Pearl Buying. Choosing and caring for pearls.

Choosing and Caring for Pearls

Buying pearls can be daunting - the more you learn the more you realise you don't know ! If you've had a look at the other pages in this section (see right) you should have a decent understanding of the different types of pearl and the qualities that determine their value.

If you are buying pearls as a gift this page has answers to the most frequently asked questions. It'll also give you some essential tips on pearl care.

Pearl Guide

a brief history of pearls

how pearls are formed

pearl qualities and grades

pearl shapes and colours

pearl sizes and comparisons

choosing and caring for pearls

buying pearls - tricks and traps

Summary

there is no international standard for grading pearls. One supplier's AA grade may be another's A or AAA
pearl quality factors are size, shape, lustre, nacre thickness, blemish, colour, and matching on the strand
when buying seawater pearls nacre thickness is vital to prevent chipping and flaking
pearl prices rise sharply after they reach about 7mm in diameter
pearls are a natural product. Even on a high quality strand expect some small imperfections
naturally coloured pearls will have small variations in shade along the strand

Necklace Lengths

Choker: 14-16 inches
Standard: 16 inches
Princess: 17-19 inches
Matinee: 20-24 inches
Opera: 28-36 inches
Rope: 36 inches and over

Diagram
16 inches, 18 inches
20 inches, 22 inches

Popular Lengths

For necklaces, 18 inches is easily the most popular length. This is the total length, including the clasp.

Bracelets get more of a battering in everyday use than necklaces. Bracelets shouldn't be too loose as they could snag on something and break. The 7.5 inch length suits most people.

It's important that the clasp fitted to a bracelet is easy to fasten and unfasten as this is a one-handed operation.

Choosing pearls for a gift

giving pearls

It's usually wise to go for the best grade of pearl you can afford - even if this means choosing a smaller pearl size.

If you don't know what she'd prefer you can't go too far wrong with traditional round white pearls.

Even a nice set of pearls can be spoiled by a cheap presentation case or a tacky lightweight clasp so don't ignore these items.

Pearl Care

Pearls are a soft gem with low resistance to heat and chemicals. Clean them with a dry or damp soft cloth or chamois.

Never use detergent, bleach or chemicals unless you want to watch your pearls melt.

Don't try to remove dirt with a toothbrush or any abrasive material as these may scratch the pearl's surface.

It's better to clean pearls regularly than allow a build up of dirt or make-up.

Put on pearls after applying make-up, perfume, deodorant or hairspray. Take of pearls before showering, bathing or swimming so you don't get the thread wet.

Keep pearls in a soft pouch or bag away from other jewellery that can scratch.

Good quality necklaces and bracelets are traditionally strung on silk thread that can stretch with time and use. If you wear your pearls a lot they will need restringing periodically - about once a year.

When removing stud earrings try to get your fingers behind the earring cup rather than tugging on the pearl itself.

Colours

Classic white, ivory and cream are usually a safe bet. Other colours are a matter of skin tone and personal preference.
pearl colours

If the colour of a dress or blouse suits, then that shade of pearl probably will too.

Stuck for ideas ?

We can't tell you what to buy but we can tell you what other people have chosen in different price ranges.

Take a look at our best selling pearls

Many of our customers are men buying for their ladies so the emphasis is on traditional white pearls. Ladies buying for themselves are often a little more adventurous !