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Pearls, the queen of gems are the oldest and ubiquitous amongst all the gems. The precious gem which is treasured as a symbol of success, love and happiness for more than 4000 years is most valued as it is a naturally occurring organic gemstone, created by a living creature. A pearl has been a highly esteemed and sought-after gem as it is considered to be the most magical and feminine of all the gems.
Pearls are always in fashion and are most gorgeous gems that can even elicit beauty of fifties. Undoubtedly these luminous and beautiful gems are one of the most indispensable accessories in ones jewelry box. Most people are aware that these natural organic gems formed in oysters are collected in different ways. But while making an investment in purchasing pearl jewelry, the experts of Mangatrai Pearls and Jewellery the most identified brand of jewelry for pearls in Hyderabad, opine that it is important to know different types of pearls and their characteristics that make them unique. Knowing these qualities would help one to understand the value of a pearl and make a wise decision when selecting different types of pearl jewelry that may include Pearl Necklaces, Pearl Locket sets, Pearl Tops and Pearl Bracelets. The value of a pearl is measured according to a combination various factors i.e Pearl Nacre, Pearl Luster, Pearl Surface, Pearl Color, Pearl Shape and Pearl Size.
Pearl Nacre: Nacre is the natural substance from which the pearl is actually created. The thicker the nacre, the higher quality the pearl is. Factors affecting the quality of the nacre include the cultivation place, the health of the mother oyster, the length of time spent in the oyster, pollution and the type of oyster used.
Pearl Luster: It is the most important factor that determines pearl’s quality. It refers to the glowing appearance of its surface and is measured by its brilliance and the reflecting ability. A pearl with high luster will be bright and shiny while a pearl with low luster will have a dull and chalky appearance. The greatness of this factor is that it cannot be hidden or enhanced and hence it is always advisable not to compromise on it.
Pearl Surface: One of the most critical factors is the appearance of the surface of the pearl which is the most obvious and easy to observe. If the surface of the pearl is smooth and clean without bumps, spots, discolorations, or other disfiguring characteristics then the pearl is of higher quality/value. Hence, notice that it should be shiny and reflective, rather than dull and chalky.
Pearl Shape: Pearls develop in all shapes and thus it is one important area where “value” and personal taste may diverge. They can be round, semi-round, drop, oval, half-rounded, semi-baroque and baroque shapes. Perfectly round pearls are extremely rare, and therefore very expensive. Asymmetric shaped pearls can be lustrous and appealing, and typically cost less than round pearls.
Pearl color: Pearl color is another area where the most “valuable” pearl may or may not be the most appropriate pearl for you as an individual. Pearl colors range across almost the entire spectrum from white to black. Above all, a pearl’s color is a question of personal taste and certainly the color of a pearl is not an indication of its quality.
Pearl Size: Finally, the size of the pearl has a direct bearing on its quality and price. The size of a pearl is expressed in terms of its diameter, which is measured in millimeters. If all other quality factors are equal, the value of the pearl rises gradually with size.
Types of Pearls:
Pearls are mainly categorized into natural and cultured pearls.
The following are the four major types of cultured pearls that are most likely seen in today’s marketplace. Each pearl type has its own unique qualities that make them more special from each other.
South Sea Pearls: The largest commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world. They are also the most expensive pearls on the market, due to their rarity and thick nacre. These Pearls are cultured in the waters that lie between the northern coast of Australia and the southern coast of China.
Size: 8 mm to 22 mm, average 15 mm
Shape: Round and semi round, oval, button and drop, baroque and semi-baroque.
Color: White, Cream, Silver, Gold, and Blue, can have rose or green overtone.
Luster: From excellent, good to fair.
Surface: Range from clean to lightly blemished.
Nacre: Thick.
Akoya Pearls: These are considered the classic amongst cultured pearls and are the first spherical pearls. They are cultured in pearls from saltwater mollusks from Japan and China and are popular for their luster and beauty.
Size: 2 mm to 10 mm, average 7 mm.
Shape: Round or semi round, drop and baroque.
Color: White, Black, Cream, Gold, Pink and Blue-gray, may have Rose, Cream or Ivory overtone.
Luster: From excellent, good to fair.
Surface: Range from clean, lightly to moderately blemished.
Nacre: From thick, medium to thin.
Fresh water Pearls: These pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels and are dated as far back as the thirteenth century, primarily produced in China and Japan.
Size: 2mm – 16mm, 7mm – 8mm being the most common
Shape: Round, near round and semi round, oval, button and coin, baroque and semi-baroque.
Color: white, black, pink, peach, lavender, plum, purple, and tangerine
Luster: From excellent to good to fair.
Surface: Range from clean, lightly to moderately blemished.
Nacre: Thick.
Tahitian Pearls: Pinctada margaritifera, which produces the Tahitian Pearls, can be found throughout the Pacific. Tahitian pearls are unique because of their natural dark colors. They are very unique and expensive because of the complicated cultivation process.
Size: 8 mm to 16 mm, average 9 – 10 mm
Shape: Round and near-round, oval, button and drop, baroque and semi-baroque.
Color: Black, Gray, Green, Blue, Peacock green and Purple.
Luster: From excellent to good to fair.
Surface: Range from clean to heavily blemished.
Nacre: Thick.
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