TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Are your pearls artificially manufactured?
Absolutely not. All of our pearls are created by live mussels and oysters and they constitute the best available pearls from any given harvest.
How are your pearls created?
Virtually all pearls available today are cultured. The pearl culturing process begins when a skilled technician surgically implants a shell bead or piece of mantle tissue into a host oyster or mussel to induce the creation of a pearl. From this point, the same process of natural pearl creation begins. The oyster or mussel secretes a crystalline substance, called nacre, which builds up in layers over time. This creates a surface that glows with a lustre unique to true pearls. Artificial, or imitation, pearls, on the other hand, do not involve oysters or mussels in any way, and are manufactured from various chemicals and compounds. My Pacific Pearls sells only real pearls that are created by living mussels and oysters.
What grading system do you use?
Pearls have been bought and sold for thousands of years; however, there still is no universally-accepted, standardized grading system. The specific grading system that is used usually depends upon the specific jeweler or pearl distributor. Because no two pearls are ever alike, a universal grading system would require hundreds of quality parameters in order to maintain uniformity. Two major grading systems are in fairly widespread use: the AAA-A system and the A-D system. However, these systems can become very misleading if a seller misuses terms from the grading system and incorrectly describes a pearl. Some sellers commonly use a term that is not even in the grading system (such as "AAAA") to make it appear that the pearl is beyond even the highest standard quality. In reality, that seller's "AAAA" pearls would actually be equivalent to "AAA" grade, and their "AAA" pearls might only be equivalent to the commonly used "AA." Most reputable pearl dealers consider terms such as "AAAA" and "AAA+" to be in bad taste, or even dishonest. Such misleading terms are seen as a way to simply charge the customer more without providing a superior product. With this in mind, My Pacific Pearls gives our customers the most accurate information about the quality of each individual piece on our website. You can find detailed product information on each individual product page. All of our pearls have been carefully evaluated based on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Pearl Value Factors™, including size, color, shape, luster, nacre, and species.
How do I take care of my pearls?
Wearing and Cleaning Your Pacific Pearls
Pearls are meant to be worn and natural skin oils help to keep them lustrous. Always apply cosmetics, perfume, and spray products before putting your pearl jewelry on. Avoid contact with perspiration, chlorinated water, any cosmetic products, dust, or everyday cleaning products and remove spills immediately if your pearls come in contact with food acids. You can use a soft cloth moistened in fresh, non-chlorinated water and then dry your pearls with another soft cloth. When taking off a pearl ring or earrings, never pull on the pearl but grasp the metal instead. Always wipe your pearls after wear, using a soft cloth. Avoid commercial jewelry cleaners unless they are 100% pearl-safe.
Storing and Stringing Your Pacific Pearls
Protect your pearls from extreme dryness or too much heat as excessive heat can cause discoloration and dry conditions can cause the surface to crack. Always store your pearls separately from other jewelry to protect them from getting scratched. The jewelry box and the soft silk/velour pouch that we provide with your order is ideal. Store pearls out of direct light, especially sunlight. Do not store pearls in an airtight container, plastic bag, or safety deposit bag, as pearls need to breathe and respond to natural humidity changes. Do not hang your pearl strands for storage as this can stretch the string. Pearls mounted on wire should also be laid flat to prevent bending. Pearl necklaces and bracelets should be inspected by an experienced jeweller and restrung every year or two.
QUESTIONS ON REFUNDS, EXCHANGES, & SHIPPING
What is your exchange / refund policy for regular, non-voucher purchases made through the My Pacific Pearls website?
We take great pride in the quality of our jewelry and service. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, we can arrange for an exchange or refund. All returned items must be received within 60 days of the order date to receive a refund or exchange. All exchanges will be shipped to you upon safe receipt of the returned jewelry. Exchanges or refunds are only made on receipt of the returned item. If you wish to seek a refund or exchange, please email us at info@mypacificpearls.com to request an authorization form and our return address. To ensure that all refunds and exchanges are properly handled, we do not accept any returned items without a completed authorization form. In the case of items returned for a refund, your refund will be reinstated to your credit card or bank account less our twenty percent restocking fee. This covers our shipping, handling, merchant fees and administrative costs associated with restocking the item. If you wish to exchange your jewelry for another item, you will not be charged a restocking fee. To exchange an item, you may select any other item from our collection to replace the item that you are returning. For items in the same or lower price range, any difference in price is non-refundable. If you select an item in a higher price range, we can arrange for the difference in price to be charged to you. Please note, postage costs relating to exchanges or returns will be borne by the customer. In the unlikely event that there has been an error on our part in the dispatch of your order, we will refund any applicable postage costs. In all cases, the returned item must be unworn and in its original condition. All packaging items that were sent to you, including jewelry boxes, silk/velour pouches, and all accompanying materials must be returned in order for your refund or exchange to be processed.
What is your exchange / refund policy for purchases through Groupon, Living Social, or other third-party websites?
Please contact us at info@mypacificpearls.com if you would like to request an exchange or refund authorization form. To ensure that all refunds and exchanges are properly handled, we do not accept any returned items without a completed authorization form. Your exchange or refund will be issued upon return of the item that you received. Refunds and exchanges are only permitted within 30 days of receipt of your beautiful pearls. Please note, postage costs relating to exchanges or returns will be borne by the customer. In all cases, the returned item must be unworn and in its original condition. All packaging items that were sent to you, including jewelry boxes, silk/velour pouches, and all accompanying materials must be returned in order for your refund or exchange to be processed.
What countries do you deliver to?
We deliver within the United States and Canada via registered USPS priority shipping FREE of charge. We also deliver Worldwide at a flat rate of $30.
Will I have to pay duty for international orders?
Nearly 100% of our deliveries reach our clients around the world duty free; however, in the extremely rare case that duty is applied by your local customs officials, this cost will be borne by the customer.
Do you ship to P.O. Boxes?
Yes we do.
How long will it take to receive my jewelry?
Voucher Purchases
Due to the high volume of voucher and coupon redemptions, please allow up to 1 to 3 weeks for delivery. Deliveries outside the United States may take up to 4 weeks due to international customs and clearance.
