How to Buy Pearls

Pearls are the gemstone for those born in June. It is a beautiful gem with a lot of history and theories behind it. Just one of those is that the stones are dried tears of joy from the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love: Aphrodite. When it comes to buying pearls, you will need to take some time to make sure that you get the highest quality possible.

For those just beginning, buying pearls can be a difficult task. It takes time and a lot of research. However, this is something that can turn into an enjoyable time. You cannot just walk into a jeweler’s and pick the first pearl necklace that you find. You will need to know about the coloring of the gems as well as the quality.

Natural vs. Freshwater Pearls

The first thing to know is that you will be buying cultured pearls when buying from retails stores – unless they are labeled to be natural. Of course, you also need to talk to the jeweler. Unfortunately, there are a number of jewelers who mistake Freshwater pearls to be natural pearls. This is not the case. Freshwater, South Sea, Tahitian and Akoya pearls are all cultured. Ask the jeweler to refer to the pear type and not the way that they have been made.

Natural pearls are exceptionally rare so cultured pearls are made. These usually have a tiny bead which is placed inside the oyster. Over time, this bead is then coated in layers of proteins and minerals by the oyster, which creates the pearls and gives it the color and style that everyone is used to.

You may find that cultured pearls are the only ones that you can afford. There is nothing wrong with this – just make sure that you have a budget in mind. It is possible to buy beautiful pearls for as little as 35 dollars, but you may end up spending over 35 thousand dollars! You will need to know about different types of pearls to make sure that you only spend the money that you can afford.

The Different Shades of Pearls

There are different shades of pearls and these will only go through a little treatment. It is possible to buy pearls in pure white or with pink, blue and even green tints. White is the, of course, the most classic and popular choice for people and it is thought that the first pearl necklace that a woman owns should be white.

Black pearls are also common but these are not natural and they are not even black. The shades are actually made up of greens, blues and grays to help give the darker coloring. The color that you choose is completely up to you – you should never let someone else make the decision for you.

Find Out the True Value

When it comes to buying pearls, you also need to know about the true value of the item. The last thing you want to do is pay over the odds for something. Start off by looking at the shape of the pearl. The rounder the pearls, the higher the price you will pay. However, the shape is not the only thing that will affect the value – the surface also affects that. Of course, different shaped pearls have their own unique style and work well in different pieces of jewelry, which can make them popular. This is something worth thinking about.

Look at the Finish of the Jewelry

The pearl should have a clean finish – this will give it the most value. Of course, because the pearl is naturally formed, there will be some imperfections to them. Minor imperfections will not be noticed when they are being worn, but they will be noticed by jewelers. The question is whether you want the jewels to look flawless while worn or whether you want the value at a later date.

The Size of the Pearls

Of course, the size will also have a major effect on the value of the pearls. The larger pearls have more value than smaller ones but there is a general tradition when it comes to size. A woman needs to earn the right to wear a larger pearl, and this is gained though age and maturity.

Where You Buy From

There are some tips to follow when it comes to buying pearls. The first is to consider where you are buying from. You should avoid anywhere that has no return policy. Pearls sold on market stalls cannot always be trusted – unless you know exactly what you are looking for. You should only really buy from companies that are well-known and trusted.

Look at the Pearls in Person

If you can, ask to look at the pearls before you purchase. The pearls will look beautiful in pictures but when it comes to natural lighting, you may be disappointed. Take some time to look at the pearls before you buy and check the returns policy, in case you find a flaw while you are at home.

Avoid jewelers who are not specialized in pearls. You will be surprised by the amount of jewelers who have no idea about the gems – they will be misinformed or not know anything about the two different types of pearls. Talk to someone who can answer all of your questions clearly.

Just because you are buying from a brand, does not mean that you are buying the highest quality. Brands do not buy all of the best quality pearls and there are times that you will find ones of better quality from small jewelers with no name attached to it. You could also help yourself save thousands just by avoiding the branded names. Take your time to search around and do as much research into pearls as you can.

Feel the Quality of the Jewelry

Pearls should not feel smooth. Smooth pearls are fake and should not be bought. Real pearls have a gritty feeling to them because they are naturally made. This is something that can be tested by running it across the teeth.

Care for Your Pearls

Once the pearls have been bought, it is extremely important to care for them well. With the correct care, the pearls will last forever. Unlike most jewelry, the best way of caring for a set of pearls is to wear them as often as possible. This is because the natural oils that come from the boy will help with the coating on the gems. However, there are some products that will damage the gems, these include makeup, hairspray and even perfume. These chemicals will make the pearls look much duller.

When it comes to getting ready, the pearls should be the last items to be put on. This will help you get all of your makeup done and use the chemicals that you want. They should also be the first things that are removed at the end, so that you can go about your bedtime routine. When putting the pearls away, always make sure they are cleaned with a soft cloth and put somewhere away from all other types of jewelry.