Just like diamonds are graded for quality, so are pearls. There are five things to look for that determine the pearls quality:
Luster - this is a combination of the glow and surface brilliance. The higher the luster the more valuable the pearl. Pearls with high luster will show a "window" on the surface.
Surface - the fewer surface blemishes such as spots, bumps, or cracks, the higher the quality.
Shape - the more spherical or rounder the pearl the more valuable it is.
Color - pearls come in many colors such as rose, silver/white, cream, gold, blue/gray and black.
Size - with all of the above factors being equal, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is.
Another thing to consider when purchasing a strand of cultured pearls is matching. The more uniform the necklace the more time was spent matching the pearls which means a higher price. Also, when purchasing a strand of pearls, they should be strung with silk and knotted between each pearl. This will prevent a loss of many pearls if the strand were to break.
Cultured Pearls
Pearls come in many shapes. Some of the more common shapes are round, baroque or off-round, pear, barrel, mabe' (half sphere), button and rice.
Cultured Pearl Necklaces and How to Wear Them
Collar - 12-13 inches of three or more strands. Collars fit snugly on the middle of the neck. These necklaces go best with V-neck, scoop neck or off the shoulder fashions.
Choker - 14-16 inches, single strand. The most versatile of all, chokers go well with almost any outfit from fancy evening wear to casual and just about any neckline you can think of.
Princess - 17-19 inches. Works best with crew and high necklines as well as low plunging necklines. The Princess also works well with pendants or pearl enhancers.
Matinee - 20-24 inches. Works well with casual or business attire.
Opera - 28-34 inches. As a single strand it works well with both high or crew necklines. It can also be doubled upon itself and worn as a two strand choker.
Rope - 45 inches or longer. This length often has multiple, unique clasps placed in strategic locations which enable you to break it into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations.
To add flexibility to your wardrobe you can also add these two items to your pearl strands:
Enhancers - made with yellow or white gold or platinum usually set with gemstones or pearls. They can easily be added to and removed from your pearl necklace.
Shorteners - temporarily shorten longer necklaces to the desired length by clipping a removable shortener to it.
