Pearl Jewelry Basics

By Author: Evelyn Quick
Total Articles: 26
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Every woman should own a strand of pearls. However, it is important to know what you are looking for when you are buying pearl jewelry. Pearls come in a number of colors and shapes. Value is determined based on the luster, shape, size and source of the pearl.

Pearls can be either cultured and natural. Cultured means that they have been created with human intervention, and natural means that the pearl is formed in the wild with no human intervention at all. Most pearls on the market today are cultured pearls created on a pearl farm. Of course, pearl jewelry made from natural pearls is much more valuable due to the rarity of natural pearls.

Pearls also come from both freshwater and saltwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are the most valuable. Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mussels and are more common.

The larger the pearl, the higher the price, but the value of pearls and its use in jewelry is mostly determined by its shape. Perfectly round pearls are more valuable and are used in necklaces. Semi-round are also used ...
... in necklaces, particularly when their flaws can be hidden. Tear-drop and pear-shaped pearls are used as centerpieces in necklaces or in earrings.

Pearls also come in a variety of colors. White pearls are traditionally more sought after, but recently black pearls have become more popular, particularly the saltwater variety. Pearls can also be found in pink, green, blue, and champagne, but these colors are harder to find.

According to many jewelers, luster is the most important factor in determining the value of pearl jewelry. Luster is most simply defined as the way an object reflects light. The more layers a pearl has, the more valuable it is.

When you are buying pearl jewelry, be sure to ask your jeweler about the source of the pearl, and pay close attention to its size, shape, color and luster.


Evelyn Quick writes and publishes women-related articles. Her current blog centers on pearl jewelry. Read on and learn more about pearl earrings and pearl necklaces.