Oysters Aren’t Just Aphrodisiacs
Choosing the Right Pearl Jewelry
Pearls can be a wonderful gift for that someone special or maybe a gift for yourself. With so many styles to choose from and different qualities available, it is important to be armed with some basic information when shopping for a piece of pearl jewelry. Let’s start with some basics.
What is a Pearl?
A pearl is formed when an irritant becomes trapped in the oyster’s shell. The oyster will secrete the same substances that were used to form it’s protective shell as a defense mechanism against the foreign matter. The secretions form layers and eventually a pearl. Although most of us think of pearls as being exclusive to oysters, there are other mollusks that produce pearls.
What is the Difference Between a Cultured Pearl and a Natural Pearl?
In the case of a natural pearl, just as the name would imply, the irritant is introduced through natural processes, usually by swimming it’s way into the shell. Natural pearls are much more rare and much more expensive than cultured pearls. A cultured pearl is created when an irritant is purposely introduced or placed into the shell, placing them into holding baskets and harvesting them a couple of years later. Due to the length of time and the labor intensive process for harvesting natural pearls, most of todays pearls are cultured.
Is There a Standard for Grading Pearls?
Unlike diamonds and gold, there is not one standard for grading pearls. Several are used and caution should be used when buying anything based solely on it’s grade. In the AAA-A standard of grading, AA quality sea pearls would be considered the middle of the scale. These pearls would be said to have a high luster and about 75 percent of the surface free from any defects. The smoother and shinier the pearl’s surface, the more valuable it is and consequently the higher the price-tag. Expect to pay a hefty price for a quality, long pearl necklace and even more for a multi-strand pearl necklace.
What are the Jewelry Options for Pearls?
In today’s jewelry market you will find pearls as stand alone pieces set in earrings. You will find them in various lengths as necklaces. You will even find them paired with other gems. Maybe a combination such as aquamarine and pearl earrings, or in combination with another gem in a necklace. There are also pieces that you may not know about that can make a long pearl necklace more versatile. A 14K pearl necklace shortener may be used to take a rope style necklace and turn it into something completely different.
Where Do I shop for Pearls and Pearl Jewelry?
Finding the best store for pearl necklaces or any other pearl jewelry can be a daunting process. If you do a bit of research before heading out the door, you can eliminate some of the headaches and save yourself some time. The first and most important thing to consider is who this is for and what is that person’s style. Would they prefer a long pearl necklace, multi-strand pearls, earrings, or maybe even a bracelet.
Then you will want to search for stores in your area that sell pearls and do some research on the stores. If they have a BBB rating, look at it. Look at an available website. Get recommendations from friends and family. Make phone calls to the jewelers and ask questions. Do they stand behind what they sell? Do they seem to know what they are talking about? How comfortable do you feel when talking to them?
Armed with the right information you can find a store that will have just what you are looking for at a price you can afford. With proper care, pearls will bring years of joy to anyone wearing them and the right choices never go out of style.
Choosing the Right Pearl Jewelry
Pearls can be a wonderful gift for that someone special or maybe a gift for yourself. With so many styles to choose from and different qualities available, it is important to be armed with some basic information when shopping for a piece of pearl jewelry. Let’s start with some basics.
What is a Pearl?
A pearl is formed when an irritant becomes trapped in the oyster’s shell. The oyster will secrete the same substances that were used to form it’s protective shell as a defense mechanism against the foreign matter. The secretions form layers and eventually a pearl. Although most of us think of pearls as being exclusive to oysters, there are other mollusks that produce pearls.
What is the Difference Between a Cultured Pearl and a Natural Pearl?
In the case of a natural pearl, just as the name would imply, the irritant is introduced through natural processes, usually by swimming it’s way into the shell. Natural pearls are much more rare and much more expensive than cultured pearls. A cultured pearl is created when an irritant is purposely introduced or placed into the shell, placing them into holding baskets and harvesting them a couple of years later. Due to the length of time and the labor intensive process for harvesting natural pearls, most of todays pearls are cultured.
Is There a Standard for Grading Pearls?
Unlike diamonds and gold, there is not one standard for grading pearls. Several are used and caution should be used when buying anything based solely on it’s grade. In the AAA-A standard of grading, AA quality sea pearls would be considered the middle of the scale. These pearls would be said to have a high luster and about 75 percent of the surface free from any defects. The smoother and shinier the pearl’s surface, the more valuable it is and consequently the higher the price-tag. Expect to pay a hefty price for a quality, long pearl necklace and even more for a multi-strand pearl necklace.
What are the Jewelry Options for Pearls?
In today’s jewelry market you will find pearls as stand alone pieces set in earrings. You will find them in various lengths as necklaces. You will even find them paired with other gems. Maybe a combination such as aquamarine and pearl earrings, or in combination with another gem in a necklace. There are also pieces that you may not know about that can make a long pearl necklace more versatile. A 14K pearl necklace shortener may be used to take a rope style necklace and turn it into something completely different.
Where Do I shop for Pearls and Pearl Jewelry?
Finding the best store for pearl necklaces or any other pearl jewelry can be a daunting process. If you do a bit of research before heading out the door, you can eliminate some of the headaches and save yourself some time. The first and most important thing to consider is who this is for and what is that person’s style. Would they prefer a long pearl necklace, multi-strand pearls, earrings, or maybe even a bracelet.
Then you will want to search for stores in your area that sell pearls and do some research on the stores. If they have a BBB rating, look at it. Look at an available website. Get recommendations from friends and family. Make phone calls to the jewelers and ask questions. Do they stand behind what they sell? Do they seem to know what they are talking about? How comfortable do you feel when talking to them?
Armed with the right information you can find a store that will have just what you are looking for at a price you can afford. With proper care, pearls will bring years of joy to anyone wearing them and the right choices never go out of style.