How to Judge the Quality of a Pearl

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By jupitar


The Pearl

Pearl Necklace could a very good gift for your loved one.

Pearl ring is also an attractable one as a wedding ring. It is gorgeous and makes your be loved one gorgeous.

Pearl is natural and you will be in touch with the nature. Within the two category, Natural and Cultured pearl, Natural pearl is much more expensive than the cultured.

Finding the right pearl is also important and valuable. This articles information may help you. At least consider the describing factor.

The gift of Mother Nature. When you are going to buy a pearl obviously you should know some characteristics of Pearl by which you can choose the best one. Many factors involved when considering the quality of a pearl. Mother Nature varies considerably in her creations; the pearl is no exception.




Pearl Necklace

Judge the Quality

Pearl- The gift of Mother Nature. When you are going to buy a pearl obviously you should know some characteristics of Pearl by which you can choose the best one. Many factors involved when considering the quality of a pearl. Mother Nature varies considerably in her creations; the pearl is no exception. There are main six characteristics to use when judging pearl quality-

1. Size

2. Shape

3. Nacre

4. Surface Quality

5. Luster and

6. Color.


Size & Color of Pearl

Size

I think you should love the big pearl rather than small. Strands of smaller pearls are generally much less expensive than strands of large pearls. The larger a pearl, the more expensive it is. The average pearl size is around 6-7 mm.

Shape

People always think that pearl should be rounded. The rounder a pearl, the more precious and expensive it is. Perfectly round pearls are relatively rare. There are many other shapes created in nature. Oval, drop shaped, ringed, and baroque and button are a few other general shapes.

There are three major shape categories, and they are divided into seven recognizable shapes.

A. Spherical

1. Round

2. Near Round

B. Symmetrical

1. Oval

2. Button

3. Drop

C. Baroque

1. Semi-baroque

2. Baroque

Round -- Appears round to the eye.

Near round -- Appears almost round to the eye. May be slightly out-of-round, elongated, or flattened

Oval -- Symmetrical, rounded oblong shape

Button -- Symmetrical, flattened or slightly flattened circular shape

Drop -- Symmetrical, rounded pear shape

Semi-baroque -- Non-symmetrical, off-round, slightly irregular oval, button, or drop.

Baroque -- Non-symmetrical shape with irregular appearance

Other shapes -- "coin", "cross", "bar", "diamond", etc.

Freshwater pearls are abundance in the market which is oval or rice shaped. Many necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other types of jewelry are made with misshapen freshwater pearls. These types of freshwater pearl necklaces and jewelry are usually fairly inexpensive, and are very popular as a result.



Nacre

Nacre refers to the substance which mollusks secrete to coat any irritants inside its shell - so that the irritant doesn't damage its fragile tissues. A thick layer of nacre generally means a higher quality pearl. Some pearls are ‘seeded' with a starter. If the starter object is fairly large, the nacre layer won't be as thick. As a result, the pearl would probably be less expensive.

Surface Quality

Bumps, cracking or spots on the surface are all undesirable which lowers the value considerably. Having a "clean" surface with little or no imperfections means a more valuable pearl.

Luster

Pearls have a particularly unique sheen to them, and luster is the word to describe this quality. The glow of a pearl can be very deep. A deep glow is desirable when light is reflected in the layers of nacre. The smoother the surface of a pearl, the more brilliant the reflection of light will be. The luster will greatly affect the quality of a pearl.

Color

There are many colors associated with pearls- white or cream pearl, black pearls, gold pearls, pink pearl and many other colors. Most people think of pearls as having shades of white or cream. Consistent color throughout the pearl is a good quality. Preference of colors is actually a matter of taste.


Black Pearl

Look at the Pearl

When looking at pearls, keep in mind the above six factors. Take a look at each quality, but also keep in mind your personal taste. Some people prefer oval pearls to round, or small pearls to large. Balance personal taste with good quality to find the best pearls for your situation. Take care.

Pearl could be a choice when you consider giving a special gift to loved one. And I think it will help you a little bit when you will going to buy pearl.


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Comments

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Kilohana profile image

Kilohana  says:
6 months ago

Great site! I wish I had seen this before I wrote my posts!

http://lipsticklife.wordpress.com/2008/04/05/pearl

http://skinbeautifulblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/05/

jupitar profile image

jupitar  says:
6 months ago

Dear Kilohana,

Thanks for your comments.

take care

big  says:
6 months ago

its realy helpfull.

tnx.

jupitar profile image

jupitar  says:
6 months ago

Dear big,

thanks for ur comments.

Fab  says:
6 months ago

Hi

how are you

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