Posts Tagged ‘ pearl necklaces ’

A pendant is typically the highlight and main centerpiece of an necklace, and because of this, you ought to give your pendant ideas much thought before you make a purchase. These careful considerations include cost, sophistication, glamor, and of course, style. For all these pendant qualifications, you should definitely consider having a pearl pendant.

A pearl pendant is usually a viable alternative for all other pendant options out there, and this is for good reason. When you think of a necklace pendant, what usually comes to mind are diamond or gold pendant pieces. However, through time, their appeal and luster have faded into most people’s minds, because of several factors.

The first factor that people think about would be their cost. If you take a random survey among jewelry shops and you check the typical price of a diamond or a gold pendant, they will usually cost you an arm and a leg. And even when they can give you that certain air of sophistication when you wear them, sometimes it’s still not worth the price — because let’s face it, you can look equally glamorous without forking out that amount of money.

A pearl pendant, on the other hand, is a popular alternative choice owing to the fact that it is a cut above the rest. That in itself is an understatement really. In the olden days, people used to think that pearls were the tears of angels, or even of the moon, and as such, they were accorded with utmost respect. Still, there were even cultures that believed pearls were the remnants of falling stars, and because of this, they were taken to be the perfect gift items for commitment and love.

This is the reason why through the years, a pearl pendant is considered as the perfect gift that signifies and symbolizes love — but it’s not just any type of love, because it’s the timeless type of love. Lovers express their undying love to their partners with a pearl pendant because this is an embodiment of their commitment and promise. And the best part about a pearl pendant is that it can come in an assortment of varieties and in different colors and textures. This is so because there are different pearl varieties depending on where they come from, and these numerous options are perfect for you or someone you love.

Moreover, the reason why a pearl pendant is considered to be better than a diamond pendant is because it exudes understated class and elegance. A pearl pendant can easily evoke the feeling of tranquility, relaxation, and peace — something which makes it a worthwhile purchase.

A pearl necklace is a classic piece of jewelry found in many ladies jewelry boxes, usually an heirloom piece from a Grandmother or a Great Aunt.  Pearl necklaces say “class,” just from their simple beauty.
Ah, but a grey pearl necklace is a classic piece of jewelry with a subtle twist, a twist that says “grace”, “elegance” but also says “individuality”. It states that the person wearing the necklace is classy but in their own way. They have grace but they have a feel for the unique also. They are who they are. They are a Grey Pearl.

There are many different types of grey pearls that can be made into beautiful grey pearl necklaces. Upon some research, these are the two that I found the most interesting and unique.

The Marjorica Pearl is an elegant looking gemstone that is actually man-made. The Island of Marjorca, an island of Spanish decent located in the Mediterranean, first made Marjorica Pearls a century or more ago. Majorica Pearls do not form on mollusks but form on balls of solid glass covered with a unique, special paste. A 10mm single strand of Marjorica pearls will cost approximately $200.00 to $300.00, quite a good deal for such a stunning pearl.

My favorite, however, is the Natural Grey South Sea Pearl. A grey pearl necklace made of these would be stunning but simple and elegant. Grey South Sea Pearls are grown in the tepid seas of Tahiti and sometimes are referred to as Tahitian Pearls. South Sea Pearls that are harvested can be four times bigger than the oysters that grow Akoya Pearls, which is a grey japanese pearl. South Sea Pearls are the highest valued pearl out of three main types of pearl. An 8mm single strand of Grey Tahitian Pearls will cost $1000.00 to $3000.00, depending on the jeweler. Be sure to choose a reputable jeweler as to get the best quality pearls at a fair price.

A grey pearl necklace can be just the thing for the lady in your life, either for a birthday or anniversary or just because you cherish her and want to make sure she knows it. Whatever the reason, with all the choices that are out there, you are bound to find just the right grey pearl necklace for your special lady. Show her how you feel with a grey pearl necklace. This is a unique statement of grace. For that uniquely graceful special lady in your life.


