Pearl Jewelry: Understand Pearls Before You Buy

| Friday, October 14, 2011
By Agus Rahman


We've all admired the beautiful luster of a pearl necklace or a established of pearl earrings, though if you're in the market to buy pearl jewellery, you should understand the basics regarding pearls and pearl jewelry. Here, afterward, is a basic guide to pearls:

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are farmed in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater sources. They differ from saltwater pearls in that freshwater pearls are almost entirely made up of nacre - the substance that gives pearls their luster and longevity. As a result, freshwater pearls will typically not encounter the same amount of wear as saltwater pearls. A freshwater pearl necklace is also typically less expensive than other types of pearl necklaces. An added feature is that freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors, including pink, dark, and purple. Those who trend toward nontraditional pearl colours will find the hue they are simply looking for in freshwater pearls.

Tahitian Pearls

Titian pearls are as well known as black pearls for the reason that they are cultivated in the black-tipped oyster. The truth, though, is that Tahitian pearls come in a variety of hues, from actual black color to gray, from blue to green, and from pink to brown. It is difficult to match the colours of Tahitian pearls, so a Tahitian pearl necklace will cost more than its freshwater cousin.

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls hail from Japan, where they are cultured. More expensive than freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls are too typically more perfectly round and smoother than freshwater pearls. The luster of an Akoya pearl necklace and pearl earrings makes them the jewellery of alternative for a lot of brides-to-b

Factors Affecting Price The price of pearl jewellery can vary widely, depending upon a number of factors. Taking the price of the setting out of the equation, pearls are cherished based on the type of pearl, their size, their roundness, and also the absence or presence of flaws. If you are looking for economical or wholesale pearl jewelry, freshwater pearls are your best bet. The most expensive pearls can be South Sea pearls, which are made by the pinctada maxima, or golden-lipped oyster. They are typically quite huge and fairly rare.

Pearls are measured in millimeters, and typically vary from 5 mm to 18 mm. Needless to say, all other elements being equal, the bigger the pearl, the more expensive it is. The same holds real for roundness or symmetry and also the absence of flaws. A perfectly round white pearl with no mars will cost more over a pearl that is slightly asymmetrical or that has a mark on it.

That's not to say, of course, that only pearl jewelry produced from flawless, huge, round, white pearls is desirable. Increasingly, people appreciate the special qualities that coloured and differently shaped pearls might bring to pearl jewelry. As with all exquisite stuff, everyone's taste is different. The one certainty is that you have to know something regarding pearls before starting to shop for pearl jewellery.




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