How To Choose A Pearl
Pearls are considered nature's gemstones and are perfect for
inclusion in fine jewelry. Harvested from oysters, pearls are
chosen in a similar fashion to other gemstones, including
diamonds. When looking to purchase a pearl, follow the following
seven tips in order to find the best pearl for your money.
1.) Color Although you may think of pearls being creamy or
off-white in color, pearls actually come in a wide array of
colors. Pearls can range in color from rare black pearls to pure
white pearls, and every color in between. By far, the most
popular colors for pearls are white, cream, yellow and pink.
Tahitian pearls are black, blue, grey, or even silver in color,
and tend to be more expensive than the afore-mentioned lighter
colors, but it should be kept in mind that no color is
considered better than another. When choosing a color of a
pearl, consider your personal tastes and even skin tone to
determine what color of pearl is the best pick for you.
When examining pearls, place the pearls on a white or off-white
background to best see the true color. Often, stores will place
the pearls on a black velvet tray to provide the most impact,
but the dark color could prevent you from seeing the true
quality of the color.
Most pearls are natural colors, but some are dyed. Dyed pearls
are generally less expensive than naturally colored pearls, so
take the color into careful consideration when buying.
2.) Luster The luster of the pearl is the quality of the
reflective surface on the outermost layer of the pearl. This
luster is quite important when choosing a quality pearl, and
generally speaking, the higher the luster is an indication of a
higher quality pearl.
3.) Coating Pearls are made of different layers of nacre, a
solution the oyster secretes to protect its delicate interior
from an irritant, often a simple grain of sand. The coating of
the pearl is the outermost layer of nacre and should be thick
enough to protect the pearl. Usually, coating and luster go hand
in hand, with the thickness of the coating directly affecting
the quality of the luster. Pearls with a thin coating are more
likely to chip, are not as durable, and often appear dull.
4.) Surface The surface of the pearl should be smooth without
any ridges, bumps, or pits. The higher quality of a pearl will
have a smooth surface that will enable the light the light to
properly reflect and showcase the color and luster of the pearl.
Also, avoid any pearls with blemishes on the surface.
5.) Shape Although most pearls are round, that is not the only
shape of pearl available. That being said, round pearls should
indeed to completely round. The different shapes of pearls
available are:
* Round * Semi round * Off round * Baroque
Generally speaking, round pearls are worth the most, with semi
round, off round, and Baroque being valued less with each
category. Usually cultured pearls are considered round with
freshwater pearls more odd shaped.
6.) Size Size in pearls is measured in millimeters. In pearl
necklaces where each pearl is approximately the same size, the
measurement is limited to a range, such as 7x7.5mm, meaning the
pearls in the strand are between seven and seven and one-half
millimeters in size. Usually, the larger the size of the pearl,
the more expensive the price tag. However, the other factors
still come into play.
7.) Setting Pearls are set by drilling through the pearl to tie
on a strand for a necklace or top mounted for other pieces of
jewelry. When choosing the setting, ensure the setting itself is
of good quality and the pearl is appropriately set. This is
critical when choosing a necklace, since a pearl that is drilled
off center will cause it to hang awkwardly on the strand.
About the author:
John Marcus specliazes in body piercing for more information go
to http://www.1-pearl-earings.
com
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