The Boomers Blog - Fashion Blog » Pearl

Are Golden Pearls Natural?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:34:56 +0000

Pearls have long been one of the favorite items of jewelry, both among men and women. There are many stories of famous kings and queens who loved to wear pearl. Some of the best pieces of jewelry that you find in museums have genuine pearls in them. This in itself is a mute testament of the popularity of pearls.Pearls are of two varieties: natural and cultured. Natural pearls were very common in the 18th and 19th centuries. But, in their quest for more and more pearls, people managed to destroy the habitat of oysters and upset the delicate balance that holds everything together. Also, the demand for pearls has always been much higher than the supply. As a result, producing artificially cultured pearls was unavoidable. These days, cultured pearls dominate the market as natural pearls become rarer and rarer still. Which in turn raises many questions about the genuineness of the pearl. Is the particular pearl genuine or is it cultured? So, if you are wondering whether your golden pearls are the real stuff, here are a few points to set your heart at rest.Gold pearls or golden south sea pearls are a relatively new entry that is taking the world of jewelry by storm. Almost all South Sea pearls are produced by silver-lipped oysters, which produce white, cream and pink pearls. However, golden pearls are produced by golden-lipped oysters. Thus, gold is a natural color. Golden pearls can be farmed only in the tropical warm waters of the South Seas. In the past, you could find golden pearls only in Burma. But these days, you find them in the waters around the Philippines, Japan and to a lesser extent, Australia and Indonesia.Golden pearls have been accepted with great warmth and love. Gold colored natural pearls are in fact very expensive because many people consider them extremely sophisticated. Even amongst golden pearls, there are the more expensive and the less expensive variety. Those golden pearls that have a deeper sheen and look like gold command a high price. Those with a more subdued sheen resembling champagne are comparatively less expensive.The size of golden pearls is quite impressive, with smaller ones starting from 9 mm and the bigger ones touching upwards of 17 mm. Consider yourself lucky if you get a rope of perfectly rounded golden pearls, because that necklace has been a long time in the making! But, even the baroque and semi-baroque shaped pearls are quite popular with consumers.These days, golden pearls are becoming more popular than white and cream pearls. This is because of the stunning luster and beautiful sheen they exhibit which makes them the stars of the pearl community. Little wonder then that these pearls have become something of a trend in exotic jewelry, loved and coveted by many celebrities. Another reason why celebrities prefer golden pearls is their rarity. These pearls are just beginning to capture the market, and are therefore hard to find. A strand of golden pearls can therefore be a very pricey affair for most people. Why, a top strand of commendable size may sell for more than a million dollars!

How to Buy Pearl Jewelry?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:33:36 +0000

Pearl is a gemstone. Most of the women like pearl jewelry due to it’s simple and classic look. Today, pearls are much more widely available due to the practice of cultivating pearls. There are different types of pearl jewelry present in the market like Freshwater Pearl Necklace, Freshwater Pearl Bracelet, Freshwater Pearl Earrings, Pearl Choker etc. Its fact that jewelry is the most important part for any women who looks like beauty full but before buying any types of jewelry you should concuss about your buying product.

Pearl jewelry comes in a plethora of natural tones and colors, including white, creme and rose. Silver and black-colored pearls are already found but it is very rare and that’s why it is costly too. These types of rare pearls are found only in waters of the South Seas. In diameter most of the pearls usually in between 4 to 8.5 mm. Pearls are basically divided into four grades: A, AA, AAA, and AAA+ quality. AAA and AAA+ quality are the highest quality and it this range only few pearls are found and due to it’s rare in nature they are very much costly as compare too another pearls. AAA and AAA+ is one of the best quality pearls and also the most desired pearls for gifts. They have very clean surface skins and high luster. AA quality pearls have medium luster as compare to AAA and AAA+ and slight to medium surface imperfection. This quality pearls is really very good for every one who has interest to buy pearls jewelry and it is also found that AA quality pearls has more sell as compare to AAA and AAA+ because of it’s cheap price. A quality pearls have low luster and medium to heavy blemishes. They are not popular for gifts due to their low quality. Pearl Jewelry Buying Tips

