Insider Secrets for Buying Pearls
Pearls are one of the most valuable gemstones. And everything about pearls is enchanting, beginning with how they’re formed to the extraordinary beauty they add to any outfit. However, if you want to buy quality pearls, it’s not as simple as choosing the prettiest ones. When purchasing pearls, many factors must be considered, including the location of origin, overall appearance and size, and method of growing.
Such magnificent jewelry requires extreme caution when buying one, but even the steps needed to find the perfect pearls for you are enjoyable. You probably already know whether you want to buy pearl earrings, a necklace, a set, etc., so let’s start with how to choose the right pearl type before moving on to budgetary concerns, jewelry designs, and the right vendor.
If you want to learn how to buy pearls, read this article to learn about pearl jewelry and how to choose the perfect piece.
Learn the Difference Between Natural and Fake Pearls
Before you learn the difference between cultured and natural ones, you should learn to recognize the fake ones. You can make a difference between real and fake pearls since the fake versions are made of glass, plastic, or other artificial materials. Both natural and cultured pearls are 100% real gems. The difference is only in the way they are made.
Making a pearl starts when a piece of shell or small grain of sand is put inside an oyster. The oyster begins to produce a glossy substance known as “nacre,” which coats the sand grain. Next, layers of nacre accumulate and form beautiful pearls. This process occurs deep in the waters but can be performed in a laboratory, and that is why we have two types of pearls. Natural pearls are more expensive, but there is no difference in appearance; they seem identical. So, choosing cultured pearls over natural ones is far more affordable.
Choose the Right Type of Pearl
Knowing the main distinctions between the four main types of pearls will help you better understand each one’s worth. In addition, you’ll know what to expect, especially when you’re buying pearls online. The most common pearl is the freshwater pearl. It’s the most affordable one, and it comes in various colors and shapes, with the “baroque” shape being the most common.
The Akoya pearl is the classic pearl we see on single strands of pearls. They’re slightly smaller than freshwater pearls and can be found in cream or white colors. The South Sea pearl is large and comes in gold, white, cream, and black colors. Finally, the Tahitian pearl is the most distinctive and intriguing pearl variety, with dark colors ranging from metallic gray to black. It’s regarded as an exotic and precious type of pearl.
Examine the Qualities
Now that you know the different types and colors of pearls, you need to learn how to recognize their qualities.
Color
The color, of course, will vary depending on the pearl type, but you should keep two things in mind: the body and the overtone color. The primary hue of the pearl is the body color, while the overtone is the sheen that appears on the surface. Always check the color of a pearl against a white material, and use diffused full-spectrum light. When purchasing a strand of pearls, compare the colors of each pearl to the ones next to it.
Luster
The luster refers to how much reflection/shine it has. The more valuable a pearl, the shinier it will be. Examine the luster of a pearl by observing how closely the reflection resembles a mirror and the light it reflects. The more valuable pearls are, the more of a mirror image they can provide. Examine the entire pearl to ensure that the luster is consistent.
Surface
Most pearls are slightly lumpy or off-round, with minor surface imperfections. The pearl surface may have small lumps, marks, or grooves caused by other foreign bodies within the oyster. It’s crucial to ensure that no imperfections on the pearl have been removed. Pearls are sometimes sanded down to remove surface blemishes, reducing their value. You’ll notice whether it has been worked if there is a texture difference on a specific part or a change in luster.
Wrapping Up
Every woman should have pearls in her jewelry collection. Pearl quality depends on how it was formed, its source, and some other factors. Understanding the pearl value before buying jewelry is crucial for making an informed decision. And always choose a professional jeweler with the expertise to ensure you get the best quality pearls. We hope that with our guide, we’ve provided you with enough information about these magnificent stones so you can start your search.