Pearls have historically been a sign of class, beauty, and classic style. However, there are so many pearl necklaces on the market that it can be hard to choose the right one, whether you’re buying your first piece or adding to an already large jewellery collection. But don’t worry, this article will outline the important things to consider when shopping for your pearl necklace.
1. Type of Pearl
The type of pearl you want is the first decision you need to make. The price, size, and colour of each type are different. Necklaces are mostly made of four types:
- Akoya Pearls: Classic and very valuable because they are round and shiny. They are mostly grown in both China and Japan, and are traditionally used for wedding and formal jewellery.
- Freshwater pearls: These are usually less expensive and come in a variety of colours and sizes. They are mostly grown in China and are great for daily use.
- Tahitian Pearls: Known for having dark, unusual colours like peacock, black, and green. These pearls, which originated in French Polynesia, look great in big, bold jewellery.
- South Sea Pearls: The biggest and most expensive pearls. They appear golden or white and have a soft, shiny sheen. Also, they have unique and beautiful flowers, and are grown in Australia as well as the Philippines.
2. Pearl Lustre
Lustre is one of the best ways to tell if a pearl is high quality because it gives the pearl its unique glow. Pearls with a high lustre shine like mirrors because they reflect light very strongly. On the other hand, poorer quality looks dull or chalky.
To judge lustre, examine the pearls that reflect your image on the surface. With their natural glow, pearls easily catch the eye and stand out in any setting. Shop Pearl Necklaces online, and look for videos or pictures that show the close-up look.
3. Surface Quality
Pearls are made naturally, so it’s rare to find one that is flawless. Small pits, bumps, or spots are very common. These flaws don’t always mean a pearl isn’t good; some are normal and can even make it more interesting.
On the other hand, pearls with fewer and tinier flaws are usually worth more. When picking out a necklace, look at how noticeable the flaws are and decide if they take away from the beauty of the pearl as a whole. If you’re on a tight budget, pearls with small flaws on the surface can still be a beautiful and inexpensive choice.
4. Shape and Size
The most expensive pearls are the perfectly round ones. But don’t forget about elegant or half-round pearls. Its wavy shape can give you a one-of-a-kind, artistic look that is current and fresh.
A great deal also depends on size. Pearls that are 6 to 7 mm in size are likely to be more delicate and undervalued, making them perfect for small frames or everyday wear. Pearls that are 10–13 mm or bigger are often worn to formal events because they make a strong statement.
5. Necklace Length and Style
Pearl chains come in different lengths, and each one has its own style:
- Choker 14”–16″: It sits high on the neck and looks great with strapless or off-the-shoulder clothes.
- Princess 17”–19″: This is the most common length; it can be worn with a lot of different necklines.
- Matinee, Opera, and Rope 20″ and up: You can wear these longer styles alone or over simple tops to make them look better.
The one you choose should rely on how you want to wear the necklace: for everyday style, a formal event, or a more casual look. You could even get a strand that may be knotted or bent over to make different styles.
Shop Smart and Stylish
Finding the right pearl necklace is about how each pearl was made, where it came from, and how beautiful it is naturally. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, don’t guess; use your knowledge to make your choice. Follow this guide to shop pearls with confidence and look great minus the hassle.
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