Kokichi Mikimoto is the man behind the Mikimoto pearl necklace.  He is the one who has provided the world with some of the most exquisite and high quality pearls available.  One of his most infamous statements and one most often quoted was his remark that he would like to adorn the necks of all women of the world with pearls’.  The beauty and quality of Kokichi Mikimoto’s cultured pearls has captivated the admiration of people globally.

Mikimoto was born in Toba City, Japan but he made his home in a town called Ise-Shima, where so many people were harvesting pearls from oysters that it became a situation that was considered critical.  He began to seed oysters and through much experimentation, failures and exhaustive research, that was spread out over a period of countless years, he was the one responsible for creating and advancing the system for producing quality, cultured pearls.  His first precious pearl was taken from an oyster on July 11, 1893.  His wife was by his side the day he opened up that historical oyster.

Kokichi sent teams to the island of Palau, which is located in the South Pacific.  Mikimoto was the forerunner in the pearl business who was instrumental in developing industries amongst the poorer islands.  This act of building industries in underdeveloped areas earned the name Mikimoto the highest respect.  His was the first store to feature specialized pearl jewelry.  It was located in the Ginza district of Tokyo.  His sales representatives wore high quality suits, experts designed his display cases and his jewelry attracted the attention of all who entered in.

To this day, a Mikimoto pearl necklace must pass the high standards that were originally set by this master jeweler, who had an absolute determination to provide the best and highest quality pearls, combined with quiet, yet elegant beauty.   These strict standards placed Mikimoto’s in the top 5% of worldwide pearl harvesters who provide quality cultured pearls.  The trademark for an original Mikimoto item is the letter ‘M’ located inside an oyster shell and all jewelry will have this letter engraved upon it.

Before making a purchase, be sure to look at the pearls through a 10x magnifying lens to ascertain that the pearls are indeed Mikimoto pearls.  Look for a pattern of lines on the pearls.  A Mikimoto pearl necklace still remains one of the most desired pieces of jewelry to ‘adorn the necks’ of women globally!

If you don’t know much about pearls, buying your first pearl necklace can be a confusing process. Guys, there’s a lot of hype and false advertising out there so you have to be careful! The best way to approach this is to first of all, have a clear idea of what you want as well as a working knowledge of pearls so that your vision will become a reality. With that in mind, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to buy the right necklace for you or your loved one, from deciding what style you like to choosing the right retailer. Let’s get started.

Pick A Necklace Style

The first thing you need to think about is who the necklace is for. I know this may seem pretty obvious but who the recipient is will determine what styles or colors you should go for. You already know her (or him – guys can wear pearls too – but for now I’m just going to say her to make it easier) so take a moment to think about her preferences. Of course, if you’re buying for yourself then you already know!

The next step is to eliminate some of your options to make things simpler while keeping yourself or your loved one in mind. Think about age, first of all. There are some types of necklaces that may not be age-appropriate for younger girls or young women. These include pearl ropes, opera length necklaces, and really, anything with very large pearls (See: Pearl Necklace Lengths for more on pearl necklace naming conventions). Now, not everyone feels this way so don’t talk yourself out of one of these if that’s what you think she’ll like – but definitely keep in mind that, typically, those are all necklaces worn by older women. Other than that – is her style classic, or cutting edge? Some women may find the classic pearl strands a little boring and/or too traditional.

If you’ve eliminated some options, then now is the time to pick a specific style (or styles) that you want to focus on. I’ll present some of the less common options as well so that you can decide! Classic pearl strands are the easiest to find in many different colors and will be wearable in nearly any situation. Single pearl necklaces resemble a pendant and are  usually just a single pearl on a chain. These are modern and a great choice for young women or women with a more delicate bone structure because they won’t be overwhelmed. This type of necklace can also be much more affordable.

Floating pearl necklaces (also known as a tin cup, station, or illusion necklaces) consist of pearls spaced evenly along a very fine chain or silk thread, giving the illusion that they are “floating” on your skin. They were first seen in the movie “Tin Cup” (hence the name tin cup necklace) but have endured as a long-lasting fashion trend. I think these are the most delicate and feminine necklaces of all! They are very easy to find in a variety of colors but many “floating pearl necklaces” actually use faux pearls. Just read the description carefully before you buy!

