Pearl Quality

There are many things to consider when determining the quality of a pearl. The incredible beauty of our Premium-Level pearls are a direct reflection of painstaking care combined with ideal growth conditions —courtesy of Mother Nature. Please take time to familiarize yourself with these 7characteristics that help determine quality:

1. Nacre – This, essentially, is what makes up a pearl and what determines its beauty. The thicker the nacre is allowed to develop, the larger and more lustrous a pearl can become.

2. Size – The measuring standard for pearls is in millimeters. They may range from rice-sized pebbles to 16mm spheres. The varying sizes are dependent on the type of oyster and geographical region from which they are farmed. Size is dictated by the amount of nacre that is allowed to accumulate. So generally, the larger the pearl, the more rare it will be. The largest of pearls tend to be found in the South Seas due to the warm waters in which they grow.

3. Color – The various growth conditions lead to varying nacre growth. And it is within these layers of living nacre that determine each gems uniqueness. The refracted light through the translucent layers can reflect many shades of the spectrum; from a rich white (as with the Japanese Akoyas) to an exotic black (as with the Tahitians).

4. Shape – Traditionally, round pearls have been the standard when assembling pearl jewelry; but other shapes, as with baroque and keishi pearls, can make for equally beautiful stylings. Usually with round pearls, the more perfect the shape, the more rare and valuable the gem is considered. While the value of more oddly shaped pearl s tend to be dictated by the creativity of its designers.

5. Luster – The clarity of the surface reflection. A characteristic that makes the pearl unique and separates it from other over-brilliant gems. A pearl that displays a rich luster will glow as if alive.

6. Surface Purity – The imperfections and blemishes that can be found on the surface. A perfectly smooth pearl is a truly rare find and command very high prices.

7. Orient – The most dramatic characteristic of a pearl. The orient IS the glow — which is a total combination of all the characteristics listed above. This trapped light from within is truly a sight to behold.