Thank you for your interest in our oysters. Opening an oyster to reveal a beautiful pearl is an exciting and memorable experience. They make excellent gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, stocking stuffers, end of the year teacher gifts, bridesmaid gifts, wedding favors, party favors or just because! Please contact us if you are interested in a large order or private party.
About Our Pearls:
Our pearls are cultured freshwater pearls. Pearls are organic and therefore may vary slightly in size and shape. On average, they range in size from 6 mm to 8 mm. Every pearl is unique. They are usually quite round, but occasionally may be slightly misshapen. 99.99% of our oysters contain pearls. Oysters that are opened at live parties, shows, festivals or on Facebook are guaranteed to have at least one pearl inside. It is possible to receive twins. The color you receive is up to chance. Dark colors do not occur naturally and are the result of dye.
All sales are final. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Opening Oysters at Home:
Safety Information
The Weeping Mermaid is not responsible for any damages or injuries.
- Please keep oysters out of reach of children and pets.
- Oysters are not for human or animal consumption.
- The oysters are preserved in an alcohol and water based solution which can be very drying to hands. It is recommended that you wear rubber or disposable gloves when opening oysters.
- The oysters have a slightly unpleasant odor. It is absolutely normal.
- Oysters should be opened by adults.
- We recommend storing unopened oysters in a cool dry place and opening them within one year of purchase.
Directions
Supplies: Towel, Cutting board (optional), Rubber or disposal gloves (optional), a dull knife (butter knives work well), a non-abrasive cloth, table salt
Please read the directions entirely before opening your oyster.
- Find a flat surface to work on that is not slippery. Do not open oysters over a sink in case the pearl gets loose!
- Lay down a towel. You may prefer to use a cutting board under the towel if you are concerned about the work surface being damaged.
- Put on rubber or disposable gloves if you choose and remove the oyster from its packaging.
- Gently rip off any excess shell from the top of the oyster. It will be brittle, feathery and tear off easily. Removing the excess exposes the crevice where the top and bottom shell comes together.
- We are ready to cut into the oyster, but please do not insert the knife deep into the oyster or you risk damaging your pearl. Carefully insert a dull knife, such as a butter knife, into the crevice at the top of the oyster and slide the knife down the oyster shell toward the hinge at the bottom. Repeat this on the other side.
- Finish opening the oyster with your hands by pulling open the top and bottom. Locate the pearl inside the oyster. It is recommended that you use your finger rather than a knife to avoid damaging the pearl.
- Clean the pearl with a soft nonabrasive cloth and table salt. Please see the care and cleaning instructions for ongoing pearl maintenance.
Care and Cleaning:
- It is not recommended to clean pearls or jewelry with steam or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.
- To prevent tarnishing of jewelry you should avoid contact with cleaning or personal care products, oil and moisture.
- Please remove jewelry before applying perfume, showering, swimming or working out.
- When jewelry is not being worn it should be stored in a dry cool place. Please ensure jewelry is entirely clean and dry before storing it. Do not store jewelry with other items or jewelry that may scratch. Pearls can be scratched by gemstones.
- Pearls: Polish pearls with a dry nonabrasive cloth. Only when it is needed dip a nonabrasive cloth in warm water and mild soap then dab the pearl. Dry the pearl immediately and do not allow water to sit on pearls.
- Silver Plated Jewelry: Silver plated jewelry can be polished with a dry nonabrasive cloth. Only when it is needed cover the silver plated jewelry with a paste of equal parts baking soda and water and let sit for an hour. Scrub very gently with an old toothbrush then rinse the paste off. Dry and polish the jewelry with a nonabrasive cloth.
- Sterling Silver Jewelry: Sterling silver can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. After cleaning dry and polish with a nonabrasive cloth.
All of the jewelry we sell is silver plated unless otherwise specified.