Tips On Buying Pearls

Long considered one of the most elegant pieces of jewelry a woman can wear, pearls are a classic, elegant adornment that will most likely never go out of style. If you're thinking of buying pearls, you should know a few basic things about what to look for when shopping for a set. Check out the basic advice below before dashing off to the jeweler's. Here are some tips on buying Pearls:

1. Know the different types, sizes, colors, and shapes of pearls. Types include imitation, natural, and cultured. Cultured pearls will be your most worthy option, Imitations are practically valueless and mainly used in theatrical costuming. Natural are very difficult to find in stores and simply don't match cultured pearls in overall quality. Size will be the biggest factor in determining the price of your pearls. The bigger they are, the more expensive. Pearl colors are white, yellow, black and gray. Be sure to ask if your selected pearl color are natural or dyed. Pearl shapes include baroque, round, symmetrical, and irregular.
2. Decide whether or not you want to purchase a double strand of smaller-sized pearls or a single strand of larger-sized. Option A will cost you less, while option B will cost you a bit more.
3. When you find a set that you like, it's time to go in for a close inspection. Make sure you place the pearls down on a flat, clean white surface that's well lit for an examination. Try to determine the overtone of the pear. This is the pearl's secondary tint to it;s main color. Pinkish overtones are good, greenish or bluish tints indicate cheap pearls. Pick through each pearl on the strand to check its luster. Look for high contrasts between the pearl's light and dark areas, sharp reflections, and a shiny, smooth surface. Also check for the "orient" in the pearl. The orient is the rainbow of colors you can see in pearls, indicators of high quality.
4. It is extremely important that you examine every pearl on a strand for quality! Take note of each pearl's smoothness, shape and luster.

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