stud earrings and white pearl earrings are the most popular.  But, if you’re looking for a unique take on such a classic look, try the chocolate pearl earrings or even a pink pearl.  We offer a gift set that includes one pair of each hue.  This is a great option if you can’t pick just one.  You could even gift a different pair to your friends for a great holiday present!

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