The pearls of the necklace measure 7mm – 7.5mm in diameter, genuine freshwater pearl, white in color, off round shape (not perfectly round), smooth surface with some natural blemishes and very luster AAA. The necklace is individually hand knotted between each pearl, strung on double silk thread and finished with solid 14k white gold clasp. The center of necklace is connected with 13.5mm blue Mabe saltwater pearl by a beautiful design solid 14k white gold. The stud earrings are made of 7.5mm white button pearls and set on solid 14k white gold posts and backs. This will come in nice gift box. Cultured pearls are often thought of as imitation pearls, but the two should not be confused. Cultured pearls are made of the same material as natural pearls and take time to create, up to seven years depending on the type of pearl. Imitation pearls are often made of plastic or glass and can be manufactured quite easily and quickly. Keep this in mind when you are shopping for pearl jewelry. Cultured and Natural Pearls. Natural pearls vary in size and luminosity, though most have a stunning iridescent quality. They are also found in a variety of shapes and sizes simply because they are wild. Cultured pearls have some of the same qualities, but they will most often be uniformly shaped and sized, and they can also be dyed or bleached to achieve different colors and luster. Real pearls are valuable because they display a natural beauty, whereas fake pearls (sometimes called “faux”, “costume” or “imitation” pearls) are worth little in value. They can be made of glass, plastic or fish-scale imitations. Here are some tips on how to distinguish real pearls from fake pearls. Real pearls have fingerprint-like surface ridges when viewed under magnification. Fake pearls have bubbles or mat patterns on the surface when viewed under magnification. Real pearls have enriched body color and an overtone color. Fake pearls only have one body color. The color looks flat and lacks depth. Real pearls are cold to touch. You don’t feel the coolness when touching fake pearls. If you rub pearls across your teeth, real pearls feel gritty while fake pearls feel smooth. Real pearls are heavy in weight. Fake pearls are light in weight. Real pearls show smoothness around drilled holes. Fake pearls show roughness or bumps around drilled holes. Take care of the Pearl. Gently wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after you remove them for the day – Immediately wipe your pearls clean with a soft cloth if they get exposed to acid- Gently apply a baby shampoo or another mild soap using a soft manicure brush. Support the strand if the pearls are on a necklace or bracelet. Do not stretch the thread as you clean. Only use mineral water or distilled water to rinse your pearls. Gently dab the water and soap of your pearls with a dry, soft cloth. Polish your pearls with a dry, soft cloth to maintain their luster. Avoid jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners. These are too rough and will damage your pearls.