Pick Your Pearls

Hopefully you know have a fairly clear idea what you’re looking for. Next you need to choose the type and color of pearls you’d like. The main types of pearls are Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater, each with a different price and color range. Here’s a crash course:

Akoyas are a very solid choice if you’re looking for a classic white pearl necklace. They are high quality and generally available in white or cream.

Tahitian pearls are as opposite as you can get – if you want black pearls, Tahitian is definitely the way to go. Look for high orient and a metallic sheen – these pearls are rarely a flat black and are known for their many vibrant colors.

South Sea pearls are generally gold or silver – colors that are rare in other types – and are larger than average.

Freshwater pearls are probably the most widely available now that Chinese pearl culturing techniques have advanced. Some advantages of freshwater pearls are their affordablility, durability (due to high nacre content) and color choice. Freshwaters take dye/radiation very easily so you’ll be able to find any color you like.

Scams, Myths, and What to Look For In Your Pearls

Now if you’re ready to buy, here’s what you need to look for. There is no universal pearl grading system but most retailers, whether online or brick and mortar, use a scale running from A to AAA+, with AAA+ being the highest quality. The more rarely used Tahitian scale runs from A-D with A being the best. Any retailer that claims to have AAAA pearls is generally trying to inflate their prices. Take a very very careful look at the description so you know what you’re getting.

Any legitimate retailer should include a description that mentions the luster (shine/reflective qualities of the pearl or pearls), overall quality (whether by letter grade or surface quality i.e. 96% blemish free),  size, shape (and whether or not there are any irregularities), and certifications if those apply. Hanadamas should always include a certificate from the Japanese Pearl Institute. If you are ever unsure about a pearl, many retailers will let you see additional photos  – anyway, it never hurts to ask! Of course, if you are in a brick and mortar store you’ll be able to see the pearl necklace for yourself.

As with any major purchase, knowing the basics will sometimes save you from making a mistake. There are many misleading claims out there and any of these should be a definite red flag. Here we go with some of the top myths:

• Baby South Sea pearls are generally not South Sea at all, but freshwater pearls.
• South Sea Tahitians don’t exist. Pearls are either Tahitian or South Sea.
• Black South Sea pearls are actually Tahitians, generally.
• AAAA grading – this should be a warning to look closer.
• Black Freshwater pearls are always dyed.
• Brown Tahitian pearls are almost always dyed.
• There is nothing better than Hanadama. Anyone who says they have an Akoya pearl superior to Hanadama doesn’t know their stuff – if it were really that good it would have gone through the certification process.
• Japanese Akoya pearls – the name is somewhat of a misnomer these days. Though once it was an industry standard term, the advent of Chinese Akoya pearls as well as the Japanese practice of importing and relabeling their competition, has made this somewhat obsolete.

As you can see…buyer beware! There are, however, many reputable dealers both online and off. The following sites have received good reviews and are generally considered a safe place to buy:

Pearls of Joy
Pearl Paradise
The Pearl Outlet

After you purchase your necklace be sure to take care of it so that it lasts a lifetime. Though pearls are more delicate than other gems, with a little careful handling they can last a very long time. Be sure to keep them away from open heat, direct sun, and body acids, store them away from other jewelry so they don’t get scratched, and avoid using harsh cleaners on them or while wearing them. Your new pearls will eventually need to be restrung however.  (For more information please see: Caring for Your Pearl Necklace)

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Hopefully this crash course in pearl buying has made your search a little easier. Just remember to carefully think of what you would like to buy; choose the right pearls; read descriptions carefully; look for red flags; and take care of your necklace once you (or your loved one for that matter) receives it. Good luck and happy hunting!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the above merchants in any way – they are merely sites I have seen mentioned around the web with a good reputation. Please exercise caution even with the most reputable of dealers and buy at your own risk!