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The Beauty of Pearls

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:11:34 +0000

Pearls are different from other gemstones which are produced inside the Earth’s deeps. Pearls are created naturally by living creatures which are mollusks. Mollusks have soft whole body inside and a hard outside shell. Mollusks live as freshwater habitats or main land. History about pearls dated back from 530 million years ago. An average of 100,000 living mollusks abound our world today.
Every mollusk which produces shell can make pearls. However, natural pearls are uncommon and perhaps can be found for one in every ten thousand animals. The pearl industry has begun since 20th century and has developed certain methods to induce pearl production.
Generally, pearls can be classified into two categories the natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those produced when an intruder enters into the shell of any mollusks enabling it to grow into nacre around the shells’ particles. Natural Pearls are very rare and thus quite expensive.
Cultured Pearls are pearls also growing inside the mollusk but with interference from human. An object is inserted inside the shell and will be coated with nacre layers. The thicker the nacre coating the more durable the pearl will be. The coating of nacre and its depth will depend on the mollusk type, the water and how long a thing lives in the mollusks.
It is quite evident that many pearls are produced these days. Men have learned how to culture these gems. One process is putting shells beads inside oysters and returning it to the water to let it produced more. Cultured pearls are produced mostly in Japan. In South Pacific where there are warmer waters, larger oysters are
These gems are cherished and symbolize perfection and purity. Pearls have occurred naturally in various shapes, colors and sizes. Pearls’ classification with regards to its shapes is as follows:
1.Spherical pearls that are round and the most pleasing shape; rounder pearls are more expensive.
2.Baroque pearls which have irregular shapes. These pearls are the cheapest of all kinds but also beautiful and unique.
3.Symmetrical pearls which can be pear in shape and those shapes with symmetry but not necessarily round.
Pearls can further be classified to different types which are generally from the country where they are produced. Some of the types are:
1.Black pearls which are produced from black oysters. Found in South Sea. Some pearls can be made black by using dyes but the natural colors are dark gray or dark green.
2.Akoya pearls are those representing the most common pearls. When you heard of pearl, Akoya pearl is the image which you are trying to describe. These kinds of pearls are mostly cultured in Japan and the oysters producing them are palm sized thus pearls in them are not those large. Only about 2mm to 10mm.
3.South sea pearls are those from white oysters and which is the largest. They are silvery grey in color and measures 15mm. These pearls are very expensive and very rare.
4.South sea half pearls are hemispherical in shape. They are also silvery grey in color and are quite similar to the Mabe Pearls.
5.Mabe pearls are also hemispherical with a rainbow colored luster. Mabe pearls just differ from south sea pearls in color. These pearls are cultivated and cultured nowadays.
6.Seed pearls are very small and resemble a poppy seed. The shape is oval or distorted.
7.Freshwater pearls are cultured mostly in Lake Biwa Japan; others are imports from China. These pearls are oval in shape and white in color. There can also be orange and wine colored freshwater pearls.
8.Keshi pearls are cultured in Akoya and South Sea also. They are small with white silver and silver grey color.
9.Kasumiga pearls are new types of pearls coming from Tokyo lakes in the northeast. The mollusks producing them are Japan and China crossbreeds. These pearls are rosy, light or dark pink in colors.
Pearls whether cultured or natural are fragile and should be taken cared of. Here are some tips on how to handle your pearls:
Take off the pearls when applying any body creams; put them on when you have applied your make up already.
Clean the pearls by wiping it with soft cloth regularly. You can also wet the cloth with water or mild soap in case the pearls are dirty.
Do not use harsh soaps and detergents and ammonia in cleaning your pearls
In storing your pearls, do not put it together with other pieces of jewelry that can scratched it easily.
Wear the pearls often. The natural body oil can make pearls lustrous.
All pearls carry with them the class and charm any gemstones can have. It is a gift that we have bountiful pearls available in our planet. But with man’s given talent, cultured pearls are also made within our reach. We should take care of these stones because their beauty doesn’t fade away but lasts a lifetime.

The Perfect Pearl Ring for You

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:52:08 +0000

There is a need for every woman to own a pearl ring once in her life time. The simple feminine elegance of the pearl is basically a woman’s right to possess. Choosing the right kind of pearl for your ring may be a difficult task. This article intends to assist you in purchasing your dream pearl ring.
Pearls rings are worn and given in different occasions. Rarely, these are used as birthstone engagement ring. Pearl is the birthstone of the month of June. One might think that a pearl is less costly than a diamond, it is true. However, pearls are more difficult to set and usually come with diamonds and other gemstones, so they actually turn out to be more expensive.
There is a vast range of pearls to choose from. Pearls are categorized into the following:
Black Tahitian Pearls, Button Pearls, Coin Pearls, Cultured Pearls, Freshwater Pearls, and. Natural Pearls or South Sea Pearls.
Your pearl ring will also have to be set in gold, silver, white gold or platinum and in designs that you prefer. You may give additional accent to the ring by combining the setting with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The craftsmanship will define the beauty of your ring, so take extra care in choosing the design. Jewelers offer a variety of designs to choose from that brings out the uniqueness in you.
The perfect pearl should be carefully considered based on several characteristics. A good pearl should have good luster, being bright and not dull. The pearl’s surface should show your reflection. If its too white or dull or chalky in appearance, it indicated low quality.
In terms of its surface, it should be free of bumps, cracks and spots. The value increases as its surface is cleaner. Cultured pearls from oysters usually produce imperfectly round shapes. However, the rounder the pearl, the more valuable. The asymmetrical shapes of Baroque pearls are less costly but exhibit a lustrous appeal.
The color of pearls comes in varying colors. You can find white, gold, cream, blue, green, rose and black pearls. Some pearl producers even offer rainbow, iridescent pearls which are so rare and valuable. Pink-hued white pearls are considered one of the most expensive. White, silver and rose pearls look great on people with fair skin. Dark skin is flattered, on the other hand, by cream and gold pearls.
The size of cultured pearls is measured in millimeters by the diameter. Seed pearls may be as small as one millimeter while a South Sea pearl could be as big as 20 millimeters. The average pearl ranges from 7-7.5 millimeters. The bigger the pearl, the more valuable it would be. Natural pearls, however, are measured in carats.
The origin of the pearl is also of great importance. Natural and cultured pearls come from oysters. Natural pearls occur accidentally in oysters while cultured pearls are grown by man in oysters. Whether it is natural or cultured can be determined by a skilled jeweler or by using an X-ray machine. Natural pearls are more valuable than cultured pearls since they are rarer. Man-made imitation pearls are of no value.
Natural and cultured pearls may be from freshwater or saltwater. Saltwater pearls are more costly, the most costly coming from Akoya, Japan and Tahiti.
The nacre is the substance that the oyster or mollusk deposits on the irritant or foreign material that enters its shell. The thickness of the nacre will determine the value of the pearl. The thicker the nacre, the more valuable it is.
When buying a pearl ring, you should consider the following tips. Avoid pearls with blemishes and cracks. A consistent luster throughout the pearl indicates good quality. Beeswax is often used by jewelers to treat pearls but may affect the luster, so ask your jeweler about it.
Also consider the thickness of the nacre, you could ask your jeweler about it. When you rub the pearl against your tooth, it must have a rough feel and not a smooth feel indicating that it is imitation pearl. Ask for an x-ray result if you opt for a natural pearl to ensure that it is, in fact, natural and not cultured.
Knowing all the qualities of a good quality pearl, you are now ready to find that perfect pearl that will complete your girl wish-list.

