Wow, what can I say? I've just received some white Keshi (Keishi) pearls from China and they are absolutely stunning. They're shaped like petals and will look lovely as part of a bridal jewellery set.
Normally a pearl is formed when a piece of shell or other foreign object becomes embedded in a molusc (such as an oyster) to form a nucleus. This causes an infection and the oyster forms a protective layer (nacre) to stop the irritation. The nacre continues to be formed layer upon layer, as long as the oyster is alive, and this is how pearls are created.
In the case of the Keshi pearl, there are two ways that the pearl can form. The first way occurs when the oyster rejects and spits out the substance – the nucleus – before it has a chance to develop. The second way a Keshi pearl can occur is when the nucleus fractures and forms two separate pearl sacs – that is, circles of nacre – neither with a nucleus. Eventually, one or two nucleus-less pearls will usually form.
Keshi pearls are not classed as natural pearls as they are a by-product of the culturing process. However, they are now fairly rare because most pearl farmers now x-ray their oysters to allow them to re-nucleate the oyster should it be found to have expelled the nucleus. Their rarity means that Keshi pearls are now considered to be exceptional and are highly desirable.
I can't wait to work with the beautiful pearls I have just received.
Wednesday 2 July 2008
Sunday 29 June 2008
A very warm welcome to all readers!
Hello 
I will be updating the blog regularly with information about current trends and information about the components I use, as well as pictures from my collection.
To leave you with a taster, the picture above shows the very first tiara I designed. It's named after Odette from the ballet Swan Lake and is made using Swarovski crystals and semi-precious crystal quartz chips.
You can find more of my crystal tiaras, pearl tiaras, crowns, fascinators, haircombs and jewellery at http://www.adorabubblejewellery.com/
This is my new blog about jewellery and tiaras. I have been making jewellery for quite some time now and have recently discovered a love of making tiaras and other hair pieces.
I will be updating the blog regularly with information about current trends and information about the components I use, as well as pictures from my collection.
To leave you with a taster, the picture above shows the very first tiara I designed. It's named after Odette from the ballet Swan Lake and is made using Swarovski crystals and semi-precious crystal quartz chips.
Please feel free to leave comments or ask any questions.
You can find more of my crystal tiaras, pearl tiaras, crowns, fascinators, haircombs and jewellery at http://www.adorabubblejewellery.com/
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