Pearls at the Edge of the World

A pearl-drop earring worn by Charles I to his execution in A pair of drop pearl earrings owned by Elizabeth Taylor A necklace of cultured.
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When Hunter asked retailers about the pearls, they pointed out that they offer different quality pearls at different prices, so that you get what you pay for. The Cultured Pearl Information Center in New York says consumers should not buy pearls that have a thin nacre, less than.

Experts also recommend that you don't buy pearls that already show damage. You should check around the drill holes — where the pearls are strung together — for chipping, cracking and peeling. Experts say that if you see that, the problems may grow worse over time. Although the Good Morning America experiment turned up some poor quality pearls, informed buyers can still find good quality gemstones, if they know what to look for. The following tips are from Matlins' The Pearl Book: Take time to visit fine jewelers who are knowledgeable about pearls, and will be able to show you a wide selection.

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For example, if you are looking at a pearl necklace, ask to see different necklaces that have the same size pearls, but are at different price points, so that you can see the difference in quality. To find a reputable jeweler, check with Jewelers of America, at www. Luster, the emanating glow that distinguishes pearls from other gems, is the most important quality, the one that can make up for a pearl that is small, blemished or perhaps not perfectly round.

Thin or imitation pearls may have surface shine, but they do not absorb and refract rays of light in the same way a quality pearl does.

Examine the pearls against your neck and face to see if the color suits your skin, eye and hair coloring. Ask if the color is natural, especially when buying colored pearls, such as gray, pink, blue or black. Artificially colored pearls should sell for much less. Make sure that "genuine cultured" or "genuine natural pearls" is written on the bill of sale. Matlins also suggests trying the "tooth test" to spot fake pearls. Run the pearl gently along the edge of your teeth, preferably the upper ones. Genuine pearls have a slightly abrasive or gritty feel, while fakes are slippery smooth.

Trump hosts Hispanic heritage celebration Tracking Florence, other tropical systems in the Atlantic: Pearls Are Big Business Most pearls sold today are not the natural kind, but rather cultured pearls, grown on pearl farms. No Standards for Thickness Unlike the tightly regulated diamond industry, the pearl industry does not have an official set of standards by which everyone who buys and sells pearls can measure them.

Tips for Pearl Buyers When Hunter asked retailers about the pearls, they pointed out that they offer different quality pearls at different prices, so that you get what you pay for. Trump defends Supreme Court nominee amid sexual assault allegation.

Diver who helped with cave rescue sues Elon Musk. Other types of oyster produce pearls of different shades: A magnificent and rare natural coloured pearl and diamond necklace, with report dated 18 February from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is D Colour, internally flawless clarity. With report dated 3 March from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these saltwater natural pearls.

Other factors, like using a lot of hair spray, can result in their degradation, however. Treated correctly, pearl jewellery can last a lifetime — making a timeless addition to a wardrobe, or perfect heirlooms for future generations. To ensure their longevity, proper storage is vital. Each pearl contains moisture, and if you put them in cotton, it draws that out and they crack. Though white is often preferred by people with fair skin, the most valuable pearls are white with a rose overtone. Some complexions may look better with cream-color pearls, which are also less expensive than rose ones.

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Also important is the thickness of the nacre, the substance that is deposited on the bead when it is placed in an oyster. A thick nacre is best. To test it, Altobelli suggests holding a strand of pearls next to a bright light and rolling the pearls. The thicker the nacre, he explains, the better the luster. Perfectly round pearls are the most coveted. Baroque or semi-baroque shaped pearls, meaning slightly out of round to substantially out of round, can be relatively inexpensive.

If you roll pearls on a flat surface, you can see if they are slightly elliptical or not quite perfectly round.

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What carats are to diamonds, millimeters are to pearls. But, he notes, you should also take into account the size of the person wearing them, including height and neckline, because the pearls should be proportionate.

A pearl is not considered high quality if it has blemishes, or as expert gemologist describes it, "bump, bump, bump, bump … like a pepperoni pizza. To find out if a pearl is real, lightly rub it against the front of your tooth — not against the edge, which can scratch the pearl.

If natural or cultured, rather than simulated, the pearl should feel gritty. There is no industry-wide grading system, so jewelers often make up their own. They also sometimes borrow the grading system used by Mikimoto, the most recognized name in pearls. Though other vendors may say their pearls are Triple-A, which is Mikimoto's highest rating, their versions may not be equivalent. Pearls on a strand should all match in terms of color, luster and roundness.

Though this is a less important factor than the others, the drill holes should be properly centered. Find a reputable dealer, get all the claims about what you buy in writing, and get a money-back guarantee in case your pearls turn out to be lemons. Trump hosts Hispanic heritage celebration Tracking Florence, other tropical systems in the Atlantic: