Pearls

EVALUATE PEARLS ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Luster

The combination of surface brilliance and a deep-seated glow, the luster of a good-quality pearl should be bright, not dull. Your reflection should be seen clearly on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that looks too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

Surface

Cleanliness of the pearl surface refers to the absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks. A pearl with a clean surface will have a higher value than a spotted, bumpy or cracked one.

Shape

Since cultured pearls are grown by oysters and subject to the whims of Mother Nature, it is very rare to find a perfectly round pearl. While rounder pearls are more valuable, asymmetrical, or baroque, pearls have a unique charm and are available at a more moderate cost.

Color

Rose, silver, white, cream, gold, blue, gray and black all occur naturally in cultured pearls. While color is a matter of preference, rosé or silver/white pearls tend to look best on fair skin tones, while cream and gold-tone pearls are flattering to darker complexions.

Size

Measured by their diameter in millimeters, the average cultured pearls sold today are between 7 and 7.5 millimeters. Generally, the larger the pearl, the more valuable it will be.