Pearls have long been a symbol of sophistication and elegance, but now there’s something even more special on the market – Edison Pearls.

The Zhan siblings created these stunning pearls through years of research and an enormous budget, making them one of the most sought-after gems in fashion today.

With their unique characteristics and amazing benefits, it’s no wonder why so many women are drawn to wearing Edison Pearls!

So if you’re interested in learning about this beautiful gemstone, then read on for some insight into its history, features, advantages, and how to care for your own authentic set.

Table of Contents

History of Edison Pearls

Chinese Edison pearls were invented in China by the Zhan siblings (Weijian and Weiyu Zhan) of the Zheijiang Grace Pearl Jewelry company limited.

In 2011, after years of research and development, they introduced Edison Pearls to the market. These unique gems are known for their exceptional color variations that range from creamy white to deep black with hints of pink or green overtones.

They also boast superior durability and luster compared to other types of cultured pearls due to special treatments applied during production, such as bleaching or dyeing processes that enhance the natural beauty of each pearl.

In addition, Edison Pearls come in various sizes ranging from 8mm – 15mm and can be found in round shapes as well as baroque shapes like Keshi or coin pearls, which add even more variety when creating jewelry pieces.

Edison pearls became popular when a new york times article published in August 2011 made mention of this novel cultured pearl. 

Key Takeaway: Edison Pearls are unique gems known for their exceptional color variations, superior durability, and luster.

How are Edison Pearls made?

Traditionally, freshwater cultured pearls from China are known to exhibit a wide range of attractive colors, including orange, pink, purple, and white. These are usually non-nucleated pearls which tend to be small, with multiple pearls in a single oyster. 

Historically, earlier attempts by Chinese pearl farms to produce large nucleated freshwater pearls had been unsuccessful. Edison pearls are produced in the Hunan and Hubei provinces of China by placing a beaded nucleus in the Hyriopsis cumingii oyster. 

The novel proprietary process developed by the Zhan siblings (a brother and sister team) is a well-kept trade secret. What is known is that it takes anywhere from 2 to 6 years to produce these cultured gemstones.

It is worth noting that Edison pearls are produced under highly controlled environmental conditions, which results in large, almost-round pearls with vibrant and intense hues.

Edison Pearls
Edison Pearls (Unique rough surface quality)

Indeed, their unique hue has been attributed to a thick layer of nacre surrounding a small beaded nucleus.

Their unique properties make Edison pearls more expensive than traditional non-nucleated freshwater cultured pearls (the latter is mass-produced in China)

Characteristics of Edison Pearls

Detailed X-ray studies indicate that Edison pearls have a conventional core-shell structure with a core (beaded nucleus) and an outer shell covering composed of nacre. The average nacre thickness can be anywhere from 50 to 90% of the whole pearl volume.

Unique Color Variations: Edison pearls come in a variety of colors ranging from white, orange, and pinkish-yellow to even purple hues.

Edison Pearl Bracelet
Edison Pearl Bracelet

Each pearl is unique and has its own subtle color variations due to natural pigmentation differences within each oyster species used in cultivation. This makes it possible to create one-of-a-kind pieces that can be tailored to any individual’s style preferences.

Durability and Luster: In addition to their beautiful coloring, Edison pearls also boast superior durability compared to other types of cultured pearls on the market today. Their thick nacre layers give them excellent luster that will last for many years if properly cared for over time.

When it comes to size range, Edison pearls range from 8mm up to 15mm depending on the species used during the cultivation process as well as environmental factors such as water temperature and salinity levels at harvest time.

They also come in various shapes, including round, semi-round, baroque (irregular), drop-shaped (teardrop), or button-shaped (coin).

Edison pearls are renowned for their unique color variations, durability, and luster, as well as a wide range of sizes and shapes. With these features in mind, let’s look at the benefits of wearing Edison pearls.

Benefits of Wearing Edison Pearls

They offer timeless elegance and beauty that can be worn for everyday occasions or special events.

Timeless Elegance and Beauty: Edison pearls come in an array of colors, from classic white to vibrant shades like pink, purple, blue, and green. The lustrous finish adds to their allure, making them perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for something subtle or bolder statement pieces, Edison pearls will always make a stunning addition to your wardrobe.

Versatility for Everyday Wear or Special Occasions: With their wide range of sizes and shapes available, Edison pearls can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

For casual days out with friends or running errands around town, pair them with jeans and a t-shirt, while for more formal events such as weddings, they look gorgeous when paired with evening gowns or cocktail dresses. No matter what style you choose, these gems will add sophistication to any outfit!

Investment Potential for Collectors: Not only do these precious stones look great but they also provide potential investment opportunities too!

As demand increases over time, so does their value which makes them ideal collectibles if you’re looking to diversify your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.

Plus, they never go out of fashion, so it’s easy to pass them down through generations without worrying about trends changing over time! (Disclaimer: This is the author’s personal opinion and should not be taken as investment advice)

Edison pearls are a timeless addition to any wardrobe and offer versatility for all occasions. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have the potential as investment pieces for collectors. Next, we’ll look at how to properly care for your Edison pearls so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Key Takeaway: Edison pearls offer timeless elegance and beauty, making them perfect for any occasion. 

