How
to Choose Fine Pearls by: Amanda Raab
Pearls are very alluring and hold
a quality that both defines elegance and natural beauty. There are more
varieties and availability of pearls today than ever before. The “cultured
pearl” now rivals with fine diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
Today most pearls are cultured, meaning
that the mollusk is purposely inserted with an irritant or “nucleus” from
which it creates a pearl. A better way to think of the difference between
natural pearls and cultured pearls is to think of the natural pearl as
a result of the mollusk working alone and the cultured pearls as a product
of nature being helped by science. Cultured pearls are not “fake” like
many people may think. The culturing process takes from two to three years
and is a very delicate process. The pearl farmers have little control on
what the outcome of the pearl will look like or if the mollusk will reject
the nucleus. Not all pearls are fine quality or even desirable at all.
The end result is ultimately a consequence of nature.
Choosing pearls that are of the best
quality are determined by luster, nacre thickness and quality (the outer
layer), color, surface perfection, shape, and size. The biggest factor
of pearl quality is nacre thickness and quality which determines how long
the pearl will last. Nacre thickness determines the longevity of the pearl
and nacre quality determines how light reflects through the layers of the
pearls. High luster and iridescence come from high quality nacre and any
pearl with these characteristics has quality, thick nacre. When judging
nacre look for uniform iridescence, intensity of luster, cracks and peeling,
estimate thickness near the drill hole between the nacre and the shell
bead (nacre is lighter). Pearls are very thick with at least .5 mm on all
pearls, thick with at least.5mm on most pearls, medium with between .35
and .5 mm on most pearls, and thin with .25 mm or less on most pearls.
Luster is also important and one
of the first factors to notice. Luster is an intense brightness that illuminates
from within the pearl rather than just being “shiny” like in imitation
pearls. The intense brightness results from light being reflected throughout
the numerous layers of nacre. Quality pearls will have a sharp contrast
between the brightest area where direct light is hitting the pearls and
the shaded area creating an illusion of a “ball within the pearl.” Check
for luster by examining them under a fluorescent lamp and rolling them
from side to side to examine uniform luster. Examine pearls over a light
gray or white material and never black because it is harder to see the
true quality of the pearl.
Pearl color is also important. When
choosing pearls note there body color and overtones. The most desirable
and more rare white pearls have “rose” colored overtones. Cream colored
pearls are more affordable because they are less rare. Also, pearls can
have tones rated in intensity. Darker toned pearls are more desirable and
expensive compared to lighter toned pearls. Many natural body colors are
available in pearls including white, black, gray, blue, gold, pink, and
green. Distinctive colored pearls are rarer and harder to find. Have a
qualified gemologist check the pearls to make sure they have not been dyed,
especially for costlier pearls like the black or golden varieties.
Examine pearls’ surface for blemishes.
Although is best to check for most pearl characteristics on a light background,
it is best to check for blemishes on a dark background. Check in both intense
and diffused light. No pearls are perfect and small blemishes can be sacrificed
for more important quality like nacre and luster. Pearls with higher luster
conceal blemishes better.
When choosing pearls also consider
shape. There are three pearl shapes including symmetrical, spherical, and
baroque. The spherical is the rarest and most desirable. Symmetrical pearls
include teardrop or pear-shaped pearls and desirable but usually less expensive
than spherical pearls. Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and often
the least expensive.
Size should also be taken into consideration.
Larger cultured pearls are rarer and more expensive. Akoya pearls over
7 ½ millimeters are much more costly and prices dramatically rise
with each ½ millimeter over 8 millimeters. South Sea and Tahitian
pearls also have high increase in price when size is over 15 millimeters.
One more factor to consider in pearls
is the precision in matching the pearl quality in a string of pearls. It
is important to take all of the above factors in consideration when matching
the pearls. Graduated pearls also take careful matching. Pearl matching
affects the value of the jewelry because when pearls are not matched properly
it takes away from the appearance of the jewelry. Also, make sure the pearls
are all drilled in the center so they lay properly. Off-center drilled
pearls will not lay correctly and reduces the value of the piece.
It is always important to get a independent
laboratory report when in doubt of pearl enhancements that may have been
employed to make the pearls appear more valuable. Make sure the person
appraising the pearls is a Graduate Gemologist (GG) which is the Gemological
Institute of America’s (GIA)highest award.
Other things to consider when purchasing
pearls include finding out what the merchant’s return policy is. Make sure
they have at least a 30-day full refund policy.
About The Author
Amanda Raab
Owner Of Pure Pearls
www.purepearls.com
Classic. Timeless. Luxury.
pearls@purepearls.com
Courtesy of http://www.ArticleCity.com/
