The Fascinating Faceted Cultured Pearl

Pearls have been coveted for thousands of years, and in 1998, pearl lovers were given a new and unique option: the faceted cultured pearl. With up to 200 facets, these miniature marvels were the result of 20 years of experimentation by Komatsu Diamond Industry, a Japanese diamond-cutting company  – and were a dramatic alternative from smoother surfaced cultured pearls.

While only the finest cultured pearls were first faceted, cultured pearls of all qualities and colors are now cut and polished. To facet cultured pearls, gem cutters utilize the same cutting equipment that is used for cutting gemstones. Designers continue to experiment in pursuit of perfecting these geometric beauties.

“Nature makes pearls, and faceting brings out their beauty,” says award-winning designer Mark Schneider, who has earned a reputation for featuring faceted cultured pearls in his work. “I take what nature creates and put my fingerprints on it.”

A GIA Pearl Identification Report for faceted cultured pearls describes them using three of GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™: Size, Shape and Color. Due to the modified surface of faceted cultured pearls, the GIA  reports do not describe Luster, Surface, Nacre Quality or Matching (if applicable).

The GIA Pearl Identification Report also identifies if the faceted cultured pearl is natural or cultured; the type of nucleation (bead or non-bead); mollusk (if determinable); the environment (saltwater or freshwater); and any detectable treatments. With this information, you can make your purchase with peace of mind.

Whether your taste is for the traditional or the Avant Garde, you’re sure to enjoy these unique creations.

Jewelry designer Mark Schneider says that architecture inspires his work, and his “Equilibrium” ring bears testimony. Winning first place in the 2004 American Vision Awards, Platinum Distinction category, the left and right portions of the ring shank, accented with diamonds, hold a faceted black Tahitian cultured pearl mounted in platinum. The bottom of the shank is black onyx. This ring would make a serious statement on the runway or at a red carpet gala.

Jeffrey Appling won first place in the 2007 Jewelry Arts Awards, Rings category, for this eclectic piece named “Pearl Protrusion”. The contrast is striking: a faceted white cultured pearl sits opposite a faceted black cultured pearl (in the trade, the color may be referred to as “peacock,” which has a dark green-gray to blue-gray body color and a pink to purple overtone). The shank is decorated with tsavorite garnets and pink sapphires. The inside of the ring is rounded on the bottom to make the design not only unique, but also more comfortable to wear. Intricate engraving and an unorthodox setting are the finishing touches on this unusual work.

These two rings by K. Brunini Jewels draw their inspiration from nature. The ring on the left, from the Vertebrae collection, is meant to express the human center of energy. The ring on the right is from the Twig collection, where natural forms are forged into precious metal. Brunini adds tension to the mix by using faceted black cultured pearls as the crowning ornament.

In Mark Schneider’s 2001 AGTA Spectrum Award-winning creation, a faceted black Tahitian  cultured pearl holds center stage in this exquisite ring. The black opal inlay creates a waterfall effect. The bed of green tsavorite garnets bring to mind the ocean on a summer’s day.

What do you think of the faceted cultured pearl? Do you prefer the traditional un-faceted cultured pearl? Or do you like the unique, and are drawn to the unusual look of the faceted cultured pearl?