Caring for Your Edison Pearls

Cleaning and Storing Tips: Properly caring for your Edison pearls is essential to maintain their beauty and luster. To clean them, use a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild soap solution.

Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface of the pearl. After cleaning, dry your pearls with a soft cloth and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. It’s also essential to keep your pearls separated from other jewelry items that may scratch or chip them.

Pearls are sensitive to extreme temperatures and chemicals such as chlorine, perfume, hairspray, lotions, etc., so it is best to put on any cosmetics before putting on your pearls.

Additionally, avoid wearing your Edison pearls when swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs, as this can cause discoloration over time.

Finally, remember to take off your pearls before going out into direct sunlight for long periods of time since UV rays can fade their coloration quickly if exposed too often without protection

Taking care of your Edison pearls is essential to ensure they stay beautiful and in pristine condition for years to come. To ensure you are getting the best quality, read on for tips on where to buy authentic Edison pearls.

Where to Buy Authentic Edison Pearls?

When it comes to buying authentic Edison pearls, there are two main options: online retailers and local jewelers. Shopping for pearls online can be convenient as you have access to a wide selection of products from the comfort of your own home.

However, it is important to ensure that the retailer is reliable and trustworthy before making any purchases. Researching reviews or asking friends for recommendations can help in this regard.

Additionally, look out for certifications such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society). These organizations provide quality assurance checks, so you know what you’re getting is genuine.

On the other hand, visiting a local jeweler has its advantages too. Not only do they offer personalized customer service, but they also carry an extensive range of jewelry pieces with certified gems which are not always available online.

Furthermore, many jewelers offer repair services if needed at a later date – something that may not be possible when shopping online.

Ultimately, whether you choose to buy Edison pearls from an online retailer or visit a local jeweler depends on your individual needs and preferences; both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.

FAQs in Relation to What Are Edison Pearls

Are Edison pearls good quality?

Yes, Edison pearls are considered to be of good quality. They are a type of cultured pearl that is produced by the Hyriopsis cumingii oyster, which is found in Australia and Indonesia.

These pearls have excellent luster due to their thick nacre layer. They also come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any fashion statement or jewelry design. 

Are Edison pearls worth it?

Edison pearls are a type of cultured pearl, meaning they have been farmed in an oyster. They are created using a special process that produces larger and rounder pearls than traditional culturing methods.

While the price tag may be higher than other types of cultured pearls, Edison pearls offer unique characteristics, such as their size and vibrant colors, which make them highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts.

Additionally, their rarity adds to their value, making them something truly special to add to your wardrobe.

Are Edison pearls cultured?

Yes, Edison pearls are cultured. They are created by a process called ‘nucleation,’ which involves inserting a nucleus into an oyster and coating it with layers of nacre to form the pearl.

This process is used to create larger pearls than those that can be found in nature, as well as different shapes and colors.

The nucleation process is not natural, so all Edison pearls are considered cultured pearls.

What type of pearl is the most valuable?

The most valuable type of pearl is the South Sea pearl. These pearls are produced by large oysters found in tropical waters around Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.

They have a unique luster that sets them apart from other types of pearls, making them highly sought after by collectors and fashion designers alike.

The size and quality of these pearls can vary greatly, with some specimens reaching up to 20mm in diameter or more. Due to their rarity and beauty, South Sea pearls tend to be much more expensive than other varieties (including Edison pearls) on the market today.

Conclusion and final thoughts 💭

In conclusion, Edison pearls are a unique and beautiful gem that can be used to create stunning pieces of jewelry. They have a long history and many special characteristics that make them stand out from other types of pearls.

Wearing Edison pearls has numerous benefits, such as enhancing your natural beauty and providing an elegant look for any occasion. To ensure the longevity of your Edison pearl jewelry, it is important to take proper care when cleaning and storing them.

If you’re looking for authentic Edison pearls, there are several reputable online stores where you can find high-quality gems at competitive prices.

References

Yan J, Zhang J, Sun Q, Yan XJ, Sheng JW (2021) The unique UV–Vis reflection features of the nacre of Hyriopsis cumingii shells, and its formation mechanisms. Dyes Pigments 184:108753

Pearls, finer but still cheap, flow from China. New York Times (August 2011)

Zhou Yixin, Chunhui Zhou. Strong pinkish purple freshwater bead-cultured pearls. Gems and Gemology, 2015(vol 51.no 2)

Xuejun Yan, Jian Zhang Dynamic microstructural characteristics of Edison pearls cultured in Hyriopsis cumingii. Journal of Materials Science volume 57, pages 20138–20155 (2022)

About the Author

Anisa

I am a pearl and oyster enthusiast who loves to share her knowledge and experiences about fashion with the world. I am neither a certified gemologist nor a reseller of pearls.

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