If you are looking to buy a floating pearl necklace but don’t know where to go or how much they cost, maybe this article will help you.

Amazon.com has a two strand one with sterling silver beads and a spring ring closure. The chain is 16 inches long. for fifteen dollars. They also have a 24K Gold one for sixty eight dollars. It features a fresh water pearl and is plated with 24K gold.  The chain is sterling silver that is 16 to 18 inches long. Artfire.com has a Pink and Peach Pearls and Cherry Quartz one for about fifty dollars. It is 20 inches long and sits under your collar bone. It is made out of pearls and the semi precious stone quartz and the metal parts are to this necklace are silver plates. Exclusivelyweddings.com has one for about five dollars each. The pearls which can be either white or platinum are suspended on a almost invisible nylon filament. The length is 17 inches long.

If you are thinking of getting a tin cup necklace you can find one at Macy’s for one hundred and twenty dollars. It is a sterling silver pink freshwater pearl necklace that is 17 inches long. Kohl’s has a 10K Freshwater Cultured Pearl one for about one hundred and sixty nine on sale. The chain is made out of glittering box gold and a spring ring clasp. It also comes in a white leatherette box for gift giving and storage. JcPenney has a Worthington one for about ten dollars. The pearls are the color of mocha, the metal is a gold tone color, and it comes with a lobster clasp.

In conclusion, these are only a few of the brick-and-mortar and internet stores you can go to find these products. You can find some cheap but low quality or more expensive, but higher quality necklaces if you are willing to spend time looking.

Classic pearl necklaces are a wardrobe essential, but every now and then you need a change. Not every occasion calls for the formality some pearl necklaces can project; some people also have negative associations regarding pearl necklaces and believe that they can look old-fashioned or just make you look older than you are. Coin pearls are a great alternative for whenever you might want to seem youthful and modern; they are also considered one of the more feminine shapes, and are widely available.

Coin pearls are part of a group of pearls that are classified by their shape. (Others include baroque, drop, and rice pearls.) Like the name suggests, coin pearls are cultivated in the shape of coins so that they are round but flat with soft edges. These are usually freshwater pearls so there are a wide array of colors available; however coin pearls are most often white.

Coin pearls have become very popular with young women today, which means that if you would like a coin pearl necklace you will have plenty of options! I believe their appeal stems from the fact that they are modern, project a fresh, youthful vibe, and avoid some of the stereotypes associated with pearl strands. Unlike traditional pearl necklaces, no one says that coin pearl necklaces can’t be worn by younger women or teens. If you ever feel that traditional necklaces age or date you, coin pearls may work very well as an alternative. They also make great earrings for much the same reasons I listed above.

In fact, coin pearl necklaces are a good choice for many different occasions, with some caveats. First of all, they tend to project femininity rather than power so keep that in mind. You may not want to wear coin pearls when you are heading up a business meeting depending on what image you are trying to project. Also, these pearl necklaces are very delicate in appearance so you don’t want to pair them with clothes that may overwhelm them (so stay away from clothes that are too bold when wearing this type of pearls). However, these pearls are wonderful any time you want to look feminine and modern, so keep them in mind for weddings, dates, or feminine, romantic attire.

Though you might not want to wear them everywhere, it’s definitely worth keeping some coin pearls in your collection. They are unique, modern, feminine, and most of all, they’ll make you stand out in a crowd.

While the most common type of pearl necklace consists of one or more strands of pearls, there are many others out there. One example is the single pearl necklace. Now, if you search online you may notice that a single pearl necklace may refer to either a necklace with a single strand or a necklace consisting of a chain and a single pearl – almost synonymous with a pearl pendant. It is the latter type that I’d like to talk about today – these necklaces are just as beautiful as their more traditional counterparts yet they are often ignored in spite of their advantages.

