Choosing and Caring for Pearls
                              from The Pearl Market

Choosing and Caring for Pearls

Necklace prices (especially for round pearls) rise sharply when the size of the pearl exceeds about 7mm.

This is because the longer the pearl remains in the mollusc the more chance it has of dying of disease or other causes, of losing it's shape, or blemishing. Wild pearls were rarely round and different shapes can provide a lot of pearl for your money !

Here's a summary of the previous pages....

 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, colour, blemish, and matching on the strand.
  If buying seawater pearls, nacre thickness is crucial to prevent chipping and flaking.
  Pearls are a natural product. Even on a high grade necklace, expect some small imperfections.
  Naturally coloured pearls will have small differences in shade along the strand.

Buying a Pearl Necklace

If you are buying a good quality round pearl necklace don't just try it on for size. Examine it carefully. A sixteen inch necklace of 7mm pearls will have about 50 pearls on it. How well are they matched in terms of shape, size, and lustre ? Turn the necklace around and see how it looks from different angles. Is the match still good ? Look at the necklace on a light cloth or linen background in soft natural light. Not harsh sunlight, artificial light or display cabinet ultra-violet light.

Colours

Classic white, ivory and cream are usually a safe bet. Other colours are a matter of skin tone and personal preference. If the colour of a dress or blouse suits, then that shade of pearl probably will too.

  Necklace Lengths
  Choker: 14-16 inches
  Standard: 16 inches
  Princess: 17-19 inches
  Matinee: 20-24 inches
  Opera: 28-36 inches
  Rope: 40 plus inches

  Earrings
  The most popular sizes for
  stud earrings are 6mm,
  7mm and 8mm.

  Bracelets
  For 'average' wrists, the most
  common length of bracelet is
  7.5 inches.

  Tip: If in doubt when buying a   necklace for someone else, 18   inches is the safest and most   popular length.

  Stuck for Ideas ?

  See what other people have   chosen by reviewing our most   popular lines in different price   categories. Best Sellers

Caring For Your Pearls

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

• Never use detergents, bleaches, chemical cleaners or anything acidic - pearls are made of calcium carbonate.
• Don't use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive material to remove dirt as these can scratch the surface.
• Put on your pearls after applying make-up, hair spray or perfume.
• Take off pearls before showering, bathing or swimming so you don't get the silk string wet.
• Keep pearls in a soft pouch or bag and separate from other jewellery which can scratch them.
• If you wear your pearls a lot they will need restringing periodically.

Shape
Few pearls are perfect spheres and the larger the pearl grows the more chance there is of it becoming an off round shape (which is why very large round pearls are rare and expensive).

Shape is subjective but as a simple test, hold a strand or necklace about two feet away and turn it in your hands. See for yourself whether the pearls look mostly round.