A number of factors affect the appraisal of pearl
quality. We recommend that customers learn the basics of selecting
fine pearls to make pearl buying an enjoyable experience and to
ensure a sound investment.
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Pearls Size
Pearl size is mostly determined by two factors: the size of the
implanted nucleus and the thickness of the nacre that grows layer
upon layer around the nucleus. A large cultured pearl that lacks
nacre thickness has a low value, and tends to discolor and crack
fairly easily. A pearl with a thick nacre coating will retain its
luster and beauty for a lifetime when properly cared for. For pearls
of similar quality, the most important other determinant of price is
the size of the pearl. The size is generally measured in
millimeters.Pearls Shape
Perfectly round cultured pearls are the rarest. Although most
cultured pearls are nearly round, only about 1% is perfectly
spherical. To check a strand for roundness, roll it across a flat
surface. The strand should move evenly and smoothly.
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Pearls Luster
Luster refers to the surface property that imbues cultured pearls
with their shine and beauty. When checking pearls for luster, view
them while standing with your back to a source of light. The sharper
your reflection on the surface of the pearl, the higher is the
luster and the better the quality.
Pearls Color
Pearls come in a variety of shades, with the major classifications
being white, pink, silver, cream, gold, and black. Choice pearls
also have a secondary color, or “overtone”, around the surface of
the pearl. These overtones are usually rose, green or blue. The
color should emanate from deep within the center of the pearl. All
the pearls in a strand should be consistent in color.
Pearls Surface
Just as with any product of nature, all cultured pearls have minor
imperfections. A quality cultured pearl is free of large pits or
blemishes. |
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are cultivated using Pinctada Fukata oysters. Although
most Akoya pearls are cultivated in Japan, they are also cultured in
the tropical waters off the coast of Korea and China and southward
as far as Sri Lanka. Akoya pearls are from two to ten millimeters in
size, and their shape is typically round or off-round. Colors range
from pink to white and yellow. Typically pearls are harvested after
about eighteen months to three years of cultivation, reaching about
0.5 mm in diameter after eighteen months in the host oyster. Akoya
pearls are renowned for their high luster and rich color.
Tahitian Black Pearls
Tahitian Black pearls are cultivated from Pinctada Margaritifera
oysters (black lip oysters) found in French Polynesian waters. Black
South Sea pearls come in a wide range of colors from silver / gray,
blue, and red / eggplant to dark green, with peacock being the most
valuable. Cultivation time averages about two years. Tahitian pearls
have long been highly prized by many cultures for their exotic
colors and brilliant luster.
To learn more about Pearls, visit the leading
diamond jewelry store –
http://www.DiamondSafe.com
Dana Halpert
dana@compucall.co.il Compucall - Web marketing
http://www.compucall-usa.com
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