First of all, wearing a pearl pendant means you can avoid some of the stereotypes/generalizations that pearl ropes tend to carry. Pearls have long been seen as a status symbol; however, they are also a symbol of maturity and age. In fact, many people believe longer necklaces or necklaces with bigger pearls should be reserved for mature, wealthy women who have “come of age.” The result is that pearl strands are considered inappropriate for some age groups. For example, a young girl or young woman who wears pearls that are too long or strands that are too big may seem as if she is trying to be too grown up. This more traditional view is waning to some extent, but whether you subscribe to it or not, a single pearl necklace sidesteps the issue altogether. There are also many variations on the market, so finding the perfect gift for someone you love is easy. For example, we all know that heart jewelry is popular around Valentine’s Day, and, in fact, many of these designs incorporate pearls. Heart shaped pendants with a pearl in the center are often called a “caged” pearl necklace and are classy and elegant.

These necklaces are also very affordable. Traditional pearl necklaces take quite some time to assemble due to the difficulty finding pearls that are well matched in overtone, body color, and luster. Even earrings require hunting through possibly thousands of pearls for a good match. The time and difficulty required are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and the longer your pearl necklace is (and the higher the quality) the more you can expect to pay. For a high quality pearl rope of Akoya pearls, you can expect to pay over $50,000 and possibly close to $100,000! (Don’t believe me? Do a quick check on Amazon and see for yourself. By the way, I’m discounting the AAAA or AA+ quality pearls here – those ratings are not recognized by the industry, but more on that later.) In contrast, if you only need to pay for one pearl you can get quite a bit more for your money – more in the range of $1000 or less but you can get some nice pearls for under $100 also.

Now if (perhaps) you’d like to get a single pearl necklace, consider your options. Do you prefer natural or cultured pearls? Natural ones are more valuable due to their rarity and thicker nacre though cultured pearls are less expensive and of comparable quality. Furthermore, think about the color you would like, then decide which type of pearl suits you best. If you’d like a genuine black pearl as opposed to dyed, you will want to look for Tahitian pearls. South Seas pearls tend to be known for their golden overtones, though they are available in white as well. Akoyas are the industry standard and are known for their rose, silver, or cream overtones. Finally, freshwater pearls are available in nearly every possible color but black, so take that into consideration when making your choice. As always, if you want a natural pearl, please consult with a gemologist or make sure the pearl is certified before making your purchase!

So there you have it. Single pearl necklaces are beautiful and affordable when compared to strands. They provide a delicate, modern look, and may be perfect for young women who want pearls but don’t want to look too grown up.  And because you’re only buying one pearl, your options are wide open!

While most necklaces are described by their length (i.e x amount of inches long), pearl necklaces actually have different names for each length and type. It is important to know which is which so you get exactly what you’re looking for! Here I’ll describe each type and note the types of clothing or necklines that each pearl necklace matches the best.

A collar describes a necklace that is 2 or more strands (in fact they are usually 3 or more), sits in the middle of the neck, and is usually 12 to 13 inches long. Though these were most fashionable in the Victorian era they are making a comeback. Pearl collars look elegant and chic with v-necks, boatnecks, or an off the shoulder style.

Pearl chokers are, at 14 to 16 inches long, a very popular choice. These necklaces sit just above the collarbone (I wish I had a visual, but for now, descriptions will have to do!). They are both classic and versatile and will add a touch of elegance to nearly any outfit.

The most common type of pearl necklace is the Princess. A princess length necklace is between 17 and 19 inches long and should sit around the outside of the collarbone. This length looks great with either crew and high necklines or very plunging necklines. A great choice for any woman – if you don’t know which type to get, choose this one!

Matinee length necklaces are approximately 20-24 inches and should hit at the top of the bust. Though this length is best suited to semi-formal attire, it also works with more casual wear and is the number one choice for a business setting.

Opera length refers to  a necklace between 26 to 36 inches long, hitting just above the midsection. As you can imagine, the name comes from the fact that this length was a common choice for a formal night out. It is still traditionally paired with evening wear, but its length does allow for a great deal of versatility. You may choose to double it for a look similar to a choker or collar, or knot it for a look similar to that which was popular with 1920s flappers. The doubled version would look great with crew or high necks.

