How to buy pearls- choose the right kind from the different types of pearls

Summary: Pearls are always a popular material for jewelry making or for decorations. They are so versatile and pretty that they are worthwhile collecting.

Pearls can add elegance to a dress and it also can be made into gorgeous jewelry. You will also look very elegant if you wear the pearls. However, there are different types of pearls such as natural, cultured and imitation pearls on the market. How to buy pearls becomes a question. Read on to learn some tips about purchasing pearl beads.

First, you should decide whether you want natural, cultured or imitation pearls. Imitation pearls are artificial and inexpensive. Also, it can be hard to find natural pearls in store and they often aren’t as high in quality as cultured pearls. All pearls sold are cultured pearls on the retail market unless labeled as natural pearls.

Second, decide what type of pearls you want to buy. There are four main types of pearls including akoya pearls, freshwater pearls, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. Akoya pearls are grown in Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Australia and China. They are classic white pearls, and they have the highest luster and the greatest shine of all cultured pearls. Akoya pearls range in size from 2mm to 10mm.Freshwater pearls are mainly produced by China. They are known for their off-round shapes except in the highest qualities. They are the most popular pearl in the world. The typical size of freshwater pearls is 2mm-16mm. Tahitian pearls are large and mostly dark, but they also exist in other hues including black, gray, silver, green and blue. South Sea pearls are produced by the Pinctada maxima mollusk. They are the most expensive pearl on the market because of their rarity and thick nacre.

Third, you should consider the pearl value factors including shape, size, surface quality and luster. A pearl shape includes round, baroque, symmetrical and irregular. Round pearls almost always come with the highest price range. Consider pearl size, the most important factor in price. Size depends on many conditions such as how large the implant was used in the grafting process, how long the pearl was inside the oyster. The classic size is 7mm. As to the surface quality, please make sure it doesn’t have bumps or variations. The cleaner the pearl’s surface the better. About another factor luster, lustrous pearls have a shiny surface and strong reflections. A pearl’s luster can make a pearl stand out.

Fourth, here are some recommendations for you to tell real pearls apart from fake pearls. A simple way is the “tooth test”. Slide the pearl across your teeth gently; it’s fake if it feels smooth, as real pearls feel gritty. Check the pearl’s shape. If it’s a perfect sphere, it’s likely fake. And you can examine the pearl under a magnifier. Fake pearls appear grainy. Then you can weigh the pearl. Fake ones are usually lighter than real ones.