WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ?

NATURAL PEARL: A natural pearl is formed by deposits of a crystalline substance called nacre around an irritant which accidentally lodges within the body of an oyster.

CULTURED PEARLS: Though the formation process is the same as that of a natural pearl, the only difference is that here the irritant is manually placed inside the body of an oyster.

IMITATION OR SIMULATED PEARLS: Anything which resembles a pearl but has a surface created by a manufacturing process is an imitation or simulated pearl and must be labeled as such.

THE VALUE OF A PEARL: It comes from the unique ability of the crystalline nacre to absorb, refract and reflect light, imparting a distinctive quality, termed orient to natural and cultured pearls.

Orient is the deep inner glow and shimmering iridescent characteristics of sea-grown pearls. The deeper the luster the more precious the pearl.

Size: also contributes to the price of the pearl. As the oysters are not able to grow large pearls, they are scarce. But two pearls of different sizes may be valued the same if the smaller pearl is superior in orient to the larger.

Shape determines value too. The more symmetrical the shape, the more valuable will be the pearl. Examples of the shapes are, round, pear, tear, oval, etc. Pearls of irregular size and shapes are termed as baroque.

Surface contributes to the value also. The surface of a perfect pearl appears satiny smooth. But when viewed closely, natural or cultured pearls may appear to have irregular surfaces which do not detract from value, as do disfiguring blemishes.

A perfect pair of pearls are very rare, because nature makes few pearls exactly alike in orient, size, shape, surface and colour.

When choosing pearls: Look for lustre in the pearl. The colour tones should be clear, not dull or muddy. The pearls should be without cracks, chips or disfiguring blemishes. When strung, the pearls should blend well together, particularly in regard to orient and colour.

Tip: Roll a strand of pearls along a flat surface to determine if all the pearls are strung through their exact centers. They should roll evenly without a wobble.

Buy the best pearls you can afford, then choose the clasp. A decorative jeweled clasp can always be purchased later.

TYPES TERMINOLOGY:

Choker: 14" to 15" in length. Should nestle around the base of the neck.

Princess: 18" in length. Halfway between the choker and the matinee length.

Matinee: 22" to 23" in length. Should fall to the top of the cleavage.

Opera: 30" to 36" in length. Should fall to the breast bone.

Rope: Anything longer than the opera length.

Dog collar: Multiple strands of pearls fitting closely around the neck.

Bib: Multiple strands of pearls, each shorter than the one below nested together in one necklace.

Graduated: A necklace composed of pearls which taper down in size from the large ones in the center.

Uniform: A necklace which appears to be composed entirely of pearls of the same size, though there generally is a slight difference in size between the center and the end pearls for a more proportionate look.

SELECTION:

-- Long necklaces are slinky and sexy.
-- Short ones can be demure and sophisticated.
-- Dog collars enhance a long neck.
-- Long strands slenderize and appear to elongate the neck.
-- For fair skinned women, roseate hued pearls are most flattering.
-- Cream and gold colored pearls set off darker skin tones the best.

PEARL CARE:

 
   

Don’t toss them carelessly into a purse or a jewel box where they can get scratched against hard metal edges or harder stones.

   

Don’t expose them to acid based hair sprays, cosmetics, or perfumes.

   

Don’t clean them with chemicals or abrasives.

   

Do treat pearls gently. Place them in a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when putting them away.

   

Do put on pearls only after applying cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes.

 

 
Do wash your pearls with mild soap and water after taking them off.
This will remove all traces of perfumes, cosmetics or hair spray from the pearls.
   
Do bring your pearls back to a jeweler for re-stringing once a year as ordinary wear weakens and stretches the nylon threads on which the pearls are strung. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

 
     
  LET YOUR EXPERT JEWELER CUSTOMIZE YOUR NECKLACE SO THAT ITS PROPORTIONS AND COLOUR TONES ARE EXACTLY MATCHED TO YOURS.