Tips On Choosing Tahitian Pearl Necklaces

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:54:42 +0000

Tahitian pearls are named after the island of Tahiti and they are highly prized for their beauty and the unique charm of their darker tones, thanks to the island’s black-lipped oysters that produce black, gray and green-black pearls. Recognizing their value, pearl farmers used the pearl culturing techniques pioneered by the Japanese to cultivate Tahitian pearls. Since then, Tahitian pearls have become one of the most sought-after gems in the world.
Factors to consider when choosing quality Tahitian pearl necklaces, in order of importance:
Nacre thickness ideally, the minimum thickness of nacre in Tahitian pearls is 0.8 mm. A thicker nacre covering means that the pearl’s luster will last long. Thinner nacres have a tendency to wear off easily. Tahitian pearls which are thinner than the required minimum are not exported from French Polynesia.
Surface texture and quality Tahitian pearls, like all pearls, are graded according to the quality of its surface. Pearls could have thick nacres but if the surface is flawed, their value decreases. Flaws include bumps, spots, discolorations, scratches and other irregularities. The more a pearl has, the less valuable or lower-grade it becomes.
To rate the quality of Tahitian pearls, jewelers use a grading system, consisting of A, B, C and D as the marks, with A-grade pearls being the highest quality. A-grade pearls have the cleanest, nearly flawless surface, virtually free of spots, discoloration or bumps. These pearls have a high luster and reflective quality.
B-grade Tahitian pearls have slightly (but still imperceptible) imperfect surfaces, with only 30% of the surface affected by flaws. C-grade Tahitian pearls have medium luster and imperfections are already quite perceptible while D-grade pearls are those with 60% of its surface affected by quite obvious imperfections, including scratches.
Luster one quality of pearls that sets it apart from other gemstones is its unique brilliance. As opposed to other gems like the diamond, for example, pearls shine with a softer light. And since they reflect light, they also look like mirrors, reflecting everything in their immediate surrounding.
Generally, the thicker the nacre, the more brilliant and mirror-like the shine. Good quality pearls are clear and almost metal-like in their sheen.
Size the largest Tahitian pearl ever produced is 25mm, although this in not a round pearl. The largest round Tahitian pearl is at 21mm. Generally, the bigger the size of the pearl, the higher its value is. Most Tahitian pearls are in the range of 8 to 14mm, although a few are measured at 16mm.
Shape pearls follow the shape of the irritant or nucleus that enters the mouth of the oyster or mollusk that produces it. But to meet jewelry standards, most pearls are produced following three major categories: round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque.
Spherical pearls are those that are round or nearly round. A perfectly round pearl, whether natural or cultured, is quite rare and therefore highly prized. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular shapes. Nearly-round pearls are categorized as sphericals, although they may be slightly elongated or flattened.
Symmetrical pearls are so-called because if you cut one in half, each piece will mirror the other. Included in this category are oval pearls, which taper at the ends and are wider at the center; button pearls, which are slightly more flattened and often used for earrings; and drop pearls, which look like teardrops or pears, usually included in jewelry as pendants.
Baroque pearls may also be semi-baroque and include all other shapes that cannot be classified as either spherical or symmetrical. These are the favorite pearls of artists because of their irregular shapes. Baroque pearls may resemble sticks, studs and even crosses.
Other notable variations in Tahitian pearls are those that have ‘rings’ tiny grooves that encircle the pearl’s surface. For this reason, these pearls are called circled or ringed, although this quality is only used as a descriptive device, to distinguish one pearl from another. For example, a ringed pearl may be described as a ‘ringed oval’ or ‘circled drop’.
Color when Tahitian pearls are mentioned, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is black pearls although they do come in other colors, albeit in darker tones. Some of their interesting colors are gray, green, brown and blue.
The pearl’s color is determined by two things: the main body color and its overtone. A pearl can have one or more overtones. The main body color is the predominant color of the pearl while the overtone is the hint of iridescent color that is seen on top of the body color and can affect or enhance the dominant color of the pearl. Pink, gold, blue, silver and purple are some of the most common overtones.
A combination of the body color and overtone is used to describe a pearl. For example, a greenish black pearl is called a peacock while a yellowish gray is called a champagne.
When buying Tahitian pearl necklaces, keep the above considerations in mind. Aside from quality, you might also want to consider design and setting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and information in detail. If the jewelry shop is reputable, they will be more than glad to answer your questions.
On your own, shopping for real Tahitian pearl necklaces can be quite a challenge. To help you make your decision, here are a few tips on real Tahitian pearls:
- they have overtones over the main body color. Fake or imitation pearls don’t and their color looks flat. Real Tahitian pearls also glow with a faint reddish color when examined using crossed filters.
- Tahitian pearls feel cool, although they do adapt to your body temperature. Imitation pearls maintain the same temperature as their surroundings, so when they are touched for the first time, they won’t feel cold.
- To test for real Tahitian pearls, hold them in the palm of your hand and take note of their weight. They are heavier than imitation pearls. If you rub Tahitian pearls across your teeth, they will feel grainy or coarse and not smooth. Their holes are also smoother around the edges.

Just Posted Cultured Pearls New!!!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:01:41 +0000

Have a look on just posted cultured pearls collection. Different colors like white, black, pink, golden, grey and more. Many shapes and sizes. Read more to find out what are cultured Pearls!Cultured pearl

A pearl is formed when some sort of small object, typically a parasite or piece of organic matter, becomes embedded in the tissue of an oyster or mollusk.

In response, the mantle tissue of the mollusk secretes nacre, a combination of crystalline and organic substances. As the nacre builds up in layers, it surrounds the irritant and eventually forms a pearl.

Natural pearls are those pearls which are formed in nature, more or less by chance.

Cultured pearls, by contrast, are those in which humans take a helping hand. By actually inserting a foreign object into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk, pearl farmers can induce the creation of a pearl.

The same natural process of pearl creation takes place.The pearl industry

Modern-day cultured pearls are primarily the result of discoveries made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the Japanese researchers Mise and Nishikawa.

Although some cultures had long been able to artificially stimulate mollusks into producing a type of pearl, the pearls produced in this way were only blister and mabe, rather than actual round pearls.

What Mise and Nishikawa discovered was a specific technique for inducing the creation of a round pearl within the gonad of an oyster. This technique was patented by Kokichi Mikimoto shortly thereafter, and the first harvest of rounds was produced in 1916.

