Pearls are timeless pieces of jewelry that have given shine and elegance to finely dressed women for hundreds of years. There is something special about the creamy white sheen of the round pearls that attracts the eye.
Some men might already have an idea of the pearl jewelry they wish to buy for their special someone while others find it challenging and need some help along the way.
In this article, we’ll offer guidance when looking for the right pearl jewelry gift.
Real vs. fake pearls
If you are a true pearl admirer, you probably already know that there are real pearls and fake pearls. Learning to separate and recognize the two is crucial before splurging on your favorite piece of pearl jewelry.
The real ones weigh more
Weight is the first and most noticeable aspect when telling the difference between real pearls and fake ones. For example, if you take a real pearl necklace in one hand and a fake one in the other, you will instantly feel a significant difference as the real one will feel much heavier.
However, as technologies are known to be constantly improving, imitation pearls can feel just as heavy. Therefore, other aspects must be considered too.
Real pearls don’t come in perfect shapes
While sometimes real pearls are almost perfectly round, this is rarely the case, while manufactured ones are almost always flawlessly round.
If you’re unsure whether you are looking at the real deal, try using a magnifying glass to see whether the beautiful piece of jewelry seems perfectly symmetrical and round. If so, it is probably fake. However, if minor asymmetries are displayed, and you notice elongated and oval shapes, then you’re probably looking at genuine pearl jewelry.
The tooth experiment
Whether the pearl that has caught your attention is naturally genuine or cultured, it’s still a pearl. On the other hand, a so-called faux pearl is not a pearl. These are made of glass, plastic, or shells that have a pearly coating to give a similar look to real pearls.
The easiest way to distinguish a natural pearl from an imitation is to rub the pearl against your front teeth. A real or cultured pearl feels gritty, while a faux pearl feels smooth against the tooth.
Main factors that affect pearls’ value
Pearl jewelry stores have their own pricing systems, but once you know which factors affect pears’ value, you can have more peace of mind that you have not overpaid the gem. All factors play a crucial role in determining the price, and you should keep them in mind when walking into the jewelry store.
Pearl shape
Round pearls have the most appealing shape, making them the rarest cultured ones. The rounder the pearl, the higher the price. Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped pearls and often the cheapest class of pearls. Despite this, this type of gem is still very interesting and beautiful.
Surface quality
Since a living creature creates pearls, the pearl’s surface can’t be entirely flawless.
The most appreciated and costliest pearls are those pearls that are categorized as clean and blemish-free, with the least surface imperfections. If there are a large number of visible cracks, nicks, and flaws, it leads to devaluations in the pearl’s value.
Color
Color is the first thing you see in pearls. Although the color varies greatly depending on the type of pearl, you should pay attention to two things: body color and tone color. Body color is the main color of pearls, while shades are glosses or colors that “float” on the surface of the pearl. For example, a pearl may be white with a pink tone or black with a green tone.
Luster
The pearl’s luster is one of the most important factors affecting the overall beauty and appeal of the gemstone. High-quality gems display sharp defined light on the surface, making the pearl “pop” when viewed by the naked eye. Simply put, high luster means great value and top-notch quality.
Size
This is perhaps the most important aspect when purchasing the right pearl jewelry for your significant other.
The size of the pearls matters when speaking of these gems, and the larger it is, the more it makes an impact on the value. Usually, pearl’s size ranges from 1 mm to 20 mm, but you should know that each type has its range of sizes it should be judged by.
Final thoughts
There are many things to keep in mind when choosing the best pearls, including where they are grown, their overall size and appearance, and how they are cultivated.
A strand of small Akoya pearls can give a sophisticated look to a woman, while a necklace or bracelet with larger pearls can make the ultimate fashion statement. Depending on the occasion and the woman’s personality, make sure you choose pearl jewelry that will work as the perfect finishing touch to the lady’s appearance.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! Do you like offering pearls as gifts? Why? What do you look for in pearls? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!