Strand of pearls are known for their elegant beauty & have fascinated women all through the ages. This article throws light on important features that you need to consider while selecting a pearl necklace.
Basically there are 4 types of pearls; Tahitian, South Sea, Freshwater & Akoya pearls. Except for freshwater pearls all other type of pearls originate in oceans and are considered more valuable compared to freshwater pearls because of their high luster & rarity.
As is common for any other gemstone, a pearl’s value is determined by its quality. Pearls are rated according to their quality as A, AA, AA+, AAA & AAA+ with AAA and AAA+ being the best in terms of quality & value.
The other factors which are taken into consideration while judging the value & quality of pearls are; it’s:
- Nacre
- Surface
- Luster
- Shape
- Size & Matching
- Color
Nacre:
Maximum attention while buying a pearl jewelry is put on pearl’s nacre thickness. Nacre is a coating which pearl oysters produce for covering pearl’s nucleus. Nacre is the key which decides how long the pearl will last. While purchasing you should look for a pearl that is having nacre thickness of minimum 0.4mm.
Luster & Surface:
Luster is the amount of light that gets reflected from the surface of the pearl. Pearls with mirror finish, high luster & clean surface are more valuable.
Size & Shape:
Price of pearls bigger than 7mm varies a lot on the actual size of the pearl. Most commonly used pearls are round in shape and are considered most desirable.
Matching:
In pearls bracelets & necklaces, matching means the ways in which all of the pearls in the necklace or bracelet are similar. As it is very hard to find enough similar or identical pearls for making a completely matched pearl necklace or bracelet, those which have such matching features command top price.
After deciding about the size, type, quality & color of the pear you are looking for, take your time to shop around and find that perfect pearl bracelet or necklace.
See also:
Queen Alexandra’s Pearls
Tags: jewelry tips, luster, nacre, pearl, pearl jewelry, south sea pearl, type of pearls
March 11th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Each year John Medeiros jewelry creates a line especially for Mothers’ Day. This yeas’ Mothers’ Day Collection made from exquisite sea shell pearls. The sea shell pearl line, expected to retail for between $55 and $310, will be available mid-April. To find a retailer near you, visit http://www.johnmedeiros.com.
Sea shell pearls, unlike pearls cultivated from oysters or mussels, are lab grown from a mother of pearl shell base. While sea pearls retail for far less than oyster pearls, they are the same weight, texture, and are often more pefectly shaped as the environment is controlled. Sea shell pearls should be treated the same an oyster pearl is.