This discovery revolutionized the pearl industry, because it allowed pearl farmers to reliably cultivate large numbers of high-quality pearls.

In contrast to natural pearls — which have widely varying shapes, sizes, and qualities, and which are difficult to find — cultured pearls could be “designed” from the start to be round and primarily flawless. The oysters could be monitored for up to two years until each pearl is fully formed, thus better insuring their health and survival. And the pearls could be grown by the tens of thousands, thereby bringing their cost down to a point where pearls became accessible to large numbers of people around the world.

In short, the development of cultured pearls took much of the chance, risk, and guesswork out of the pearl industry, allowing it to become stable and predictable, and fostering its rapid growth over the past 100 years. Led by pearl pioneer John Latendresse, the United States began culturing freshwater pearls in the mid 1960′s.

In Palm Island, Queensland, Australia in 2004, in a now closed pearl farm, pearl oysters commenced life as spats from hatchery farms, and were then grown for two years on a pearl farm. They were then seeded as pearls and cultivated for another two years, suspended on long lines, some on the surface, others below the surface. Each line had vertical lines dropping from it at one metre intervals with about six to eight shells on each vertical line. When the pearl had grown, two to three years after seeding, it was removed and the shell was reseeded to produce a second, bigger, pearl. Shells had a commercial production life of 10 to 12 years, producing roughly every two years.[1]

Prior to the 1930s, exporting pearls was the main economic activity of Kuwait. When the Japanese invented cultured pearls, the Kuwaiti pearl market declined. It would not be until World War II that oil became the major export for Kuwait.

Cultured pearls can often be distinguished from natural pearls through the use of x-rays, which reveals the inner nucleus of the pearl.

Today more than 99% of all pearls sold worldwide are cultured pearls.

Elegant and Classical Pearl Jewellery

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:33:03 +0000

The sophisticated and mesmerizing pearl jewellery comes in exotic and beautiful designs. The gorgeous white pearls have been around for centuries and people adore the pearl jewels and other ornaments having dazzling pearls. The formation of pearls is very interesting. Pearls are formed when a small object like a parasite or piece of organic matter, gets embedded in the tissue of an oyster or mollusk. In response, the mantle tissue of the mollusk secretes nacre. As the nacre builds up in layers, it surrounds the object and eventually forms a pearl.

Pearls mainly come in two categories and they include freshwater cultured pearls and sea water cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are grown in bodies of saltwater such as bays. Saltwater cultured pearls most commonly consist of Akoya and South Sea pearls, also known as Tahitians. The difference between the types of pearls depends upon the oyster use, the environment in which they live, and different techniques of cultivation used by the pearl farmers.

Different colors of pearls include; stunning black pearls, elegant golden pearls, cool fresh water pearls, lovely white pearls and classic off-white pearls. There are different sizes of pearls also. Some are measured in millimeters like cultured pearls and some in diameters. You can find round pearls, oval pearls and off-round pearls.

Making of the jewellery is also a factor that counts for its beauty. Stringing the pearls to make a necklace can affect the beauty and charm of the article. If not properly made it will not look good. While making pearl pieces the size, shape and color are some of the important factors that should be considered as they can affect the value of the pearls and jewels. Pearl necklaces are of different color themes like; same colored pearls necklace or multicolored pearls necklace.

Pearl jewellery has a unique charm and temptation. If the nacre quality of pearls is good then the pearl gives an intense glow that comes from within the pearl. The glow and shine of pearls makes the jewellery more alluring and glamorous. Pearl ornaments can be expensive depending upon the type and size of pearl you choose. Large pearls are costly than smaller ones. Different sizes of pearls are used in different jewellery articles, for earrings and rings mostly small pearls are preferred and for necklace large ones look better.

The exquisite black colored pearls are also known as Tahitian pearls of South Sea. The color of these pearls includes different hues of black color which ranges from light gray like dove to dark gray like gunmetal color. The highly treasured and exotic Tahitian pearls feature rich, brilliant luster and smooth, clean nacre.

The rich golden colored pearls when combined with white pearls necklace looks spectacular. Rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets of different amazing colors of pearls are simply adorable and women love to wear them casually as well as formally. Pearl jewellery looks great with white colored outfit; it enhances the beauty of the color and the wearer. Pearl rings in sterling silver or white gold looks dazzling and are perfect for engagements and anniversaries.

