HOW TO BUY GENUINE PEARLS
Take your pick of pearls! One of the oldest gemstones, pearls are classified as an organic gemstone because of how they are formed. They’re known for their timeless appeal and have an unmistakable brilliance in a range of elegant colors, making them stunning pieces to complement any look. Ready to shop our selection of pearls? Check out genuine, quality pearls in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors in all types of jewelry styles.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING GENUINE PEARLS
CHARACTERISTIC
DESCRIPTION
Luster
Refers to the brilliancy of the pearls surface (nacre). The higher the shine or the luster, the higher the value. High-luster pearls indicate a thick nacre. The thicker the nacre, the more durable the pearl.
Size
Pearls are described by size in millimeters and are measured by the diameter of the pearl. The larger the pearl, the more rare and valuable it is. Pearls are not perfectly round so their measurement reflects a range. Most pearls sold by Macy’s vary from 2mm to 13mm.
Shape
Pearls can be round, off-round, oval, button or baroque. The rounder the pearl, the more valuable.
Surface
Refers to the smoothness and thickness of the pearl’s surface or complexion. All pearls have some blemishes. The fewer the blemishes, the higher their quality.
Color
Pearls can range from creamy ivory, white or champagne to rose, gray or black. Color does not affect the value of the pearl. It’s a matter of personal preference. The most common and popular pearls are creamy ivory or white.
Length
Strand of pearls can range from 16” to 36”; some single strands are as long as 100” and designed to be wrapped around to form double and triple strands of varying lengths. 18” is the most popular strand length.
CULTURED PEARLS
Looking for cultured pearls? They are real pearls made of the same natural mucous-like substance (nacre) and have the same properties as natural pearls. The only difference is the method in which this nacre-forming process is “jump-started”. Cultured pearls are started by artificially inserting a round substance (irritant) into the oyster or mussel, which causes them to naturally secrete the nacre. The shape of the resulting pearl is round and uniform in shape due to the round shape of the irritant. Nearly all pearls sold today are cultured.
TYPES OF CULTURED PEARLS
akoya pearls
One of the most lustrous pearls of them all, Akoya pearls are known for their pinkish-white hue. And since they’re usually found in perfectly round shapes, they’re often used for strand necklaces and stud earrings.
freshwater pearls
Little and luminous. Freshwater pearls are formed from mussels and are usually smaller in size, but come in a wide range of stunning colors. They are most commonly found in oblong or baroque (irregular) shapes, making each unique in their beauty.
south sea pearls
The largest and most luxurious. South Sea pearls feature a radiant, lustrous coating and can be found in a variety of colors. They’re most often known for champagne and cream colors—or, the rarest of them all, gold.
tahitian pearls
Mix it up with different shades! Tahitian pearls have a naturally rich color and can range from lighter steel tones to dark midnight-black shades. And since they have an iridescent, multicolor sheen, Tahitian pearls are often used in long strand necklaces for a colorful look.
You Might Also Like:
