Factors That Determine the Quality of a Pearl

If you wish to purchase pearl jewelry then it is better to be certain about the method and various factors considered while determining the pearl’s quality. These factors include:

Luster – It indicates the quantity of light reflected from the surface of the pearl. The more the surface of the pearl glows, the better is its quality. In other words, luster of superior quality pearls is bright and shiny as compared to lower quality pearls. You will be able to see your clear mirror-like reflection on the pearl if it has a high degree of luster whereas blurry reflection indicates lower quality pearl.

Surface Perfection – This is one of the most significant and critical feature. Good quality pearls are expected to have the least blemishes on their surface. However, natural ones tend to have imperfections and blemishes due to the brushing of sea particles against them. These imperfections could be cracks or bumps on the surface.

Color – Pearl are available in various colors including white, pink, cream, black and many more. White and Pink rose colored pearls are preferred most since they compliment almost every skin tone. Pink ones are comparatively more expensive than other pearls because of their rarity. The quality of color can be judged based on how evenly the color is distributed on the it.

Shape – Pearls exist in seven basic shapes including ringed, baroque, drop, button, off-round and round. Among these, perfect round shaped pearls are very rare and hence more valuable.

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Size – The price of the pearl is generally affected by its size. Larger pearls are highly priced. Their diameter is measured for determining the size which is measured in millimeters (mm).

Like diamond’s quality is verified by their four Cs, pearls should also be verified for the characteristics that determine whether they are of superior or inferior quality. Check out best quality and beautifully designed cultured pearl jewelry from B2CJewels.

Types of Pearls in Pearl Jewelry

After diamonds and gemstones, pearls are recognized as most hunted ones. Their innocence and classic look make them desirable for adding a pinch of elegance to the sophisticated look of a woman.

A pearl can be natural or cultured. Natural ones are the ones formed naturally without any human intervention, while in cultured pearls, foreign matter or particles are intentionally entered by man during its creation.

The basic types of pearls are freshwater and saltwater pearls. Both can be either natural or cultured. Freshwater pearls are formed from freshwater mussels and saltwater ones are created in saltwater and grow in oysters, wherein only one pearl is grown in one oyster.

The pearls used in jewelry are Akoya, Tahitian, South-Sea, Cortez, Keshi, Mabe, Conch, Melo Melo, Abalone and Scallop Pearls. Among them Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, Cortez, Keshi and Mabe pearls are Cultured pearls and Conch, Melo Melo, Abalone and Scallop Pearls are Natural ones.

Among all of them, the most popular ones are Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls:

Akoya Pearls

These are cultured pearls and formed in Akoya oyster. They are considered as the classic pearls. They are usually light colored like white, cream, rose etc.

Tahitian Pearls

They are created by Black-Lipped oyster and are dark colored. They are usually larger in size since the oysters in which they are formed are bigger.

South Sea Pearls

These are the largest commercially produced pearls and are larger in size than other pearls.