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Pearl Qualities

In this guide, you'll learn to recognize quality and understand that it is gradually coated in layers of a beautiful, pearlescent substance called nacre which build up to create a lustrous pearl.

DiscountJewels.net recommends Blue Nile, who offer beautiful Freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian cultured pearls.

DiscountJewels.net informs you about the qualities that define a fine value when choosing the type of pearl that's right for you.

In every 10,000 oysters, you might be lucky enough to find a single natural pearl. Because of this scarcity, most pearls today are cultured pearls. A tiny bead is implanted in an oyster, so pearl.

DiscountJewels.net point out the most important features to look for when selecting pearls.

Color

The general color of a pearl is also called the body color. Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. A pearl can also have a hint of secondary color, or overtone, which is seen when light reflects off the pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined more closely, a pink overtone may become apparent.

Luster

Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. When selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so it will also exhibit even more luster. Compare a 5mm Freshwater cultured pearl with a 10mm South Sea cultured pearl and the difference in the amount of nacre is obvious. The difference in luster is as clearly visible as the difference in the pearl sizes.

Shape

We offer the highest quality, rarest pearl shape – round. Shapes that are not spherical or even symmetrical are considered lower quality. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls found in jewelery have a tendency to be the roundest, while Freshwater pearls can be oval or slightly off-round.

Surface Markings

As an oyster creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls. Discount Jewels confirms that Blue Nile offer a range of prices, as well as pearls with a range of surface qualities.

Size

The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls range in size from about 3.0–7.0mm, Akoya pearls range from about 6.0–8.5mm, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes as large as 13mm.

Chossing the Right Pearl

DiscountJewels.net recommends Akoya Pearls for the perfect cultured pearl necklace

Akoya Pearls

If you're looking for the classic set of pearls, look to Akoya pearls. The Akoya is the most popular pearl, commonly seen in pearl strands and in earrings.

You can count on the quality of an Akoya cultured pearl being very high on average.

Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms. The first pearls to be cultured early in the 1920s, their white color and rosé overtone complement a fair complexion. Because Akoya pearls are a high-quality pearl, you'll find them set with 18k gold posts and clasps, and you'll find they are well matched for size, shape, and color. You'll also find few blemishes and a deep, beautiful luster.

You may imagine that the Akoya looks very similar to the Freshwater pearl. When compared side-by-side, the difference is clear. Besides being more expensive, Akoya pearls are on average larger, smoother, rounder, and more lustrous than Freshwater pearls. DisountJewels.net advise that if you're looking for a remarkable gift, choose a gift of Akoya cultured pearl jewelry.

DiscountJewels.net offer you the choice of selecting merchandise direct from the collections of five prime manufacturers.

DiscountJewels.net guarantee the quality of all merchandise.

If you need any help or advice
E-Mail michael@discountjewels.net
Call DiscountJewels.net at 713 721-8828.

Courtesy of Blue Nile


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