Who Wins the Battle of the Pearls: Natural vs. Cultured

People will argue endlessly that natural is always better. It is hard to fight against this argument in many different arenas. Food is a perfect example. You are almost always going to be better off if you eat food that is all natural versus something that is processed. Some things however aren’t quite as black and white. Specifically, pearls. Natural versus cultured has been a debate that has raged ever since pearl farming first began.

 Each option has its benefits and its drawbacks. Purists prefer pearls that are naturally harvested. It brings with it an authenticity that some people find important. Because they are not controlled during the growth, they can tend to be very unique, almost as if there is a built in design flaw, so finding matching pearls to make earrings or a necklace can be difficult. Cultured pearls have a predictable uniformity to them, down to the color that they will turn out to be, so that the jeweler can make fine jewelry exactly as he or she wants them too. Unfortunately, that uniformity can diminish the natural beauty for which pearls are prized. So, when it comes to pearls: natural versus cultured, there is still no clear winner.

Jewelry's David and Goliath Story

The globalization of markets has led to an ease of access to a variety of inexpensive, mass produced goods. They are so common place that sometimes it's hard for the average consumer (you and me) to sort it all out. Of course you want to support skilled artisans. We all want to see skilled workers make a living making beautiful things. But sometimes we also want cheaper, mass-produced goods. So here we go, the final battle, artisan vs production jewelry

Artisan Jewelry: This is made by a person, an artisan by trade, or a small shop. These are handmade with all the things that implies. Small imperfections, but no two pieces look exactly the same. Uniqueness and narrative are huge influences for people looking for artisan jewelry.

Production Jewelry: Plain and simple, this is the mass produced stuff. It can be gorgeous and well-crafted, but it's hardly unique. Often but not always shipped in from nations with lower wages (and often dangerous working conditions). Great for people who hard on jewelry, for instance.

Production jewelry's main appeal is price point. I can afford mass-produced goods much more easily than I can budget for handmade jewelry. I give up the narrative that comes with locally sourced goods and I know I don't have anything unique. It's a trade off, but it's one every consumer ought to give real thought to it as it is akin to the little guy trying to take on the big guy.