Pearls have been popular for their precious nature and regal look. They are also in demand due to their longevity and uniqueness. It is common knowledge and a truth that no two pearls are the same.

The pearls used in jewellery are of the cultured variety that are more often cultivated in saltwater. This process has the advantage of being far more lustrous than their original sisters. They also look extremely beautiful in their white, pink, cream and black colours. The most popular pearls are Akoya pearls (Japan), South Sea pearls (Australia), Tahitian black pearls (Tahiti-Polynesia). Among cultured pearls there are others such as Keshi and Mabe Pearls which are used to decorate rings and enhance earrings. According to Internet surveys, the 14- to 16-inch choker and the 17- to 19-inch princess necklaces are the two of the most popular styles (in the west).

Tips on the investment value of pearls

• Pearls have as much a resale value as diamonds and hence are as good as an investment as they are a friend.
• Pearls are not as resilient as diamonds and a scratch may result in a loss of colour which will reduce its resale value.
• As with first time buying even at resale the color, size and shape of the pearls matter. Hence, here it becomes more important to safeguard the pearl’s color and lustre.
• The larger the pearls the more the resale value due to rarity.
• Natural pearls have a higher resale value then cultured pearls and might work better as investments.

Tips on buying

• Always buy your pearl jewellery from a reputed and trusted jeweller. Probably your regular jeweller.
• The heavier the pearls the more valuable.
• Genuine pearls have a milky and glossy tone of the nacre. Lustrous pearls have a shiny surface, good contrast between light and dark areas, and strong, crisp reflections. Avoid pearls that resemble dull, cloudy, white beads.
• In India, Hyderabad is known for its pearls but fakers abound there so watch out. Pearls from all over the world are brought there and designs are mind blowing.
• In Asia, Hongkong, is a large hub for the pearl trade but beware the stores with shop fronts on the streets. Their rates are exorbitant.
• Pearls are sold on carat weight and evaluated on its lustre, size, shape, surface and colour. Rounder, glossier, and even pearls are more valuable. Pinkish overtones are more valuable compared to those with green or blue tint.

Tips on how to care for your pearls:

• Keep them wrapped in a tissue and in a cotton box. This is so that you ensure they will never get scratched. Once scratched a pearl is useless as nothing can repair it..
• Make sure the box you put them in is not made of acidic paper, treated wood, and leather all of which exude chemical vapors harmful to pearls even if you wrap the strand in silk before boxing.
• Keep them away from spirits and alcohol as that affects the coating.
• While dressing up apply your perfume first and wear your jewellery last so as to ensure they never come in contact with chemicals.
• Give your pearl jewellery for regular cleaning to a trusted jeweler. Pearl jewellery is cleaned after carefully removing each and every pearl. One doesn’t want a scratch or damage during the removing or resetting.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 at 8:46 am and is filed under Jewellery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.