| Pearls were long known as the Queen of Gems, | | | | of size, luster and shape? Place it against a light cloth |
| probably because of the difficulty of finding - and | | | | or linen background and examine it in soft natural light - |
| collecting - similarly sized gems of equal quality. Roman | | | | never let the salesperson push you to study your |
| and Egyptian records mentioned pearls as prized items | | | | planned purchase in artificial light, the display cabinet's |
| as far back as the 5th Century, B.C.; Chinese records | | | | ultraviolet light or harsh sunlight. |
| go back even further. | | | | Pearl colors are a matter of personal choice; check it |
| The color of pearls varies with the oyster (or mollusk) | | | | against your skin tone if you're thinking of buying pearls |
| in which it was formed, as well as its environment. | | | | with colors outside the classic white, ivory or cream. |
| Colors of natural pearls range from black to white, of | | | | Keep in mind the 'natural' nature of pearls - which is |
| which the rose color of Indian pearls is the most prized, | | | | why you cannot count on a strand of perfectly round |
| as well as delicate shades of yellow, cream, lavender, | | | | pearls. As a simple test, hold a strand or necklace |
| gray, green, mauve, and blue. Cultured pearls, however, | | | | around two feet away from you and turn it in your |
| are being made in all colors of the rainbow. | | | | hands. Judge for yourself whether the pearls look |
| Choosing Pearls | | | | mostly round and suitable for you. |
| A few things to keep in mind when buying pearls | | | | The Care and Cleaning of Pearls |
| (whether as earrings, bracelets or necklaces): | | | | Keep in mind that pearls are 'soft' stones and cannot |
| - There are no international standard for grading or | | | | be exposed to too much heat or chemicals; clean |
| rating pearls; size AA pearls in the United States may | | | | them with a dry or damp cloth or chamois. |
| well be different in Europe or the Far East; | | | | Some cleaning tips to keep in mind: |
| - Quality factors for pearls are lustre, nacre thickness, | | | | - Never use chemical cleaning products like detergents |
| size, shape, colour, blemish, and matching on the strand; | | | | or anything acidic on the pearls; they are made of |
| - If you're buying seawater pearls, the thickness of the | | | | calcium carbonate and acid can destroy or mar them. |
| nacre (or the material which makes up the pearl) is | | | | - Never use anything abrasive on your pearls - no |
| important to stop flaking and chipping; | | | | toothbrushes, scouring pads or rough materials should |
| - Bear in mind that pearls, even 'cultured' ones, are a | | | | be used as these can scratch or mar your pearls; |
| natural product - which means that there are no truly | | | | - Keep them in a soft bag or pouch, and separate |
| 'perfect' pearls. The only 'perfect' pearls you'll find are | | | | them from any jewelry that can scratch them; |
| probably fake, so expect some imperfections even on | | | | - Put on your pearls after you've put on perfume, |
| the most expensive pieces; | | | | make-up or hair spray; |
| - Naturally colored pearls will have small differences in | | | | - Take off your pearls if you're taking a bath or going |
| shade along the strand. | | | | swimming; this can get the silk string wet and cause |
| If you're buying a fair-sized pearl necklace, don't just try | | | | you to lose them; |
| it on for size. It will be an investment, and you'll need to | | | | - Keep in mind that you have to constantly re-string |
| examine it carefully. How do the pearls match in terms | | | | the pearls if you use them a lot. |