Pearl Processing | Tensei Pearl
Our approach to processing
We judge the shine of each pearl
and craft its individuality.
Pearls nurtured in the sea each have a different expression. We judge their luster and nacre thickness, match their color and shape, and make them into jewelry that suits each pearl. The craft that begins with cultivation continues through the handwork of sorting and processing.
Not only few blemishes, but luster and nacre thickness too.
At Tensei Pearl, we value not only how few natural blemishes a pearl has, but also the luster and nacre thickness that determine its shine. Of course, having few blemishes is one aspect of quality. But that alone does not decide the beauty of a pearl.
Along with the condition of the surface, we check the shine when a pearl catches the light and even the depth of its color. Judging the beauty of the whole pearl, without leaning on any one element, is the starting point of our sorting.
Turning time grown in the sea into shine.
A short cultivation period can reduce the risk of blemishes, but the nacre may be thin and the color may lack depth. We mainly produce "koshimono", raised for about two years, and value the expression of each pearl that this time creates.
Select, refine, and judge once more.
Processing
Harvested pearls do not become jewelry just as they are. We begin by sorting them by size and use, and after processing we review the pearls again and again to decide how each will be used.
Natural Color pearls and color-toned pearls.
"Shiminuki" (stain removal), carried out after drilling, is the process of removing impurities inside the nacre. Pearls that go through this process and are not color-toned are presented as Natural Color pearls.
Pearls that are color-toned then have their color tone adjusted. In both cases, after processing we check the luster, nacre thickness, color and surface quality again, and sort the pearls according to their individuality and use.
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01
Sorting and drilling
We judge the size and use, and drill the pearls to suit the piece.
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02
Stain removal
We remove impurities inside the nacre. Pearls that are not color-toned are treated as Natural Color pearls.
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03
Color toning and re-sorting
Pearls to be toned have their color tone adjusted, and then we check their luster, nacre thickness, color and surface quality again.
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04
Matching to use
We divide the pearls into half-drilled pearls for rings, pendants and the like and fully drilled pearls for necklaces, and gather matching pairs for clip-on earrings.
Designing from the individuality of each pearl.
Craft that brings out individuality
Pearls are slowly nurtured in the sea for about two years. Even pearls that look the same size differ in luster, color and shape.
We evaluate that individuality from many angles and consider the design and setting that bring it out best. Rather than fitting pearls into a fixed form, we start from the expression of each pearl and search for its form as jewelry.
Picturing the customer who will wear it, we carefully assemble each piece. To the very end of a craft that began in the sea, we add human eyes and hands.
The beauty of each pearl, and the harmony of the strand.
Tensei Pearl Quality Standards
The elements for checking pearl quality are luster, nacre thickness, color, surface quality and shape. For necklaces, "rensō", which describes the overall harmony of the strung pearls, is also essential.
Even if each pearl is beautiful, the impression changes when they are lined up. We compare the expressions of the pearls and check that the necklace comes together beautifully as a whole.
At Tensei Pearl, we deliver pieces in which these elements meet our own standards. So that you can use them with peace of mind for many years, we take the greatest care from sorting and processing to checking the finished piece.
Quality control based on experience and expertise.
GIA Graduate Gemologist
Bringing gemological knowledge to daily quality checks.
At Tensei Pearl, we carry out quality control under the supervision of a holder of the GIA G.G. (Graduate Gemologist) qualification.
We add the expertise of gemology to the experience gained on the cultivation site. From judging a single pearl to delivering it as jewelry, we hold to our own quality standards.
