Pearl Education

In this guide, you'll learn to identify quality and recognize value when choosing the type of pearl that you are looking for.

B oth natural and cultured pearls are grown by oysters and are therefore considered valued jewels, what we would call gifts of nature. The only difference between a natural pearl and cultured pearls are initiated by man in which a tiny bead is implanted in an oyster, so that it is gradually coated in layers of a beautiful, pearl like substance called nacre which build up to create a lustrous pearl.

At Outlet Jeweler, we offer gorgeous Freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian cultured pearls. Below, read about the qualities that define a fine pearl.

Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. Cultured pearls come in a variety of colors. A pearl can also have a hint of a minor color or so called an overtone, which color that is seen when light reflects off the pearls surface. Usually pink or silver/white pearls tend to look best on fair skins while cream and gold pearls are flattering to darker complexions. When choosing a pearl it really has a lot to do with preference.

Pearls produce a very deep shine called luster. This luster is created through surface brilliance and a deep glow when light reflects off the tiny calcium carbonate crystals that make up the pearl. The larger the pearl the more nacre it will have giving it more luster.

At Outlet Jeweler, we offer the highest quality, in round pearl shape. Since cultured pearls are created through a natural process, it is very rare to find a perfectly round pearl. So the rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is. Freshwater pearls can be oval or slightly off round, while Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls found in jewelry have a tendency to be the roundest and the most valuable.

At Outlet Jeweler we offer the highest quality in pearl surfaces and its assurance in cleanliness. Cleanliness refers to the lack bump, spots, or crack on the surface. The pearls most sought after have the smoothest surface giving them the highest quality.

The size of the pearl differentiates from the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls can be 3-7 mm in size, Akoya pearls can be about 6-8 mm in size, and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes from 13-20 mm in size.

Choosing a pearl

Now to learn more about the different kind of pearls and their quality read on…..

Akoya Pearls

If you were looking for the classic set of pearls, then Akoya pearls would be your choice. 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. View the quality ranges available below.

 

	6.0–8.5mm	Flawless to slightly spotted	High	All round to mostly round	White with rosé overtones

Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms since the 1920's . They are the most lustrous pearls found anywhere in the world. Currently China has been successful in producing Akoya pearls within their own waters. But at this time they are incapable of producing the same magnificent luster as a high quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearls.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea cultured pearls are brilliant quality pearls with a whitish/silver color. They are larger than the average pearl; the smoothness and roundness of these pearls are outstanding. These are the most rare and extraordinary pearls you'll find in the world.

	Up to 13.0mm	Flawless to lightly spotted	Medium	All round to slightly off-round	White with silver overtones

South Sea Pearls are grown in large tropical or semi tropical oysters, which are the white-lipped variety of the pinctada maxima oyster. They are much larger than the oysters that produce freshwater and akoya pearls, which mean a larger pearl raising its value. Also the rarity of this type of oyster makes their pearls very expensive.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian cultured pearls are grown in a variety of large pearl oysters found primarily in French Polynesia. The natural black color of these pearls comes from the color of the oyster's black lips. Even though generally black they have beautiful unique colors, which can range from light grey to black, and green to purple. Tahitian cultured pearls are cultivated from the black-lipped variety of the pinctada maxima oyster, which are fairly large producing very large pearls. This oyster is very sensitive to the pearl culturing process, which makes the pearls very costly to produce hence increasing the value of the pearls.

	Up to 13.0mm	Flawless to slightly spotted	High	All round to mostly round	Grey-black with green overtones

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls can be found in bays and rivers throughout the world. They are easily cultivated from freshwater mollusks in China, Japan and the United States. Many are less lustrous than salt water cultured pearls but their low price, unique shapes and colors have made them popular jewelry items and the perfect gift.

	3.5–7.0mm	Lightly spotted	High to Medium	Mostly round to off-round	White with rosé overtones

  Cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals. So it is important to take special care of your pearls to ensure they will remain bright and beautiful for generations to come Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items, such as metals and other gemstones, to prevent them from scratching your pearls. Pearls are best kept in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined jewelry box.

  Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl over extended periods of time. Even acids contained in body oils and perspiration can work to damage luster in the same way.

  Therefore, it is best to put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray. Wiping the pearls with a soft damp cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free from any harmful build-ups of these compounds. Periodically, the pearls should be washed with a mild soap.

     If you wear your pearls several times a week, it is best to take them back to your jeweler for re-stringing about once a year to prevent strand breakage. When having your pearls re-strung, many experts advise silk thread. However, nylon thread is an acceptable alternative. Make sure that the string is knotted between each pearl. Individual knotting will prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off should a break occur. Knotting also prevents the pearls from rubbing against each other.