Pearl Quality & Value
The value of a pearl is most related to the thickness and quality of the nacre. Other factors include size, (especially in rounds,) shape, and color. Generally, the highest prices will be paid for large, round, well colored, unenhanced gems. Factors that influence value in pearl jewelry pieces would add to these general considerations, quality of stringing and degree of matching in size and color.
Pearl Nacre - The nacre is the substance that the oyster or mollusk deposits on the irritant or foreign material that enters its shell. The thickness of the nacre will determine the value of the pearl. The thicker the nacre, the more valuable it is.
Pearl Luster - When buying a pearl ring, you should consider the following tips. Avoid pearls with blemishes and cracks. A consistent luster throughout the pearl indicates good quality. Beeswax is often used by jewelers to treat pearls but may affect the luster, so ask your jeweler about it.
Pearl Surface - In terms of its surface, it should be free of bumps, cracks and spots. The value increases as its surface is cleaner. Cultured pearls from oysters usually produce imperfectly round shapes. However, the rounder the pearl, the more valuable. The asymmetrical shapes of Baroque pearls are less costly but exhibit a lustrous appeal.
Pearl Shapes - Changing the color of a gem by exposing the gem to radiation. Kunzite, tourmaline, diamond, and golden beryl are examples of gems that are often irradiated.
Pearl Sizes - The size of cultured pearls is measured in millimeters by the diameter. Seed pearls may be as small as one millimeter while a South Sea pearl could be as big as 20 millimeters. The average pearl ranges from 7-7.5 millimeters. The bigger the pearl, the more valuable it would be. Natural pearls, however, are measured in carats.
Pearl Color - An invertebrate marine animal with either one or two shells.
Pearl Weight - A freshwater mollusk with two shells that produces pearls.
Pearl Matching - This calcium carbonate and conchiolin substance is naturally produced by mollusks/oysters to make pearls and mother-of-pearl.The natural substance produced by mollusks to
Pearl Jewelry
Pearl jewelry are often made of pearls and other materials such as precious metals, diamonds, sometimes with imitation or synthetic gems. Also called costume jewelry. It comes with pearl necklace, pearl earring, pearl ring, pearl pendant, pearl bracelet, and pearl set in styles.