TIPS AND TRICKS

warrenfeldby Warren Feld
blog.landofodds.com

Occasional insights into beading, jewelry making, and business…

CURRENT TIPS AND TRICKS BLOG ARTICLES

 

THE QUALITY BASICS OF PEARLS

Here are the factors that make a pearl valuable:

1.  Luster: The combination of surface brilliance and a deep-seated glow, the luster of a good quality pearl should be bright, not dull.  Any pearl that looks too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

2.  Surface:  Cleanliness of the pearl surface refers to the absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks.  A pearl with a clean surface will have a higher value than a spotted or cracked one.

3.  Shape:  Because cultured pearls are grown by oysters and subject to the whims of nature, it is very rare to find a perfectly round pearl.  While rounder pearls are more valuable, asymmetrical, or baroque, pearls have a unique charm and are available at a lower cost.

4.  Color:  Cultured pearls occur in colors from rose to black.  While color is a matter of preference, rose or silver/white pearls tend to look best on fair skin tones, while cream and gold-tone pearls are flattering to darker complexions.

5.  Size:  Measured by diameter in millimeters, generally, the larger the pearl, the more valuable it will be.

 

 

 

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