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Orient

ori·​ent | ˈȯr-ē-ˌent

noun

The characteristic sheen of fine natural and cultured pearls

Pearls are formed by the deposit of natural layers of nacre over time. Eventually, with enough time and without being disturbed, this turns into a pearl. Orient occurs when the pearl consists of several thick layers of nacre that are well formed. Orient refers to the sheen seen on a pearl, and does not exhibit in all pearls. There are several elements that are predominant in pearls and orient is only one of those characteristics. It is most common in natural pearls that only contain nacre, as well as non-spherical pearls due to the way in which the nacre is deposited in the pearl while it forms. Orient is rare in round cultured pearls and is therefore highly sought after.