The Lustrous Pearl

Luster is what gives a pearl its unique beauty. Pearls with high luster will have sharp bright reflections on the surface.

 

Severe surface blemishes can affect the durability of a pearl and decrease its value.

 

Pearls come in eight basic shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque and circled. Perfectly spherical pearls and symmetrical drops are the most valued, but each shape has a value to each buyer.

 

Pearl colors vary by the variety of pearl. Although white and black pears are the most traditional colors, unusual colors are becomes more popular.

 

Nacre is the outer coating of the pearl created by the mollusk. The thickness is evaluated to make sure that the pearl is durable and beautiful. If the nacre is thin the nucleus will be visible and the outer appearance may be dull or chalky.

 

In general, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is. Different varieties come in different sizes: South Sea pearls are the largest.