Pearl guide

Classic, elegant and versatile pearls are a worthwhile investment and add a distinct style quotient to any outfit. Pearls are suitable for almost any occasions and celebrations. Pearl is a traditional birthstone of June and is an ideal choice for wedding gifts.

Decide whether you want to buy natural pearls, cultured pearls or you want to go for faux (imitation) pearls. Natural pearls are very expensive and you cannot get them easily in stores. Imitation pearls are very cheap and often used as costume jewelry. All pearl jewelry or loose pearls available in market are mainly cultured pearls. Once you know the type of pearls, you want to buy then think whether you want to buy freshwater pearls or saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are easily available. These pearls have high luster similar to saltwater pearls but they are much more affordable than saltwater pearls.

Shape of pearl plays an important role in overall appearance of pearl jewelry. Pearls are available in wide variety like classic round, symmetrical, teardrop or baroque pearls. Perfect round spherical pearls are highly prized. Baroque pearls are also popular these days because of their unique shapes. After shape then comes size of pearls. Larger the pearl, costlier it will be. Size of pearl is most important value deciding factor.

Place pearl strand or necklace or any pearl jewelry piece directly under a light on flat, white surface; inspect them well. Look for any imperfections or blemishes, pits, color concentrations; all these factors play very important in valuation of pearls.

Pearl luster is important in overall appearance and quality of pearls. It is advisable to avoid pearls with dull, cloudy appearance. Good quality pearls have shiny surfaces, strong reflection and reflect good contrast between light and dark areas.

Color of pearl can be anything but check whether that color is natural or dyed. Dyed pearls are cheap but their appearance is not so impressive. Natural exotic colors are very expensive. Along with color, pearls also have overtones. This overtone is a tint; this tint is also important in valuation of pearls, pearls with pinkish overtones are very expensive.

Turn pearl in your hands and examine it from all angles. Roll a pearl strand on flat surface to test them for roundness; round pearls roll evenly and smoothly. Remember all these things while buying pearls.

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