ROLEX WATCH

ROLEX WATCH

Rolex is the best known of the premier producers of fine watches in the world. Recognized as an innovator in technology and marketing, the company is credited with establishing the widespread popularity of the wristwatch in the early 20th century. Rolex watches are prized for their precision timekeeping, durability, functionality, and distinctive design. Rolex's mystique as a closely held private company and its carefully cultivated image continue to strengthen the watch's desirability as a status symbol as well as a precision instrument. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, where the company opened a new headquarters in 1995, Rolex has become closely linked with a number of major events in such sports as yachting, equestrian riding, golf, and tennis. Rolex watches&mdash…ailable in stainless steel, gold, and platinum, and with or without custom-set precious stones on the dial, crystal, or band--retail anywhere from $2,400 to over $100,000.

Determine Which Type of Pearl You Need

When a small foreign object gets introduced into the body of an oyster or mollusk the organism produces a soft coating of calcium carbonate (nacre) around it, creating a pearl. Small foreign objects don't wander into mollusks very often so pearl cultivators insert microscopic objects into the organisms to create cultured pearls. You'll find four popular types of cultured pearls on eBay:

Freshwater cultured pearls: Affordable freshwater cultured pearls originate in the freshwater lakes and rivers of China. They often have an asymmetrical shape, medium to high luster, and measure between 3.5 mm and 7.0 mm. Freshwater cultured pearls are mostly white, but can have a pink or rose tint.
Tahitian cultured pearls: Tahitian cultured pearls have a unique black to grayish-green color. The large pearls, ranging from 11 mm to 13 mm, are farmed on the volcanic atolls and reefs of Tahiti. They are mostly round in shape and have a rich, high luster. Tahitian cultured pearls tend to cost more than other types of pearls based on their scarcity and unique look.

Akoya cultured pearls: Akoya cultured pearls are a type of saltwater pearl from China and Japan. They have round, symmetrical shape with few blemishes and measure between 6 mm and 8.5 mm. Akoya cultured pearls have a higher luster than freshwater pearls, average pricing, and a light color that ranges from cream to white/pink.


South Sea cultured pearls: Large South Sea cultured pearls (up to 13 mm), farmed in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, range in color from white to black. They can have a perfectly round to slightly asymmetrical shape and medium to high luster. Price varies depending on luster