7 Pearl Jewelry Terms You Must Know

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:32:13 +0000

When shopping for pearl jewelry, whether online or in a jewelry store, you are going to see and hear some industry terms that you may not be that familiar with. You’ll be told that the nacre of this pearl is thick, it’s luster is excellent, it’s surface is clean and that is why it retails for $999. The only thing you might recognize from that description is the price! So educating yourself on the terminology used to describe pearl jewelry before you begin shopping will allow you to accurately compare pearls from one another, understand their value, and can lead you to making a very good purchase on quality pearls. You may even end up saving a few dollars just by knowing a few terms!

Cultured vs Natural

Let’s start with knowing the difference between Cultured Pearls and Natural Pearls. While both are real pearls, the way they are created is what sets them apart. Cultured pearls are harvested on pearl farms in controlled conditions. With the assistance of pearl farmers, they insert an object into the mollusk to jump start the creation of the pearl. The end result is still an authentic pearl that carries the same properties as a natural pearl.

Natural pearls by contrast are those found in their natural environment. They are pearls that have been stumbled upon by chance. Therefore, natural pearl jewelry may carry a heavier price tag than cultured pearl jewelry because of the unique, natural quality they have. Cultured pearls tend to be more affordable because of their ability to be mass produced. However, each is still very similar in their qualities and authenticity.

Shape

As you study the pearls that interest you, pay close attention to the shape of the pearl. The closer each pearl is to a perfect sphere or being perfectly round, the higher in value the jewelry will be. Round pearls are pretty rare to come across and only account for a small percentage of the pearls coming out of pearl farms.

From there, you will see the term Near-round to describe pearls that are not quite perfectly round, but close to it. Oval pearls look just as they sound. Button style pearls are pearls that appear to be thinner, or squashed by comparison. Drop pearls have the appearance of a tear drop.

Lastly are Baroque pearls. These pearls are irregular in shape and are non-symmetrical as well. In fact, the actual shapes of a baroque pearl can range from simply being semi-round to stick or cross shaped. Many times however, a strand of baroque pearls will be similar to each other thus creating a uniform strand. Incidentally, Tahitian and South Sea baroque pearls are also very unique as the process to create them takes much longer. Therefore, their value may be considered greater.

Nacre / Mother-of-Pearl

Nacre, or mother-of-pearl, is a secretion of calcium carbonate and conchiolin that a mollusk will release to cover an object such as a grain of sand that has entered the mollusk. This object acts as an irritant and triggers the secretion to begin. Layers and layers of nacre will build around this object and leads to the production of a pearl. In fact, a real pearl can be identified by its layers of nacre present. The thicker the nacre, the higher quality and more durable your pearl is against nicks, scratches and overall wear and tear.

Luster

Luster is a term used to describe a pearls ability to reflect light. The more translucent each layer of the pearl, the greater its ability to reflect light. You can visually determine a pearls luster by its ability to show your reflection or have shine to it. If the pearl is dull or really doesn’t have a reflection, then it is considered to be poor in quality.

Surface

A pearls surface can be described as clean, blemished or marked. The surface is basically how you see the pearl. Looking at it, do you see any marks or discolorations in its coating or color? If you do, these are the pearls blemishes or marks. If a pearl does not appear to have any, then it is described as clean. A pearl with a clean surface is considered to have a higher value than a pearl with a blemished surface. If you have your eyes set on a strand of clean pearls, be sure that the strand is uniform and that each pearl has a clean surface. While blemished pearls are considered to be lesser in value, they are still considered to be of good quality. Pearls whose surface is so poor generally do not make it to the jewelry stage.

Color

Colors of pearls vary from bright whites to rich shades of black. The color of the pearl will depend on the types of pearls you are looking at. For instance Akoya pearls generally come in whites with cream or pink overtones. Tahitian pearls on the other hand are most likely black or shades of gray. South Sea pearls meanwhile are generally associated with golden pearls.

The color of pearls really doesn’t affect the pricing of it. However you will want to be sure that all of the other quality factors still apply to the pearls you are considering. Your choice of colored pearls should be chosen carefully to compliment your skin tone. As a rule of thumb, people with tan or darker skin tones tend to find darker pearls or pearls with cream overtones to compliment their skin best. Women with lighter, fairer skin will find that pearls with pink or rose overtones work well.

Grades

With so many terms used to describe pearl jewelry, it’s not a wonder we felt the need to write this article! However, all of these characteristics can be combined and defined with a simple grade. Yes, pearls receive grades based upon their quality. There are three grades that can be assigned to a pearl ranging from A to AAA.

A pearl with a grade of AAA means these pearls are of the highest quality and greatest value. It means all of the characteristics listed out above are of the best conditioning. You can expect these types of pearls to be higher in price.

