For a classic, beautiful look that’ll never go out of style consider a pearl necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings set for your one and only. To generations of men and women, pearls have represented refinement and class because of their beauty and rarity. Ice Carats carries only the finest quality pearls, but how does one determine quality? Hopefully this guide will help to explain how.
Quality
The variety of pearls in the world is astounding. Because they are naturally occurring organic gemstones there are considerable differences between them. Unlike other precious metals and gemstones, there is no industry standard for grading pearls. There are however several different things that can determine the value of a pearl. Let’s take a close look at these things, so that you can be better informed when purchasing pearls.
Color
Pearls come in many different colors, with the typical ones being white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. Because they are naturally occurring organic gemstones there can be noticeable differences between colors.
There are usually two colors that make up the appearance of a pearl; its bodycolor, which is the color of the actual pearl, and its overtone, which is a translucent color that appears on top of the pearl’s bodycolor. These two things together give a pearl its distinct color.
Shape
Every pearl has a slightly different shape. The shape of a pearl can generally be classified into one of the following groups:
- Round – Perfectly spherical. The rarity and beauty of round pearls make them highly desirable.
- Near-Round – Slightly flattened or elongated, though still spherical.
- Oval – Shaped like an oval; narrower at the ends, wider in the center.
- Button – Flattened to resemble a button rather than a sphere. Most common in earrings.
- Teardrop – Long or short and pear-shaped. Commonly used as pendants or earrings.
- Semi-Baroque – Slightly irregular shape, these pearls typically look similar to an oval, button or teardrop but are too asymmetrical to be considered so.
- Baroque – An irregular shaped pearl.
The shape of a pearl is an important factor in determining its value. Round and near-round pearls, because of their rarity, are the most valuable. Symmetrical shapes like oval, button and teardrop are usually considered to be the next most valuable, however baroque or semi-baroque shapes can sometimes be especially unique and therefore more valuable.
Luster
Luster is what gives a pearl its shine and is created by light reflecting off of the layer of calcium carbonate called nacre on the pearl’s surface. Nacre is a natural substance created by pearl producing mollusks that help protect it. Generally, the more nacre in a pearl or the larger a pearl, the more lustrous it will be.
Size
Pearls are measured by diameter in millimeters. Most pearls on the consumer market are in the 7 mm -7.5 mm in size. Anything greater is considered quite rare and in most cases, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is.