Symbolizing purity, elegance, and grace, pearls continue to be a coveted gem for jewelry lovers and collectors alike. In this guide, we’ll explore what pearls are, where they come from, their various types, and how to choose the right pearls. Find out why Amorn Phuket Pearl is the best place to shop when buying pearls in Thailand.
What Is A Pearl & Where Do They Come From?
A pearl is a lustrous gem formed inside the shell of certain mollusks or oysters as a defense mechanism against potentially threatening irritants. When a foreign substance slips into the mollusk’s shell, it reacts by secreting onion-like layers of nacre composed of aragonite and conchiolin, organic substances that build up to form a pearl.
What Are the Characteristics of a Pearl?
Genuine pearls are often characterized by their:
Color
Pearls come in various iridescent colors, from classic white to black, gold, pink, and even blue, depending on the type of mollusk and its environment.
Shape
The shapes of pearls can range from perfectly round to oval, teardrop-shaped, and baroque, which are irregular and unique.
The color, size, and shape of pearls depend on environmental factors like water temperature, quality, and pollutants in the water.
What Are the Types of Cultured Pearls?
Pearls can be either natural, occurring without human intervention in uncontrolled environments, or cultured, where humans introduce the irritant to stimulate the pearl’s growth in a farm. There are various types of cultured pearls, each with unique aesthetics and price points.
Freshwater Pearls
Typically cultivated in rivers and lakes, freshwater pearls are known for their irregular shapes and wide variety of colors.
Saltwater Pearls
Includes the luxurious Akoya and South Sea pearls, which are typically more spherical and lustrous than their freshwater counterparts. The Mook Sapam or Mabe pearl is a beautiful half-pearl grown against the inside of the oyster’s shell, known for its unique hemispherical shape and luster.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Pearls
Knowing what to look for can make all the difference when choosing the right pearl. Here are some detailed considerations to guide you in selecting the perfect pearl:
1. Pearl Luster
The most important characteristic of a pearl is its luster. Pearls with high luster reflect light beautifully and have a brilliant sheen. When choosing a pearl, observe its luster under light; the sharper and clearer your reflection, the better the quality. High-quality pearls should have an inner glow and a surface that reflects light smoothly. Dull or chalky surfaces usually indicate lower quality.
2. Surface Quality
While few pearls are perfectly smooth, the best pearls have minimal bumps, cracks, or spots. Examine the pearl’s surface carefully for any imperfections. Some surface characteristics like slight ridges or bumps can be acceptable depending on the type of pearl and can even add character that makes each pearl unique.
3. Pearl Shape
Pearls come in various shapes, from perfectly round to more organic shapes like baroque. Round pearls are traditionally the most sought-after and are higher in price, but other shapes can be equally beautiful and unique. If you’re buying multiple pearls for a piece like a necklace or a bracelet, look for consistency in shape and size, as this often enhances the overall appearance and harmony of the jewelry.
4. Color and Overtones
Pearls offer a range of colors—from deep blacks to creamy whites and pastel shades. Choose a color that complements your skin tone and personal style. An overtone is a secondary hue that appears on the surface of the pearl. It can add depth and intrigue to the pearl’s appearance. Common overtones include rose (pinkish), silver, and cream.
5. Pearl Size
The size of the pearl significantly affects its price. Larger pearls are generally more valuable and make more of a statement, though the ideal size often depends on the style of the jewelry and the wearer’s preferences. Pearls are measured in millimeters by diameter. For pearl earrings and pendants, a size of 7-8mm is typically elegant without being too flashy.
6. Matching Pearls
When selecting pearls for earrings or multiple pieces of pearl jewelry, make sure that they match in terms of luster, color, and surface quality. This symmetry enhances the aesthetics and value of each piece in the set.
7. Certification and Origin
Always ask for any certificates that attest to its authenticity. Reputable pearl farms and sellers like Amorn Phuket Pearl provide documentation that can guarantee pearl’s authenticity.
Expert Tips for Buying Pearls
If you’re interested in buying genuine pearls, you need basic techniques for authenticating pearls. Learn to distinguish between real and imitation pearls through simple tests like the tooth test, where you rub the pearl lightly against your teeth to see whether it feels gritty or rough—an indicator the pearl is genuine.
To ensure you select quality pearls, consider factors like luster, surface smoothness, shape, and size, which determine the pearl’s quality and value. When it comes to pearl jewelry, consider the setting and the type of pearl that best fits the style you are looking for.
Choosing the right pearl doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding what pearls are made of, their key characteristics, and what to look for, you can select pearls that not only meet the highest standards of quality but also suit your style and budget. At Amorn Phuket Pearl, our experts can guide you through the selection process to help you find real pearls in Thailand.
