Things That You Should Know About Pearls
In this post, we are providing few basic information about pearls, which you must be aware of while you are shopping any pearl jewelry from the market.
Saltwater pearls
The naturally occurring saltwater pearl is a kind of pearl that is produced by saltwater mollusk in saline environment. Following three most common varieties of saltwater pearls can be seen which are as follows:
- Akoya pearls
- South Sea pearls
- Tahitian pearls
The saltwater pearls are naturally more round as compared to freshwater cultured pearls. While buying saltwater pearls, ensure that the nacre is sufficiently thick that it may not peel off easily.
To make sure the quality of saltwater pearls the age of pearls must be at least 20 years old.
Freshwater pearls
From freshwater mussels these freshwater pearls usually come. They are mostly produced in the USA and Japan. Also, freshwater pearls are very exclusive to China and Chinese freshwater pearls can be are more affordable too.
Besides that, they can also be long-lasting and available in wider varieties of colors as compared to its cousin saltwater pearl.
It is possible to harvest maximum 30 pearls in a single mussel. More the mussel will get older; the lustre of the pearls will get better.
Why saltwater pearls are too expensive?
Nowadays saltwater pearls are very rare and saltwater oyster will produce only single pearl at one time hence they are more expensive as compared to freshwater cultured pearls.
On the other hand, freshwater mussels are able to produce about 30 pearls at one time.
How to choose fine quality of pearl jewelry?
- Luster: One of the most important factors for choosing pearls is its luster. So, first look at its luster. Try to put the pearls under certain white background for comparing the luster. You must be in a position to see your own reflection.
- Surface quality: Next important factor is how much blemish-free all the pearls are. Less the amount of imperfections you see, price of the pearl will be more.
- Size: Generally, larger the pearl, more expensive it can be.
- Shape: Generally, rounder the pearl will be, the price will also be high. Round pearls are worth twice the value of oval shaped or any “off round” pearls.
