Diving deep into pearls. Four essential factors to identify high-quality pearl.
At Pearl Oasis Studio, we believer in quality over quantity. We craft heirloom-quality pearls that are designed to last, emphasizing sustainability in every gem.
Knowledge is power when choosing your gems. Let our pearls be a testament to lasting quality and beauty.
1: Lustre:
Lustre refers to the quality or the shimmering light effect that appears on the surface of the pearl.
- Type of Pearl: Different types of pearls exhibit different kinds of lustre. For example, Akoya pearls are known for their sharp, mirror-like lustre, while Tahitian and South Sea pearls may have a softer, satin-like sheen.
- Depth: High-quality pearls have a deep lustre, where light reflects off layers deep within the pearl. Pearls with shallow lustre only reflect light off their surface.
- Charity: Lustre is closely tied to the clarity of the pearl's surface. Blemishes, spots, or any irregularities can disrupt the lustre, making the pearl appearl dull.
Remember, lustre is one of the primary indicator of a pearl's quality. When purchasing pearls, their lustre should be a top consideration alongside size, surface quality, shape and colour.
2: Nacre
Nacre, the iridescent substance that mollusks secrete, which forms the layers of a pearl. It plays a pivotal role in determining the quality and value of a pearl.
- Type of Pearl: The type of pearl can give indications about its nacre thickness. For example, Akoya pearls generally have a thinner layer of nacre than Tahitian or South Sea Pearls.
- Cultured vs. Natural: Cultured pearls, which are pearls induced by humans by inserting a nucleus into the mollusk, usually have a thicker central bead with layers of nacre around it. Natural pearls, formed without human intervention, are made up almost entirely of nacre.
- Thickness: The thicker the nacre, the more lustrous and durable the pearl tends to be. Thin nacre can result in a pearl that appears dull or chalky.
- Quality: High-quality nacre is often smooth, with even layer. This results in a pearl with a deep, mirror-like lustre. On the other hand, uneven or disrupted nacre layers can lead to blemishes or irregularities on the pearl's surface.
Understanding nacre is crucial for anyone interested in pearls, as it significantly impacts the pearl's beauty, quality and longevity.
3: Surface
The surface of a pearl is one of the key factors in determining its quality.
- Smoothness: Examine the pearl's surface for any imperfections. A high-quality pearl will have a smooth surface with minimal blemishes, spots, pits, or wrinkles.
- Cleanliness: A pearl's surface should be free from major defects like cracks, large pits, or chalky areas.
While surface quality is essential, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing pearls. Some might prefer pearls with unique shapes or slight blemishes that add character.
4: Colour and Overtone
The colour and overtone of pearls are crucial determinants of their beauty and value.
- Pearl Type and Colour: Different types of pearls are known for specific colours. For instance: Akoya Pearls: Typically white or cream, often with a rose or silver overtone. Tahitian Pearls: Known for their black body colour, but they can range from silver to deep black, with green, blue, or rose overtones. South Sea Pearls: Can be gold or white, with varying overtones. Freshwater Pearls: Can range widely in colour, from white to pink and even lavender.
- Basic Colour (Body Colour): Pearls come in a variety of colours, including white, cream, yellow, pink, silver and black. The body colour is the primary and most dominant colour of the pearls. While colour preference is subjective, it's essential to choose a colour that is both natural and evenly distributed across the pearl's surface.
- Overtone: Overtone is a secondary, translucent colour that lies over the primary body colour, adding depth and richness. Common overtones include pink (also called rose), green, blue, and silver. A pearl can have no overtone, one overtone, or multiple overtones. Overtones can significantly increase the pearl's value if they are rare and desired in the market.
A pearl can have no overtone, one overtone, or multiple overtones. Overtones can significantly increase the pearl's value if they are rare and desired in the market.
