Pearls are recognized as June’s birthstone, the derivation of the name pearl originates from a type of shell (Latin-perna) or from its spherical shape (Latin-sphaerula). Most pearls are products of bivalve mollusks mainly of the oyster type, Ostreidae family. They are built up of mother-of-pearl (nacre), which is mostly calcium carbonate, and an organic horn substance (conchiolin) that binds the microcrystals concentrically around an irritant.

Pearls sold by Direct Shopping Network are enhancement free. You will only find pearls that are authentic. We are meticulous in our pearl selection and only offer the world’s finest pearls. When purchasing pearls, one of the most important factors is the quality of the pearls; that is why purchasing pearls should be done so through a well recognized company like Direct Shopping Network.

Akoya Pearls sold by Direct Shopping Network are some of the most round and smooth pearls anywhere. Our Akoya pearls capture your attention with their superlative quality and intense luster. These pearls are a must for every woman’s jewelry collection, a strand, earrings, bracelet and maybe a ring. Because of DSN’s strong overseas relationships, we are able to offer these beautiful Akoya pearls, at unbelievable prices.

Tahitian Pearls are the exotic black pearls of the South Pacific. Known for their dark gray “gunmetal” they are also found as dark green, a very rare color and valuable pearl sometimes called "peacock green", a deep green with a reddish tinge. Beware of other varieties of pearls that have been dyed and called "black" pearls, natural black pearls are those taken from black-lipped oysters.
 
Be sure to take a look at our Tahitian pearl necklaces and matching pearl earrings. Our selection includes classic black, multi-colored and baroque Tahitian pearls.Treat yourself or someone you love to luxuriousness.

South Sea Pearls are the most rare of all pearls and measure anywhere between 10mm to 20mm in diameter. These gorgeous pearls are found in the warm waters of North Australia and come in a variety of colors. The beauty of South Sea pearls come from their thick nacre, which accumulates layer by layer for nearly 3 years. They are the “queen” of today’s cultured pearls, casting a deep glow from within.

Freshwater Pearls are cultivated primarily from the region of Ikechougai, as well as, the waters of Lake Biwa in Japan. Freshwater pearls are generally oval-shaped, and the naturally occurring colors of white, peach and wine. Improved culturing technology has resulted in the production of freshwater pearls as large and spherical as Akoya pearls.
           
The size of pearls varies between a pin head and a pigeon's egg. One of the largest fine pearls ever found (called the Hope Pearl after a former owner) is 2 in (5 cm) long and weighs 454ct (1814 grains = 90.8 grams); it is in the South Kensington Museum in London.
The distinctive luster is produced by the overlapping platelets of aragonite and film of conchiolin nearer to the pearl surface. This formation also causes the interference of light and the resulting iridescent colors that can be observed on the pearl surface. The color of pearl varies with the type of mullusk and the water, and is dependent on the color of the upper conchiolin layer. If the conchiolin is irregularly distributed, the pearl becomes spotty.

Pearls are formed by saltwater oysters (genus Pinctada), some freshwater mussels (Unio). They are formed as a result of an irritant that has intruded between the shell of the mollusk and the mantle or into the interior of the mantle. The outer skin of this mantle-the epithelium-normally forms the shell by secretion of mother-of-pearl, and also encrusts all foreign bodies within its reach. And such an encrustation will develop into a pearl.