Sea of Cortez Pearls are rare and striking pearls that are cultured in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, near Guaymas, Mexico. These beautiful and unique pearls come from two species of mollusks - the Panamic Black-Lipped Oyster and the Rainbow-Lipped Oyster. While both of these mollusks can produce incredible pearls, the Rainbow-Lipped Oyster is known for producing unique and unusual colorations and a very high iridescence.

Sea of Cortez pearls are cultured, which means a "shell" bead is carefully inserted in the oyster, and the oyster forms the pearl around this shell. Cultured Cortez Pearls are natural and they are not enhanced in any way. Once removed from the shell, Cortez Pearls are washed with water, then soaked in mineral oil for a short time and dried.

Sea of Cortez pearls can resemble Tahitian pearls, but many feel they are more beautiful then even Tahitians, as they can be even more iridescent and have more color range than Tahitian pearls. In addition to their rarity and striking beauty, Sea of Cortez pearls are the only pearls in the gem industry that qualify for "Fair Trade Gems" status.

Here is a small selection of Sea of Cortez pearls that you can purchase right now through ebay:

The following are some jewelry safeguards from the Gemological Institute of America:

• According to GIA experts, chemicals found in everyday substances like hairspray, lotions, perfumes, or other cosmetics can damage the nacre of your dazzling pearl and can corrode the alloys in that shiny setting.

• Light and heat can affect a colored gemstone's durability and color. It also can fade and weaken some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and pink conch-shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials, like ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.

• Soft gems, such as pearls, can easily be scratched. GIA suggests using an unused makeup brush and warm, soapy water. Lay the pearls on a towel to dry. The wet string can stretch and attract dirt so don't touch a string of pearls until they are completely dry. Pearls worn every few days should be restrung once a year.

• Jewelry should never be tossed into a drawer or on top of a dresser -- that's a recipe for scratches and fractured gems. Most jewelry pieces come in a box or pouch from the store, which is a perfect place to keep them.

Shop by country US Australia Austria Belgium Canada France Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands Spain Switzerland UK

Sort the items            Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first

Wonderful !! 8-9mm Gray Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace US $3.64

72" 7-8mm Pink Cultured Pearl Necklace US $9.99

3 Rows Cultured 7-8 Mm White Pearl Necklace US $.99

Cultured Freshwater 8-9mm White Pearl Necklace 20" Long US $19.99

Cultured Freshwater 8-9mm White Pearl Necklace 18" US $14.99

Lovely !! 8-9mm White Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace US $.99

1