Buying Cultured Pearl Jewelry

According to the Cultured Pearl Information Center in New York, while cultured pearl jewelry is the perfect holiday gift, it is best to be knowledgeable about cultured pearls before buying them. You should always buy from a reputable jeweler whom you trust. By knowing what quality factors cultured pearls are judged by, you can be sure you are getting the best quality that your budget will allow. The most important are: 1. Lustre- Lustre refers to a combination of surface shine and a deep, almost three-dimensional glow emanating from within the heart of the pearl. To judge luster, look at your reflection in the surface of the pearl. The clearer and crisper the reflection, the better the lustre and more valuable the pearl. Any pearl that looks too dull or chalky indicates a lower quality pearl. 2. Surface- Because cultured pearls are created by nature it is rare to find a pearl that is completely free of any surface blemishes, like pits, spots or small bumps. Still, the fewer the blemishes on a pearl, the more valuable it is. 3. Shape- The rounder and more symmetrical a pearl, the more valuable it is. However, baroque pearls, which are irregular in shape and often cost less, can be very beautiful. 4. Color-usually rose or silver/white pearls tend to look best on fair skins, while cream and gold-toned pearls flatter darker complexions. 5. Size- Cultured pearls are measured by their diameter in millimeters. Other factors being equal, the larger the pearl, the more valuable it is.