| s, the ever glowing beauties, are organic gems and so | | | | or shade and can also be dyed to suit the dynamic |
| no two pearls can be alike, just like humans. Also it is | | | | fashion trends. Naturally pearls occur in white, cream, |
| difficult to find quality natural pearls of immense | | | | pink, lilac, silver, gold and black – the specialty of |
| perfection. For use in pearl jewelry there are certain | | | | Tahiti. Typically color refers to the body color of the |
| factors that fall under scrutiny. Though there are no | | | | pearl which may hint other colors as overtones. Some |
| standardized systems of grading pearls industry wide, | | | | white pearls when viewed under light show tones of |
| their value is determined by a combination of certain | | | | pink or silver. These pearls command a higher price. |
| characteristics which can be attributed to the quality of | | | | Pearl earrings and necklaces can also be classified on |
| the pearl. | | | | the grade of the color of the pearl. |
| The article aims to give you an understanding of the | | | | Selection based on this character is a matter of |
| various factors that determine the quality and hence, | | | | personal taste though, it is suggested that you pick |
| the pricing of the pearl. The following are what you | | | | colors that suit your skin tone. |
| need to check with while making a choice: | | | | 4. Surface: While grading a pearl it is important to |
| 1. Luster: The deep, intense shine of the pearl, for which | | | | consider the surface smoothness of the pearl. Check |
| it is renowned, is called luster. A pearl with low luster | | | | for blemishes on the pearl surface. Blemishes are |
| will have a milky or a chalky appearance whereas a | | | | nothing but marks or bumps or little pot holes on the |
| high luster pearl will have the ability to reflect light in a | | | | surface. Finding a pearl without blemishes is an |
| better way giving mirror like reflections. Whilst round as | | | | exceptional occurrence. Fewer the blemishes, |
| a shape being of high priority in pearl jewelry, a lustrous | | | | however, more will be the price of the pearl. |
| baroque pearl will be more preferred than a milky | | | | 5. Size: Given all factors being equal, the price will be |
| round pearl making luster one of the most important | | | | determined by the size of the pearl. Larger the gem, |
| criteria for grading a pearl. | | | | more value it commands. Pearls from different |
| 2. Shape: Pearls occur in a large, fascinating variety of | | | | sources tend to range between respective size |
| shapes which includes round, semi-round, oval, circled, | | | | ranges as given below: |
| baroque, drop and pear. Round is the most expensive | | | | • Fresh water pearls: 3mm to 12mm |
| of all other shapes. | | | | • South Sea pearls: 8mm to 18mm or more |
| Semi-rounds are also used in pearl necklaces or in | | | | • Akoya: 4mm to 10mm |
| pieces where the shape of the pearl can be disguised | | | | Large sized pearls are usually witnessed in single |
| to look like it is a perfectly round pearl. Button pearls | | | | strands used for pearl necklaces or bracelets and also |
| often make pearl necklaces, but are more often used | | | | in single pearl pendants, pearl rings and earrings, while |
| in single pearl pendants or earrings where the back | | | | multi-strand pearl necklaces and bracelets generally |
| half of the pearl is covered, making it look like a larger, | | | | make use of smaller sizes. |
| round pearl. Drop and pear shaped pearls are most | | | | The grading of pearls cannot be standardized as all |
| often seen in pearl earrings, pearl pendants, or as a | | | | the attributes of pearls may fall in different degrees of |
| center pearl in a necklaces. Baroque is commonly | | | | importance for different people. The selection of pearls |
| seen in necklaces. | | | | is a phenomenon of individual tastes and preferences. |
| 3. Color: Pearls are available in a wide range of colors | | | | |