A pearl rope is generally 45 inches or more, even though technically any length over 36 inches could also be considered a rope. These are generally worn only for the most formal of events, though like the opera, a rope may also be doubled or knotted. Another option is available in the form of convertible necklaces – these have multiple clasps, allowing you to shorten your necklace or even wear part of it as a bracelet.

So there you have it – six different types of pearl necklaces, from the collar to the rope. One thing to keep in mind when making your decision is the connotation that longer necklaces carry. Traditionally, longer necklaces or necklaces with larger pearls were reserved for more mature or wealthy women. Therefore, a pearl rope wouldn’t necessarily be recommended for a teenager as it may appear to others that she is trying to be overly mature. In that case, a choker or princess length may be a safer choice. As always though, the length of your pearl necklace ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you don’t like following tradition, don’t!

Have you ever been fooled into thinking that a fake pearl necklace is the real thing? Knowing how to spot a fake can be helpful for many reasons – it will help you avoid making mistakes when buying your necklace, and may even help you identify one you already have! Generally fake pearl necklaces may be called fake, faux, simulated, glass, plastic, resin, synthetic, artificial, or manmade if you are ordering online, but what if someone gives you a pearl necklace and you have no idea how to tell the difference? Here are some ways you can figure out if your necklace is real or not. (Keep in mind, cultured pearls are real! They are just artificially ‘induced’ pearls.)

1) X-rays. This is the most reliable test of all! An x-ray will tell you everything you need to know, including the actual thickness of the nacre, whether the pearl is cultured or not, and, of course, whether it’s real or fake. However, you will have to pay an expert to do this for you, and that can be expensive.

2) Destructive tests involve cutting the pearl open so that the core is visible. Natural pearls will be all nacre, freshwater cultured pearls will be nearly all nacre, and saltwater cultured pearls will have a shell core with a thinner layer of nacre. Faux pearls, on the other hand, will have a glass core with many layers of coating. I don’t recommend this at all! Why destroy your pearls?

3) Exposing your pearls to sunlight or a very bright indoor light will let you see all the color variations. Real pearls have so many color variations available that a perfect match is very rare, and in the sunlight, even more so. If both the body color and the overtones are perfectly matched, you may be looking at either a fake or an extremely costly real pearl necklace.

4) The tooth test involves running a pearl lightly over your teeth. Real pearls should apparently feel gritty whereas fake pearls will feel much smoother. This will fail to separate cultured pearls from fake ones, however – cultured pearls have a much thinner layer of nacre so they will feel relatively smooth. In general, I don’t know how reliable this test is – some experts seem to swear by it but I have no experience with it myself. Use at your own risk.

5) Magnification will show any imperfections or ridges that may exist. Real pearls will have years’ worth of nacre build up, creating some ridges that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Fake pearls will be mostly smooth.

6) Density. Real pearls should feel heavier relative to their size than faux pearls. In general – if you pick up your pearl necklace and it feels light, it’s fake. If it’s heavy, things get more complicated since well made faux pearl necklaces are nearly the same density as their natural counterparts..

Hopefully you now have a good idea of what the differences are between real and fake pearls. I should mention that Swarovski simulated pearls are very very close to real pearls – it will be hard to tell the difference in many of these categories. In that case, an x-ray will be your best bet. Good luck and I hope this helps you avoid buying a fake pearl necklace!

If you have a pearl necklace, you probably want to take care of it and keep it around for a while! The good news is that with a little love and care your necklace will last a very long time. However, pearls come from a living creature and thus are much more delicate than other gems such as diamonds. In this post I’ll show you what to do and what you should avoid doing in order to keep your pearls bright and lustrous.

First, you have to keep your pearls away from any sort of acids or heat. Acids from your skin, perfume, or makeup can damage the pearl’s surface, dulling their luster and potentially damaging the nacre itself. That’s why you will often hear the saying “last on, first off” when it comes to pearls. This means that you should put your pearl necklace on after you’re all ready to go out and take them off before you take off anything else. This will give them minimal exposure to damaging substances. One other thing to remember is that pearls don’t like heat. Keep them away from direct sunlight and don’t wear them while cooking dinner.

