| Pearls are an enduring classic of romantic beauty and | | | | Pearl Size and Necklace Length |
| sophistication suitable for almost any occasions or | | | | The pearls in a strand are measured in a range, such |
| celebrations. Pearls may be worn with formal | | | | as 7-7.5mm. They are strung with the largest pearls at |
| eveningwear, with a business suit, or casually with a | | | | the center of the necklace and gradually smaller |
| sweater and jeans. The official June birthstone | | | | towards the clasp. Larger pearls are more valuable |
| provides an ideal choice for brides, young women | | | | and they create a more dramatic look. High-quality |
| looking for a touch of elegance, or a cherished gift for | | | | pearls larger than 9 mm are scarce and very |
| birthday, Christmas, graduation, sweet-sixteen, | | | | expensive. |
| anniversary, or just to say I love you. | | | | The classic and most common pearl necklace length is |
| Once rare and expensive, modern cultured pearls | | | | the 17-19 inch princess. It is a good choice for a first |
| have become an affordable luxury. To choose | | | | pearl necklace because it can be worn with many |
| consider six factors contribute to the value of a pearl: | | | | things. |
| luster, nacre thickness, shape, surface texture, size, | | | | Decide Pearl Types |
| and color. | | | | There are four types of pearls: |
| Luster- the Essence of Pearl Beauty | | | | 1.Classic Akoya Pearls |
| Pearls gain their unique beauty from the play of light | | | | 2.Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls |
| reflecting through layers of fine crystalline nacre | | | | 3.Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls |
| gradually deposited by an oyster. Nearly transparent | | | | 4.Inexpensive Decorative Freshwater Pearls |
| nacre gives the deepest luster and the highest | | | | The above four types of pearls are all cultured pearls. |
| reflection. A high-quality pearl will have a brilliant even | | | | Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls |
| reflection with a fine warm glow or radiance. Lower | | | | grow in ocean saltwater so they are also called |
| quality pearls have a dull sheen. | | | | saltwater pearls. |
| High-quality Akoya pearls have a higher luster than | | | | Akoya pearls are the most popular type for their |
| South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which tend to have a | | | | appealing high luster, luxury and affordability. |
| softer, more diffuse reflection. | | | | Decide Pearl Quality |
| Color and Overtones | | | | Pearls usually have four grades: A, AA, AAA, and |
| The dominant color of a pearl comes from the main | | | | AAA+ quality. AAA and AAA+ quality are the highest |
| reflection from the pearl surface. The deeper reflected | | | | quality. |
| light draws the inner color from the pearl, called the | | | | AAA and AAA+ quality pearls are the most desired |
| overtone. | | | | pearls for gifts. They have high luster and very clean |
| Light colored pearls are available in shades of white, | | | | surface skins. |
| cream, and golden. White with pink or silver overtones | | | | AA quality pearls have medium luster and slight to |
| are generally the most valuable. The most desirable | | | | medium surface imperfection. They are ideal gifts for |
| dark colored pearls are black with green or blue | | | | someone who will be happy to own a piece of fine |
| overtones. Color matching is also important when | | | | pearl jewelry. |
| buying pearl jewelry. Perfectly matched pearls in color | | | | A quality pearls have low luster and medium to heavy |
| and size are more valuable than poorly matched | | | | blemishes. They are not popular for gifts due to their |
| pearls. | | | | low quality. |
| Shape and Surface Texture | | | | Decide where to buy pearls |
| The highest quality pearls are perfectly round with | | | | You can buy cultured pearl jewelry from retail stores, |
| smooth surface, very few surface imperfections, and | | | | online shops or online auctions. When shop for pearls, it |
| even coloration. Lower quality pearls may be nearly | | | | is recommended to buy pearls from these places: |
| round, or show more surface imperfections, such as | | | | stores that grade pearls carefully; stores that provide |
| wrinkles or large pits on the surface. | | | | certificate and offer money back guarantees. |