Pearls are a natural gems created by living creatures. Each began its existence as a piece of dust or grit that had made its way into the shell of a mollusk, like clams or oysters. Because of the presence of a foreign particle, those creatures’ defense mechanism kicks in – the clam coats the intruder with layers and upon layers of nacre. This thickens and forms into what we call a pearl.

Because of their natural beauty, pearls are a favorite for jewelry. Their exquisite colors and shapes are especially set off in pearl bracelets, and as such, pearl bracelets are a favorite among women, and even a few men, alike.

Natural pearl for pearl bracelets is deemed rare, and understandably expensive. Pearl bracelets with natural pearl are hard to come by – most pearl bracelets sold are those made of cultured pearls.

Cultured pearls are almost similar with natural pearls, except for one factor – human intervention. A shell is carefully opened and a tiny bead inserted within – the shapes of the inserted particle vary, depending on the desired final shape. The thicker the nacre coating, the higher the quality and the more durable the cultured pearl is.

Pearls for pearl bracelets can also be saltwater or freshwater – it depends on where the natural of cultured pearl originated. Pearls are also classified by their shapes – you will notice that no two pearl bracelets are exactly alike. This, in itself, gives a semblance of uniqueness and, therefore, value. The choice of pearls does, therefore, require some thought as the finished effect may, or may not, be to your individual liking and preference.