How To Select A Good Pearl Necklace
Pearls are considered the most classic of jewelry for women. Although they may experience ups and downs in popularity, they never go out of style. It is not uncommon for earrings, bracelets or necklaces to be handed down from mother to daughter through several generations. Although people know what one looks like, they may not be aware that there are four primary groups of pearls used for pearl necklaces; Freshwater, Saltwater, Tahitian and South Sea.
There are six primary criteria employed when evaluating quality, regardless of whether it has been naturally produced or cultivated. These include the thickness of the nacre, luminosity, size, color and shape. The pearl is also carefully screened for any noticeable flaws. One criterion is not more important than another, as quality is usually assessed overall. However, a serious problem in one of the criterion can devalue the whole.
The nacre is the outer lining. It is the major element in production, whether natural or cultivated. Nacre is produced by a host organism as protection against any foreign element that makes its way inside the shell, naturally or by insertion. As the organism produces thin layers of nacre over the irritant, a pearl is ultimately formed.
The thickness of the nacre is the primary focus in evaluating quality. Quality is severely compromised if the nacre is too thin. If this occurs, the nacre can peel off thereby totally destroying the value. Fortunately, this is a rare circumstance.
South Sea pearls are grayish silver and are only produced by the white lipped oyster. Due to the large nature of the oyster, the pearls formed are large as well. This group is particularly known for its beauty and can command high prices in the marketplace. The fact that this group produces such a large variety, they tend to be used more for a choker style necklace, as opposed to long strands. They are also commonly used for bracelets and in single pendant settings.
All of the main groups can be formed through a natural or cultivated process. The natural process involves only nature in the formation, then harvested by divers. The cultivated process is overseen in general by what is known as oyster farmers. Their natural habitat, be it fresh or salt water is replicated in a controlled setting and production is cultured by man.
Beyond natural or cultured, there are many different types of pearls from which to choose. At the basic, they are freshwater or saltwater, so labeled by the natural habitat in which the organism lives. There are also a number of subsets to saltwater pearls depending on the type of organism and the temperature of the water. Given access to the right organisms, all group types can be cultivated.
Preferences and finances are more of a consideration than debating the question of natural or cultured in the making of pearl necklaces. By sheer production numbers, cultured pearls are more readily available for jewelry making. This does not necessarily make them more cost-effective, especially in the case of Mikimoto necklaces. Most likely, the biggest decision will center on the style desired. Be they single or multiple strands, short or long.
There are six primary criteria employed when evaluating quality, regardless of whether it has been naturally produced or cultivated. These include the thickness of the nacre, luminosity, size, color and shape. The pearl is also carefully screened for any noticeable flaws. One criterion is not more important than another, as quality is usually assessed overall. However, a serious problem in one of the criterion can devalue the whole.
The nacre is the outer lining. It is the major element in production, whether natural or cultivated. Nacre is produced by a host organism as protection against any foreign element that makes its way inside the shell, naturally or by insertion. As the organism produces thin layers of nacre over the irritant, a pearl is ultimately formed.
The thickness of the nacre is the primary focus in evaluating quality. Quality is severely compromised if the nacre is too thin. If this occurs, the nacre can peel off thereby totally destroying the value. Fortunately, this is a rare circumstance.
South Sea pearls are grayish silver and are only produced by the white lipped oyster. Due to the large nature of the oyster, the pearls formed are large as well. This group is particularly known for its beauty and can command high prices in the marketplace. The fact that this group produces such a large variety, they tend to be used more for a choker style necklace, as opposed to long strands. They are also commonly used for bracelets and in single pendant settings.
All of the main groups can be formed through a natural or cultivated process. The natural process involves only nature in the formation, then harvested by divers. The cultivated process is overseen in general by what is known as oyster farmers. Their natural habitat, be it fresh or salt water is replicated in a controlled setting and production is cultured by man.
Beyond natural or cultured, there are many different types of pearls from which to choose. At the basic, they are freshwater or saltwater, so labeled by the natural habitat in which the organism lives. There are also a number of subsets to saltwater pearls depending on the type of organism and the temperature of the water. Given access to the right organisms, all group types can be cultivated.
Preferences and finances are more of a consideration than debating the question of natural or cultured in the making of pearl necklaces. By sheer production numbers, cultured pearls are more readily available for jewelry making. This does not necessarily make them more cost-effective, especially in the case of Mikimoto necklaces. Most likely, the biggest decision will center on the style desired. Be they single or multiple strands, short or long.
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Learn more about the four main groups of pearls used for pearl necklaces now in our review of breath-taking akoya pearl necklace options.
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