Freshwater Pearls – A Versatile Force

Freshwater pearls, cultivated primarily in mussels rather than oysters, are cherished for their natural beauty and wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. These pearls are predominantly produced in China, with smaller quantities coming from Japan and the United States. Black and white freshwater pearls are among the most popular due to their classic appeal and the ease of cultivation, which allows for a broad spectrum of quality and price points. Lab-cultivated varieties aim to match the luster and color of natural pearls but often focus on black pearls due to the natural scarcity of black in freshwater environments.

Cosmic Junction

White Pearls: Linked to the moon, symbolizing purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They align with the crown chakra, fostering spiritual growth and wisdom.

Black Pearls: Often dyed, these carry the energy of the night, representing mystery, protection, and transformation. They resonate with the root chakra for grounding and the third eye for insight.

Cultural Symbolism: Pearls in general have been symbols of wealth, wisdom, and love across cultures. In China, pearls are associated with prosperity and good fortune, while in ancient Rome, they were a sign of status and power.

Mythology: In Hindu mythology, pearls are linked to the moon god, Chandra, and are thought to bring calmness and love.

Stainless Steel | 18k PVD Gold Finish

Material Composition: The base material of these earrings includes high-grade stainless steel, commonly types 304 or 316L, known for excellent corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic qualities. Over this, an 18k Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) gold finish is applied, giving the appearance of real gold while enhancing durability.

Manufacturing Process:

• Material Selection: Opt for high-quality stainless steel for the base, which ensures longevity and resistance to tarnishing.
• PVD Coating Preparation: The stainless steel is cleaned and prepared for the PVD process to ensure adhesion of the gold layer.
• PVD Application: Gold atoms are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited onto the steel in a process that bonds the gold at an atomic level, creating a hard, durable gold coating.
• Cutting & Shaping: After coating, the steel is cut and shaped into the desired forms, like fish/french hooks for earrings.
• Polishing & Finishing: The gold-coated steel is polished to enhance the finish’s luster and smoothness.
• Quality Control: Each piece is checked for uniformity of the gold layer, adherence to jewelry standards, and overall integrity.

Why They Don’t Oxidize

The stainless steel base forms a protective chromium oxide layer which prevents rust. The PVD gold coating adds another layer of protection, making the jewelry highly resistant to oxidation, even in humid or salty environments.

Magnetic Properties

Similar to plain stainless steel, the 18k PVD gold finish does not alter the magnetic properties significantly. The stainless steel might still have slight magnetic qualities based on its composition or processing, but this is not affected by the PVD layer.

Hypoallergenic Assurance

The gold PVD coating further seals the nickel content within the stainless steel, reducing the likelihood of skin reactions. This combination ensures that the earrings are suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to base metals.