Pearl Evaluation Criteria

The value of pearls mainly depends on the following factors:

variety

Natural pearls are mainly divided into seawater pearls such as South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearls, and freshwater pearls, and the variety greatly affects the size and color.

size

The size of a pearl depends largely on the size of the mother oyster itself, in other words its species. Freshwater pearls are generally about 3.0 to 7.0 mm, Akoya pearls are generally 6.0 to 8.0 mm, and South Sea pearls and Tahitian pearls are generally 11.0 to 14.0 mm. The larger the pearl, the higher the value, and if it exceeds the general size of the variety, the price often increases geometrically.

Fineness

The color of pearls depends on the main color and secondary colors, which can be divided into white, yellow, pink, silver or black, etc. The primary color refers to the main hue of the pearl, while the secondary colors are the hues visible when light reflects off the surface of the pearl. For example, if a pearl looks white, the pink color becomes more obvious when you look closely at it under the light. Color preferences vary from person to person, generally white and white with pink are the most popular (except black pearls).

luster

Luster is the light reflected from the tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the nacre, so the thicker the nacre, the higher its ability to reflect light, the stronger the gloss, and the better the quality. In addition to the thickness and uniformity of the nacre layer, the smoothness of the pearl's surface or the degree of impurities it contains are closely related to its luster. A high-quality pearl must have excellent luster.

shape

Round is the highest quality and rarest pearl shape, and often the most valuable. Other asymmetric shapes, such as nearly round, oval, or steamed bun shapes, are generally considered to be of lower quality.

flaw

Since pearls are naturally grown from mother oysters, bubbles or flaws may appear during the nacre layer formation process, so they may not be formed evenly. If the imperfection is subtle and can be concealed by drilling or setting, it will have less of an impact on the pearl's appearance and value. If the flaws are numerous or severe, they can affect the value and even the sturdiness of the pearl.

Akoya Pearl

Many pearl enthusiasts have heard the name of Japanese Akoya pearls. It is not actually a brand name, but a type of seawater pearl. Akoya pearls have been loved by people since ancient times in Japan and are still a specialty of Japanese pearl farms. Akoya pearls are favored not only by the Japanese but also by people all over the world. The mother oyster is the Akoya oyster, which is mostly produced in Japan. It grows in bays with comfortable temperatures and calm waves. Akoya pearls are mostly round in shape. Standard sizes range from 6.0 to 8.0 mm. Pearls larger than 8.0 mm are rare and therefore more expensive.

Wrapped in multiple overlapping layers of nacre, Japanese Akoya pearls are characterized by their beautiful luster. Colors include white, pink, silver, gold, cream, etc. Its common characteristics of white color with pink undertones and bright luster are well received all over the world. Everyone is attracted by the gloss and diverse colors of Japanese Akoya pearls. Therefore, Akoya pearls are often used in high-end jewelry, such as Pearl earrings, pearl necklaces and more.

south sea pearls

In addition to Akoya Japanese pearls, South Sea pearls are of outstanding quality. South Sea pearls are of outstanding quality. Their luster and roundness are unique, making them the most extraordinary and rare pearls. Most of them are artificially bred and collected from the southern waters of Australia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

South Sea pearls are very rich in color. Silvery-white or blue-white pearls are produced by the silvery white butterfly oyster; gold, milky white or silver pearls are produced by the golden white butterfly oyster. In addition to the perfect round shape, the shape of the water drop shape also has its own unique style. South Sea pearls are the largest of all pearl varieties, with an average diameter of 11.0 to 14.0 mm and ranging as large as 20.0 mm. Because this type of pearl oyster is extremely rare and sensitive, and is much more difficult to cultivate, it is very precious. A pair of pearl earrings and a pearl necklace are both valuable. South Sea pearls are definitely the queen of pearls.

Tahitian pearls

Tahitian pearls are known for their unique color and large size, as well as their special feel. They are only produced in French Polynesia or the Cook Islands, with Tahiti accounting for the majority.

The natural color of Tahitian pearls comes from the black lip of the mother oyster. Although often referred to as black pearls, they actually come in a variety of beautiful colors, ranging from metallic grey, silver, green, purple, blue to black. Among them, called malachite green, the dark green pearls are as gorgeous as peacock feathers. They are the most sought after among this variety because of their mysterious color and rarity. Tahitian pearls are generally 8.0 to 16.0 mm in diameter, larger than Japanese Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls, and smaller than South Sea pearls. The pearl cultivation process is difficult, so the output is rare and the production cost is high.

freshwater pearls

China's freshwater pearl production ranks first in the world, accounting for nearly 95% of the total. China's freshwater pearl production is mainly collected from artificially cultured oysters in lakes and rivers in South China.

Freshwater pearls can be cultivated in a variety of pastel colors through natural methods, such as white, pink, pink-orange or pink-purple. Another generally accepted method is to treat or irradiate them to achieve a certain color or to make the color of pearl strands and pearl earrings more uniform.

Freshwater pearls are very similar in appearance to Akoya pearls, but freshwater pearls are generally smaller in diameter, less symmetrical, and less lustrous. And because the mother oyster of freshwater pearls can produce several pearls at the same time, and can be used for pearl fishing many times, its production is large, so its price is popular. Its price is several times cheaper than Akoya pearls.

Pearl care methods

1. Pearls are organic matter and may change color when exposed to heat or ultraviolet rays. Therefore, never expose pearl jewelry to direct sunlight or high temperature and humidity.

2. Pearls are easy to be worn, and if you are not careful, marks will be left on the surface. When wearing pearl jewelry, avoid collision or friction with other hard objects to avoid scratching its fragile surface.

3. When storing pearl jewelry, it should be wrapped in soft cloth independently to avoid contact with other jewelry.

4. Pearls are extremely susceptible to corrosion by acid or other chemicals. Daily necessities such as cosmetics, perfumes, hair sprays, and nail polish removers contain chemicals that can make pearls dull. Therefore, please wear pearl jewelry after makeup to avoid damaging them. luster.

5. To prevent sweat containing acidic components from damaging the luster of pearls, please use a soft silicone cloth to wipe away sweat and stains after wearing pearl jewelry.

6. Regular wear is the best way to care for pearls, because the body's natural oils can maintain the luster of pearls. If pearls are cared for properly, they can last for a long time.