Pearl jewelry given a grade of AA is your middle of the road pearl. The pearls generally will be round or near-round shape and may have slight blemishes here and there. These and the rest of the qualities will either be considered of high quality or slightly below.

Lastly, pearl jewelry given an A generally means you’ll find a few more blemishes, a lower luster quality, and either a near round or semi-round shape. It is important to note that pearls with a lower grade do not necessarily mean they are not worth the investment. They are still quality, authentic pearls that have been matched with each other to create a uniform, cohesive set of pearl jewelry.

Perhaps you may not be able to remember all of the terminology, but knowing the significance of a pearls grade will ensure you will be able to select a quality piece of jewelry that is worth the asking price. Now you hopefully will be able to go into a jewelry shop, online or off, and will have a clear advantage to make a smart purchasing decision. Couple this information with knowing the different types of pearls available and you will be all set!

Discount Pearls or Pearl Jewelry – No Compromise on Quality!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:06:23 +0000

Discount pearl necklace is the quintessential piece of jewelry to lend style and class to any fashion wardrobe of women in today’s world. Women for centuries have been wearing pearl necklaces around their necklines enhancing beauty and style. Celebrities, fashion models, professional and women of all walks of life adore lustrous pearl jewelry. Pearls natural lustrous appeal makes them feel excited and graceful.

Pearl necklace is made with all kinds of pearls quality, sizes, shapes and colors but buying discount pearl necklace not always means buying cheap pearls. As like diamonds and other gemstones, prices are determined by the quality, size, designs and overall appeal, so are the pearls. Quality is the key factor when choosing discount pearl necklace. Paying higher price for discount pearl necklace not necessarily always get you better quality pearl jewelry. Many pearl jewelry stores offer discounts to customers to make more sales with very little margin of profits. Building reputation on providing quality discount pearl necklace or pearl jewelry is paramount to any trusted pearl jewelry store.

Customers get quality pearl jewelry at deep-discounted prices.

Many online pearl jewelry stores procure high quality pearls directly from the source and with low overheads are able to sell discount pearl necklace or pearl jewelry at much lower prices than others. Most pearl jewelry store offer 30 days return policy with 100 % satisfaction guaranteed.

Value of any type of pearls is determined by various factors; which are pearl nacre, pearl luster, pearl size, pearl color, pearl surface etc. Luster is the prime consideration as no one would like to wear dull luster discount pearl necklace even if it is very cheap. It’s worth investing in good quality pearl jewelry that can be passed on from generation to generation.

The most affordable discount pearl necklace is made of freshwater pearls and then comes the akoya pearls. Buying complete pearl jewelry trio set – pearl necklace, pearl earrings and or pearl bracelet get you extra savings plus you save money on shipping and handling.

There are various type of pearl necklaces available made with freshwater pearls, akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls and South sea pearls and each carry different price tags depending upon the quality, size and luster. These are all cultured pearls. Cultured pearl necklace with matching outfit always give feeling of silky smooth and feminine appeal.

South Sea Pearl Buying Guide

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:19:38 +0000

Of all the pearls around the world, one is revered above all others: the South Sea Pearl. Grown in the deep seas off Australia’s coast, the South Sea pearl is prized for its brilliant gold or white shine. Shopping for South Sea pearls can be confusing. An informed shopper should gather as much information as possible so as to make an educated decision.Grading South Sea Pearls

Pearl necklaces are graded by the Five S’s: Shine, Surface, Shade, Shape and Size.Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects and shines through the pearl. Because a pearl is an organic object, it often has Surface markings such as nicks, scratches, small indentations and discolorations. (A pearl void of such markings is considered perfect and only accounts for 5-10% of the total amount of pearls harvested each year). South Sea pearls have a wide variety when it comes to color and overtone, with different Shades being considered more desirable than others. Pearl Shape can range all the way from Baroque to Perfect-Round, with different shapes being considered more valuable than others due to their rarity. Size is the total circumference of the pearl, usually measured in millimeters. The combination of these qualities factors in to the total grade of the necklace, resulting in a rating of A, A+, AA, AA+ and AAA. The highest grade for a pearl necklace is AAA quality. AAA pearls are the most desirable and valuable. They are impressive gifts to give someone who especially cares about quality and value.South Sea Pearl Luster

Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects from the pearl. It is the most important factor in determining a pearl’s value. Luster is what gives the pearl its iridescence and depth. Luster is determined by the thickness of pearl nacre, the coating that makes up the pearl. Very lustrous pearls have a deep-mirror like surface and a bright shine. Pearls with low luster look dull and foggy. South Sea pearls are in possession of thick, creamy nacre and are famous for their rich, silky luster.

