What makes good pearl jewellery
For thousands of years pearls have been worn by the rich and glamorous, and given to loved ones as extravagant gifts. Traditionally worn by new brides, for thousands of years they have been a symbol of love, purity and perfection. Nowadays pearl jewellery is available to more people than ever before, and you no longer need to be royalty to afford it. Pearls are grown on farms and with so many varieties to choose from any bride-to-be can find the perfect pearls to suit her wedding gown. In fact, there are so many different types of pearl that it can be difficult to know which to choose, so here are a few things to look out for:
Pearl type – There are two types of pearl, saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls are found in oysters in the sea, and are usually larger, rounder and clearer than their freshwater cousins. They are often more expensive for this reason. Freshwater pearls are farmed in lakes and rivers, usually smaller and often less regular in shape, though they come in a large range of different colours.
Size – When it comes to pearls, size does matter. The larger the pearl, the more it will cost. Saltwater pearls are usually the bigger variety, and are therefore more highly sought after.
Nacre – Pearls take a very long time to form inside an oyster shell. When a foreign object gets into the shell the oyster produces layers of nacre, which gradually build up around the nucleus forming the pearl. The thicker the nacre coating, the more durable the pearl will be as jewellery. Some cultured saltwater pearls are made with a ‘beaded’ large nucleus which speeds up the process and keep the pearls as round as possible. Most freshwater pearls and all natural pearls are formed entirely of nacre, which accounts for their more irregular shape.
Luster – No pearl is perfectly shiny like glass but they should have a sort of reflective quality to them, called the lustre. Pearls that have this shimmery effect on the surface are the most popular type.
Colour – The natural colours of pearls are various shades of white, pink and lilac although cultured pearls are often dyed so they are available in the colour of your choice. A pearl necklace made of matching naturally-coloured pearls will cost more than dyed ones, as it can take a long time to collect enough matching pearls for a whole string.
Shape – When we think of pearls, we usually picture them to be perfectly round and smooth. In reality this is rare, and these round pearls are very expensive as they are highly in demand. Small cultured pearls are more likely to be round and some of the larger ones have been formed around a bead to coax it into a round shape. Irregular pearls are also used and made into unique jewellery and pendants.
Matching – It can be difficult to find enough matching pearls to make a whole necklace, so a string of regular pearls will cost more as it is rarer and more desirable.
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