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Article Directory :: Arts & Entertainment Articles
Purchasing pearls does not have to be difficult if you know what you are looking for. Some people have even passed up very good deals on pearls because they do not know how to tell if they are top quality or imitation.
There are 2 different grading systems for pearls "AAA-A" and "A-D".
The AAA-A system is most common with freshwater pearls, but is used in other instances as well.
* AAA is the designation for essentially flawless pearls, with a great deal of luster and almost no apparent defects. There can be no more than 5% of the pearl's surface with any type of blemish present.
* AA means that the pearls have high luster and the surfaces are at least 75% blemish free.
* The rating of "A" is given to a low jewelry grade pearl that displays a small amount of surface luster along with 25% or more surface blemishing.
The A-D Pearl Grading System is used for pearls from Tahiti or the South Seas. It differs slightly from the AAA-A rating system.
* "A" is used to represent the highest quality pearls that have a great deal of luster and contain less than 10% surface defects.
* The rating "B" denotes pearls with high to medium luster and up to 30% surface imperfections.
* "C" pearls have up to 60% surface defects.
* "D" rated pearls have more than 60% minor imperfections on the surface or up to 60% of deep surface imperfections. Even if these pearls have a great deal of luster, the large amount of imperfections makes the pearls substandard in quality, but they are still accepted for use in jewelry. Any pearl that rates below this level is not approved for jewelry purposes.
Here are some top tips that can help you make the best selection to add to your own private jewelry collection.
Pearls are graded in a similar manner to diamonds, and the following 5 categories are involved:
* Luster, shape, color, surface and size of all of these, size is least important when it comes to value.
1. Decide if you want to purchase natural pearls, cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, or a synthetic variety. The natural pearls and some of the cultured specimens will be the most expensive.
2. The luster of pearls is one of the main factors that make them desirable and valuable. Luster is measured in terms of how light reflective the entire pearl surface is. You should choose your pearls based on the degree of luster as opposed to size. Because pearls are naturally formed blemishes often occur, and a small imperfection does not always detract from the appearance. While these minute flaws result in a lower cost to consumers, the amount of luster may be enough to make these pearls an excellent buy.
3. Always remember that larger pearls can be less valuable than the smaller ones because they often have flaws and blemishes. It is extremely rare to find a perfectly round large pearl with high luster and few blemishes.
4. Pearls that are perfectly round are the most desirable, followed by those with a teardrop shape. This should be kept in mind as you make your selections. Unusual pearl shapes may appeal to a few people, but these generally are not as valuable.
5. When you are searching for a quality pearl necklace it is important to look for pearls that are well matched in size, symmetry, and luster.
6. Pearls should be hand strung and there should be individual knots that separate each individual specimen. These knots help protect the surfaces of each pearl and keep them from chipping or bumping against each other.
7. You should always make sure that the pearls you select are from a reputable dealer whom you can trust.
There are different styles of pearl necklaces that you might consider and here are the most common classifications.
* Collar necklaces are those that are made from 3 strands of pearls. These necklaces can accent many of your outfits and are more formal than some of the other necklace options.
* A pearl choker is generally about 14-16 inches in length and these are designed so that the pearls rest on the collarbone. This is a very classic style that has a timeless elegance.
* Princess necklaces are single pearl strands that are 17-20 inches in length. They resemble a longer princess necklace and can be worn with casual or formal clothing choices.
* The matinee pearl necklaces are 20-25 inches long and the strand is often doubled so that it resembles a "choker necklace". These are worn occasionally with casual clothing, but are a fashionable selection for more formal evening attire.
* A pearl rope necklace is quite dramatic with a length of 40-72 inches. The length of this jewelry selection gives it an amazing amount of versatility. It can be worn wrapped around the waist, doubled around the neck, twisted into a stunning tiara headpiece, or worn backwards so that the pearls add drama to an outfit's plunging back.
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