The way you store your pearl necklace(s) is important too. Remember, pearls aren’t diamonds and will scratch much more easily, so you will want to keep them away from other jewelry. The best storage method is a soft felt bag (with a slightly damp piece of linen), in a relatively cool place. Your storage area doesn’t need to be airtight, and in fact it’s best if you let your pearls breathe. This means you shouldn’t put them in any airtight containers or safety deposit boxes. Also, though you can hang your pearl necklace up if you choose, keep in mind that doing so will stress the delicate silk thread that is typically used.

Pearls will require periodic maintenance. Wiping them down after use with a soft cloth is recommended and will help them keep their shine. Just remember not to use harsh cleaners or you risk damaging your precious necklace! You will also want to keep an eye on the thread – you will need to restring your pearls (or have them restrung) every so often when it wears out. I have also heard that pearls need your humidity/body oils to avoid becoming dull, meaning that they should be worn often. I haven’t been able to verify this and it may well be an urban myth. Just keep in it mind. At any rate, you will want to wear them often anyway, right?

All of this may seem daunting but taking care of your pearls really boils down to a few simple things: “last on, first off,” avoid heat and direct sun, maintain well, and store carefully. Remember – if you love your pearls and take care of them, your pearl necklace will last a lifetime.

Knowing what the defining characteristics of pearls are is important if you want to buy a quality pearl necklace. It’s also good to know the defining characteristics of pearls if you’re looking for a bargain because you’ll know which areas you can compromise in to save money and which you absolutely need to watch out for. Recognizing quality pearls can also help you avoid buying a faux pearl necklace if you don’t want one. So without further ado, here are the top 5 pearl characteristics:

1) Luster (or Lustre) is the amount of light that is reflected from a pearl’s surface. It is the most visible quality of a valuable pearl. Why? Because the amount of luster is a reflection of the depth of the nacre (nacre is simply the material that pearls are made of, also called mother of pearl). Natural pearls will have more nacre than cultured pearls because in cultured pearls the nacre forms around an implanted nucleus, usually shell, and the pearl is harvested fairly quickly.

What you are looking for are pearls that are brilliantly shiny and so reflective that you can see your reflection if your back is to the light. Pearls that do not have as much nacre and therefore are less lustrous will seem dull, with little depth.

2) Size is another way to measure a pearl’s value. The most common size is between 7mm to 7 1/2mm – larger pearls will be more expensive since it takes years for them to form and they aren’t as common.

3) Shape is an area in which personal preference comes into play. The most valuable pearls are technically the perfectly round ones we know and love but they aren’t the only shapes out there. If you prefer a different shape, you can guarantee that your necklace will stand out from the rest. You may even save some money if you choose an irregular shape, such as a baroque pearl. Other shapes available are round, oval, teardrop, seed, and button pearls. Any of those will still look beautiful – again, it all comes down to what you like!

4) Color can refer to either the body color or the overtones of the pearl. I tend to think of white when I think of pearl necklaces but there are plenty of colors to choose from, including pink, lavender, white, yellow, blue, and even black pearls, with nearly infinite shade variations among those colors. A perfect set of matching pearls is very hard to find due to those same minute variations. For that reason, it’s best to buy matching jewelry such as earrings or bracelets at the same time as your pearl necklace – you’ll be much more likely to get a good match.

5) Surface refers to how smooth or flawed the surface of the pearl is. A perfectly smooth pearl with no pits or rings will be much more valuable and expensive than a pearl with some slight imperfections.

The above characteristics are the most important when judging a pearl’s quality. Some of them, such as color, shape, or size, are very personal choices and you may be able to save money if what you like is more commonly found. One thing I wouldn’t compromise on, however, is the luster of your pearls! The shimmer and reflective nature of highly lustrous pearls is what sets them apart from other gems, after all!

I hope this helps and good luck hunting for your perfect pearl necklace!