How to Choose Good Pearls?
Pearls' beauty and value are determined by a number of factors, including the matching of different pearls used in jewelry. Our short guide below lists the seven most important factors to help you appreciate the quality of our pearls.
Size: Other factors being equal, larger pearls are more valuable than smaller pearls.
Shape: Whereas round pearls are the rarest, and thus generally most valuable, other shapes such as pear, oval or beautiful irregularly shaped (baroque) pearls are also sought-after.
Color: Pearls naturally occur in a broad range of hues ranging from warm yellow, orange or pink to cool blue green and violet, and tones ranging from light to dark.
Pearl experts distinguish between
a) Bodycolor - the dominant color of the pearl
b) Overtone - one or multiple translucent colors that can be perceived above a pearl's bodycolor
c) Orient - a shimmer of iridescent rainbow colors on the pearl's surface or just below
Whereas all pearls have a bodycolor, only some show overtone, orient, or both.
Luster: One of the most important factors for a pearl's value is its luster. Pearl experts distinguish between five categories:
a) Excellent - Reflections appear bright and sharp (AAA Grade)
b) Very Good - Reflections appear bright and almost sharp (AA Grade)
c) Good - Reflections are bright but not sharp, and slighty hazy around the edges (A Grade)
d) Fair - Reflections are weak and blurred
e) Poor - Reflections are dim and diffused. Within a pearl type, when other value factors are equal, the higher the luster, the more valuable the pearl.
These cultured pearls show excellent, good and fair luster. The differences in the sharpness of the reflections between each adjacent strand are subtle but still noticeable.
Surface quality: Most pearls do not have a perfect surface, and small imperfections usually do not have a big impact on a pearl's beauty or value - as long as they are minor. If there are many scratches, abrasions or prominent irregular ridges, however, it reduces the value of a pearl and it can even affect its durability.
Nacre quality: Nacre is the material also know as mother of pearl. The quality of a pearl's nacre and its luster are closely related. If the nucleus of a pearl can be seen through the nacre, or if a pearl has a dull, chalky appearance, this indicates thin nacre which usually affects the luster.
Matching: Good jewelry usually matches pearls with similar quality factors or it combines different shapes, sizes and colors. In our jewelry, we always try to match and complement pearls optimally for your satisfaction.
- Source: https://www.gia.edu/pearl-quality-factor