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How to Choose Pearl Jewelry

By Jill Peterson

Among the different types of jewelry, pearl jewelry is considered to be the most elegant as it reflects royalty. Pearls are loved by women of all ages since olden days. They can be worn with a formal evening wear, a business suit, or casually with jeans. Pearl jewelry also makes an ideal gift for brides, and many occasions such as birthday, Christmas, graduation, anniversary, or just to say “I love you” on Valentine’s day.

Since choosing pearls can be an overwhelming experience, here are a few tips to help you select and buy the best pearl jewelry pieces at the best price possible.

How to Pick Pearls

Best quality pearls are determined by luster, surface perfection, color, shape, and size.

Luster

Luster refers to the amount of light reflected from the pearl’s surface. Luster is the surface glow, as well as the deep mirror-like reflection of the light, or “inner light”.

Nacre quality in cultured pearls will improve the overall luster. Many even layers of nacre are required to create a highly defined spectrum of color.

A high-quality pearl will have a brilliant even reflection with a fine warm glow or radiance. Lower quality pearls have a dull sheen. High quality Akoya saltwater pearls have a higher luster than South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which tend to have a softer, more diffuse reflection.

Surface Perfection

Tiny marks found on pearls are part of their natural texture and are proof of the genuineness of a cultured pearl. These blemishes are produced by outside sea particles and objects that find their way into the oyster and brush against the pearl. A pearl is regarded to be more valuable when the surface imperfections are minimal.

Color

There is a wide spectrum of colors that can be found in pearls, including cream, gray, green, blue and pink. The most popular colors are white and pink rosé because these shades flatter most skin tones.

White with pink or silver overtones are considered to be the most valuable. The most desirable dark colored pearls are black with green or blue overtones.

Color is based on preference, but it is always important to find a color that is rich and evenly distributed on the pearl.

Shape

Although there are shapes are available, perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable. Button pearls are round on one side and flat on the opposite end. Other shapes like tear drop and baroque are also favored because of their uniqueness. They are formed when an outside entity attaches itself onto the forming pearl and it is covered by nacre layers.

Size

Generally, the size of the pearl affects the price. Large pearls are more difficult to cultivate because of the large size of the implanted nucleus. There is an increased likelihood that the oyster will reject the nucleus.

Pearls are measured in diameter increments of millimeters (mm). The classic Akoya pearl generally ranges from 3.5mm to 10mm in size. South Sea (White, Golden, or Black) pearl sizes begin at 8mm and can be as large as 18mm.

You can purchase pearl jewelry from retail stores, online shops or online auctions. However, it is wise to buy pearls from stores that provide certificate and offer money back guarantees.

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