Saturday, September 3, 2011

Know About The Pearl

By John S Stewart


Giving a piece of Pearl Jewellery containing a Birthstone gem, such as Pearl Rings, Pearl Earrings and Pearl Pendants will offer the wearer good luck and protection. Monthly Birthstones symbolise the month of birth according to the Gregorian Calendar.

If you're not an expert, buying pearl Jewellery can be a very daunting task. To help you out I have put together this little guide, which will hopefully help you make the right choice for your needs.

When you are looking to purchase pearls and pearl jewellery, you should primarily think about its lustre, shape, colour and size. As with purchasing any item of jewellery, there are usually trade offs that may need to be made, but it usually comes down to the one you like and can afford.

Pearls Makeup

Lustre: This is basically the mixture of surface brilliance and the three dimensional glow that exists on the surface. Together with the internal layers of nacre and the total way in which the light is reflected equals the lustre of the pearl. How transparent, smooth and thick the layers of nacre are present, is really the biggest factor determining lustre. The better pearl examples show a mirror type lustre finish that is quite bright, whereas lesser low-lustre examples show a dull or matt type, chalky finish. Pearls with high lustre will always command higher prices.

Surface: How 'clean' a pearls surface is is totally dependent upon the amount of imperfections present; spots, bumps, indentations etc. It is important to understand that nearly all pearls will have some of these imperfections, especially in the larger sizes, but the fewer present the higher the price. It is important not to choice pearls that have cracks or chips, because these will usually open up more over time.

Shape: Throughout time the round pearl has usually been the most sought after and valuable, but during more modern times a growing taste for different shapes such as ovals and drops immerging. The unique charm of asymmetrical and baroque pearls, especially in larger sizes have also grown in popularity. Because all cultured pearls are grown inside naturally occurring and living oysters, it is virtually impossible to get perfectly round pearls, obviously due to the natural variations of nature.

Colour: Pearls are available in every colour imaginable, but some colours do have greater popularity and therefore demand is higher for these variations. Although they are available in every hue, these colours are usually not indicative of quality. Colour is definitely down to personal preference, but could be decided upon by means of matching such as hair colour, eye colour or skin tone for best compliment.

Size - In general the larger the example of pearl, then all else being even, these items will usually be more expensive. Culture pearls sizes range from 1mm for a tiny Keshi pearl, to a very large 24-25mm for a magnificent Baroque South Sea pearl. The average pearl sizes are between approximately 4 and 6mm, but size does dramatically increase prices, especially when they go beyond 7mm.

My Last Word on Pearls..,

I strongly suggest you buy your pearl Jewellery carefully. Expect to pay more for larger size gems and remember; at the end of the day, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder'". So choose the pearls you want, not what you are led to believe you want! Whichever colour, size or shape of Pearl you choose, be sure to wear it and ENJOY IT!

Thank you for reading this article all about Pearl Jewellery - I sincerely hope it helps in some way.




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