How to Buy Pearl Jewelry
When buying pearl
jewelry for yourself or someone else, there are a few things to
consider: color, size, luster, surface and shape.
As you are choosing color, keep in mind that each type of pearl
has different colors. Akoya pearls are typically white or with rose
undertones, Freshwater
pearls usually white with rose undertones, South Sea pearls
are white with silver or rose undertones, and Tahitian pearls are
usually black with green or pink undertones. Color preference depends
on the person's coloring. Those who have fair coloring would look
best in light colors and those who have a darker coloring would
look best in darker or golden pearls. Complement the woman's skin
tone by buying the best looking pearl color.
Size of the pearls depends on the type of pearls. Freshwater pearls
are typically the smallest pearls with sizes ranging from 5 to 6.5
mm, Akoya pearls are medium sized pearls with sizes from 6 to 8
mm, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls are typically large. South
Sea and Tahitian pearls are usually from 11 to 13 mm. When picking
out pearl size, think of the size of the person. If the woman is
petite, she may look overpowered with large pearls and smaller pearls,
such as Akoya pearls may look best.
Luster shows the quality of the pearl. Luster is the mirror-like
finish on the surface of the pearl. A pearl is made up of layers
of calcium carbonate called nacre. The larger the pearl is, the
more nacre, which makes the pearl more lustrous. South Sea and Tahitian
pearls are more lustrous than a Freshwater pearl because they are
larger and have more nacre. GIA grades pearls from Fair to Excellent.
When choosing a pearl
necklace, look for the grades Excellent to Good. Some stores
have their own grading system of A to AAA, with AAA being the best.
Be wary of stores with their own gradings and make sure they are
reputable.
When looking at the luster of a pearl necklace, check out the
surface of the pearls. There is rarely a perfect pearl with a smooth
surface, but you can look for pearls that are near-perfect. Blemishes
that may appear, but not are non-damaging include spots, bumps,
pits, and wrinkles. Non-damaging surface marks can lower the price
of the pearl. Damaging flaws include cracks, holes or chips. Those
flaws may worsen and ruin the pearl.
Also important when picking out a pearl is the pearl shape. The
favored shape is perfectly round, but that shape is rare. Preferred
pearl shape for making a pearl necklace is round to mostly round.
Freshwater pearls are mostly round to off-round. Find a pearl that
is as near to round as you can find.
When choosing a pearl
necklace, keep in mind that there are six types of pearl necklaces;
collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope. Collar pearl
necklace is 10 to 13 inches in length. Great for casual to evening
wear. Choker pearl necklace is 16 to 18 inches. An elegant piece
that is wonderful with formal wear. Princess pearl necklace is 17
to 20 inches. Perfect for work or an elegant night out. Matinee
pearl necklace is 20 to 24 inches, a professional look that completes
your business suit or dress. Opera pearl necklace is 28 to 34 inches
and looks ideal for formal events or special occasions. Rope pearl
necklace is 45 inches and up and is a versatile piece. Looks wonderful
with dresses or pant suits.
A perfect pearl is hard to find, but if you remember to look at
the four important aspects of pearls, you may find a wonderful gift.
Keep in mind that color, size, luster, surface, and shape all affect
pearl's price. Freshwater pearls are a good value, but you may sacrifice
size, luster and shape. Akoya pearls are beautiful pearls that have
a good size, luster, and shape. Think about what is most important
to you when buying a pearl and choose your lovely pearl from that
information.
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