One way to examine the luster of a pearl necklace is to lay the strand on a table and look at the pearls from 20 inches away. The sharper and clearer your reflection is on the pearls’ surface, the higher the luster.South Sea Pearl Surface

As pearls are an organic creation, they often have surface imperfections. Flawless South Sea pearls are very rare and command a much higher price. The surface of a pearl is graded by how many imperfections are visible and to what percentage they are distributed. These marks can range from small and nearly unnoticeable, to quite large and distinct. When buying pearl jewelry, be sure to examine the pearl surface carefully for these kinds of flaws.South Sea Pearl Color

South Sea Pearls have a wide variety of colors and overtones, ranging from white, silver, yellow and gold with subtle undertones of pink, blue and green.

Among these colors, deep golden or white hues are the most desirable and valuable.Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace: The deeper the golden color, the more rare and valuable the pearls are. Their beautiful glowing hue creates a sense of warmth; livening the complexion and creating a feeling of luxury.White South Sea Pearl Necklace: Famous for their rich, creamy color, White South Sea pearls can have rose or silver overtones. While pearls with silver tones are more popular, South Sea pearls with rose overtones are considered to be rarer and more valuable.

When buying a White South Sea pearl necklace, keep in mind that pearls with white body color are more valuable than those with ivory or cream. Use caution, as some sellers may sell cream South Sea pearls as white ones for a higher price.

When choosing color, keep in mind the complexion of the wearer. For example, if the wearer has a dark complexion, the golden color would be a good choice. If the wearer has a fair complexion, a white or silver hue would be nice.

When examining the color of a South Sea pearl necklace, it is best to view it under natural light. Pearl color will look slightly different under various types of lighting. Pure morning light is the ideal time. Florescent light tends to give pearls a more bluish or yellowish hue, while incandescent light lends pearls a more reddish hue.South Sea Pearl Shape

South Sea pearl shapes include perfect round, semi-round, circle, oval, button, drop, and baroque. Because symmetry is rare in nature, round shapes are the most highly valued. While a strand of round South Sea pearl necklace is the most classic and valuable, a nearly round necklace can create a similar look at a significantly reduced price. Another option to consider is a baroque necklace. Stylish and fun, it can be worn with everything from a pair of jeans to a Gucci bustier.South Sea Pearl Size

The most common sizes for South Sea Pearls are 10mm – 15mm. South Sea pearls in 16mm – 20mm are very rare and extremely valuable. Ultimately, the size of a necklace is a personal preference as it reflects individual style and personality. When choosing a size, you should consider the wearing purpose of the necklace. Generally, larger necklaces are more extravagant and create a statement; while smaller necklaces are more for everyday wear.South Sea Pearl Necklace Matching and Workmanship

It is important to examine the workmanship of a pearl necklace. Poorly matched pearls with obvious color differences will lessen the beauty of your necklace, causing its value to drop dramatically. When you receive your necklace, examine it by letting it hang off the tip of your finger. Examine whether the line of the necklace is straight, the knotted tie too tight or too loose and whether the finish is beautiful.South Sea Pearl Necklace Graduation

Graduation means that the pearls are strung from smallest to largest, starting at the clasp and ending with the largest pearl in the center of the necklace. This is traditionally done to capture the elegant, interesting look it creates.South Sea Pearl Necklace Length

When choosing pearl necklace length, keep in mind both the size of the wearer and the effect you wish to create. Traditionally 16 inches, or choker necklace length, is considered the classic look, while longer lengths are ideal for casual, business, or evening wear. It is an ideal choice for those with high necklines as well. The most popular length for a pearl necklace is 17 inches; a length that is not quite a choker yet does not drape extravagantly low on the wearer.Millimeters Vs Inches

Pearls are measured in millimeter. 1 inch is equivalent to about 25mm. Therefore, a 10mm pearl is equal to 0.4 inches.South Sea Pearl Necklace Pricing

Due to their size and rarity, South Sea pearls can be expensive. Here are some quick tips to help you in the decision making process: When selecting a necklace it is wise to choose quality over size.

High quality South Sea pearls are a statement of perfection and sophistication. Also, they are rare and have investment value. A high quality South Sea pearl necklace can last for generations.Where to Buy

When buying South Sea pearl jewelry, compare prices from both online sellers and local stores. On average, local dealers tend to charge considerably more than online sellers. It is best to buy from a trusted online source. Make sure to check the sites’ return policy, customer support, and customer reviews.