How to choose pearl jewellery
For thousands of years pearls have been worn by the rich and glamorous, and given to loved ones as extravagant gifts. Traditionally worn by brides, for thousands of years they have been a symbol of love, purity and perfection. Nowadays pearl jewellery is available to more people than ever before, and you no longer need to be royalty to afford it. Pearls are ‘cultured’ on farms around the world and with so many varieties to choose from any bride-to-be can find the perfect pearls to suit her wedding gown. In fact, there are so many different types of pearl that it’s not easy to know which to choose, so here are a few pointers of what to look out for:
Type of pearl – The two main types of pearl are saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls are found in oysters in the sea, and are usually larger, rounder and clearer than their freshwater cousins. They are also usually more expensive because of this. Freshwater pearls are farmed in lakes and rivers, usually smaller and often less regular in shape, though they come in a large range of different colours.
Size – When it comes to pearls, size does matter. The larger the pearl, the more desirable it is and the more it will cost. Saltwater pearls are generally larger than freshwater, and are more highly sought after.
Nacre – Pearls take a very long time to develop inside an oyster shell. When an irritant gets into the shell the oyster produces layers of nacre, which gradually build up forming the pearl. The thicker the coating of nacre, the more durable the pearl will be. Some saltwater pearls from farms are ‘beaded’ with a larger nucleus used to speed up the process and ensure a round shape. Most freshwater pearls and all natural pearls are formed entirely of nacre, which is why their shape is often less regular.
Luster – No pearl is as smooth and shiny as a mirror but they do have a sort of reflective quality to them, called the lustre. Pearls that have this shimmery effect on the surface are the most desired.
Colour – Pearls in their natural state come in various shades of white, pink and lilac although you can now get cultured pearls dyed in almost any colour. A pearl necklace made of matching naturally-coloured pearls will cost more than dyed ones, as it can take a long time to collect enough matching pearls for a whole string.
Shape – When we think of pearls, we usually imagine that they are all perfectly round and shiny. In reality this is rare, and perfectly round pearls are very expensive as they are hugely sought after. Small cultured pearls tend to be more rounded and some larger ones are formed around a bead to coax it into a round shape. Irregularly shaped pearls are also used to produce unique pendants and earrings.
Matching – It can be hard to find enough matching pearls to make a whole necklace, so a string of regular naturally coloured pearls is more desirable and will be more expensive.