FAQ
Q: What factors determine pearl quality?
A: Five factors determine the quality, value, and aesthetic appeal of pearls – luster, surface, shape, color and size.Luster
Luster is a combination of surface brilliance and a deep glow. The luster of good quality pearls should be bright. You should be able to see your reflection clearly on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky is of low quality.
Surface
The cleaner the surface of the pearl, the more valuable it is. Look for an absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks on the surface of a pearl, also known as “cleanliness.”
Shape
It is very rare to find a perfectly round pearl. The rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is. Baroque pearls, which are not symmetrical in shape, can be lustrous and appealing, and often cost less than round pearls.
Color
Pearls come in a variety of colors from rosé to black. Rosé or silver/white pearls tend to look best on fair skin, while cream and gold-toned pearls are flattering to those with darker complexions.
Size
Pearls are measured by their diameter in millimeters. Tiny seed pearls can be smaller than 1 millimeter, while South Sea pearls as large as 20 millimeters have been found. If all other factors (luster, surface, shape and color) are equal, the size of a pearl will determine how valuable it is. The average pearl sold today is between 7mm and 7.5mm.
Q: How to take care of pearls?
A: Pearls are soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals. It is important to take special care of your pearls to ensure they will remain bright and beautiful for generations to come.Personal Care Products Can Damage Pearls
Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can damage pearls in the same way. It is best to put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Pearls
Wiping the pearls with a soft damp cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free from harmful build-ups of these compounds. Periodically, pearls should be washed with a mild soap.
Store Pearls Separately from Other Jewelry
Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items, to prevent them from being scratched. Pearls are best kept in a soft cloth pouch or a soft lined jewelry box or compartment.
When to Have Pearls Restrung
If you wear your pearls often, they should be restrung about once a year to prevent strand breakage. Experts suggest the use of silk thread. However, nylon thread is an acceptable alternative. The string should be knotted between each pearl to prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off should a break occur. Knotting also keeps the pearls from rubbing against each other.
Q: What are freshwater pearls?
A: Freshwater pearls are a cultured pearl, having been produced by a freshwater mollusc rather than saltwater. The rice grain shape is its most distinguishing feature however it can in in fact have a number of different shapes, sizes and colours with a perfect or near perfect round the most desirable. The unique shapes, array of colours and affordable prices have made freshwater pearls popular today.Pearls can never be mass produced as too much depends upon the whims of nature. Of all the millions of oysters nucleated each year only a small proportion manage to bear quality pearls with a perfect pearl being a truly rare event.
Q: What special about the Chinese freshwater pearls?
Color:
The Chinese freswater pearls come in a wide color range that includes white, champagne, cream, orange, pink, purple, lilac, mauve, blue and brown.
Shape:
The Chinese freshwater pearls have an endless variety of shapes, the most predominant being oval, egg, button, drop and off round. Perfectly round pearls are still very rare, especially in the larger sizes.
Value:
The Chinese feshwater cultured pearls are composed almost entirely of nacre and more closely resemble the highest priced natural pearls yet are the least expensive of all cultured pearls.
Their quality and luster make them not only desirable but guarantee a long life span.
