Online Pearl Jewellery Shopping: A Guide

by Francis Alukkas | 17 May 2022 | PEARL JEWELLERY

Pearl jewellery has the ability to transform your look without being too flashy or looking extravagant. It can be worn to elevate your casual outfit or add a classy touch to your business attire. The perfect pearl piece can even be a dazzling accessory to your party wear. But not many of us have a good idea about pearl jewellery shopping. In this blog, we talk about the things you need to know before online pearl jewellery shopping.

Pearls are of different types including Freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, Baroque pearls, etc. All of them have their own set of characteristics which make them unique. If you ask which pearl is the best quality, it would be the White South Sea pearls and Golden South Sea pearls.

The value of a pearl is dependent on 6 characteristics:

Size

Pearls are usually measured by their diameter in millimeters. Usually, the larger the pearl, the rarer and more valuable it is. In the case of pearls with irregular shapes like the Baroque pearls, they are measured from the widest point in their diameter. The value of such pearls depends upon other factors like colour and sheen. Also, Read: A Guide on Gold Jewellery Online Shopping

Shape

Each pearl is unique and comes in different shapes and colours. Perfectly spherical or round shaped pearls are highly valued because they are the rarest pearls in the world. Pearls are also found in nearly round, drop, button, circle, and free formed asymmetrical shapes commonly called baroque.

Nacre

The nacre thickness is considered as the most important factor that determines the quality of a pearl. The nacre of a pearl increases the longer it is in the oyster. Such pearls are also more luminous and richer in lustre.

Colour

The colour of a pearl is determined by the species of the oyster it grows in and the environment in which it grows. Naturally coloured blue pearls are one of the rarest pearl colours in the world.

Lustre

Lustre is the most distinguishing feature that pearls have over all other gems. It depends upon the quality and thickness of the nacre.

Surface

The surface of a pearl, or its skin is a build-up of layers of nacre. It is very rare to find pearls with flawless surfaces and most of them have imperfections. They can contain blemishes like spots, bumps, chips, scratches etc. or you can see pearl grains in them.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to buy pearls online.

Step 1: Find a Reliable Source

In order to have a safe shopping experience and get authentic products, you should make sure you do not fall prey to fraudulent online retailers. It is always better to go with reputable sellers who have many reviews. Choose sellers who have been in the business for long, be easy to get in touch with and provide a solid return policy. They should also offer a Certificate of Authenticity with each purchase.

Step 2: Decide your Budget

Have a good understanding on the cost of pearls with different grades. If you are aiming to save money, you can go for freshwater pearls rather than the saltwater ones. Pearls come in different ranges and you can always be on the lookout for discounts online.

The type of pearls you can opt for are dependent on your budget. Generally, Freshwater Pearls are the most affordable type of pearls out there, followed by Akoya, and then Tahitian Pearls. The White and Golden South Sea pearls are the most expensive types and considered the best pearls in the world. Golden South Sea pearls that come in the 22K to 24K hues are considered to be the most expensive pearl colour.

Step 3: Decide on the Type of Ornament you Want

After deciding on the budget, you should think about the kind of jewellery that you want to buy, be it a choker, necklace, pendant, ring or anything else. If you are looking to invest in a piece that you can pass on to the next generation, you can choose a classic pearl necklace.

If you want a more modern look, you can always go for pearl studs and pendants. For those who love bohemian styles, leather pearl jewellery can make great accessories. If you are looking for a statement piece, a pearl necklace featuring South Sea pearls are good options.

Step 4: Make it Personal

Just like all other types of jewellery, pearl jewellery can also be customised according to your taste. You can choose the type of clasps used, the length of your ornament, the gold or setting type in the ornament, as well as the pearl overtone and quality to create a piece that truly makes you happy.

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