How to Buy Pearl Bracelets for Valentine's Day

The finest quality pearls are sought after for their natural beauty and rarity. Come Valentine's Day, look for substance over faux finish when hunting for a stunning pearl bracelet. You might consider some more unique styles of bracelets, too, like those with double strands and fancy clasps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Take a crash course in pearls to help you learn how to buy a first-rate bracelet. Because natural pearls are very rare, most of the ones you see in jewelry are either cultured or imitation pearls. Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. The rounder a natural pearl, the more valuable it is.

2. Know the difference between cultured, natural and imitation pearls. Cultured pearls are also made by oysters or mollusks, but do have some human intervention in the process that causes a pearl to grow. A cultured pearl's value is largely based on its size, and on the quality of its nacre coating, which gives it luster. You can spot imitation pearls by their man-made substances of glass and plastic.

3. Learn how to choose a bracelet with a pearl pendant. Buy this type of bracelet for a one-of-a-kind look featuring a lone pearl or two to three pearls. Look for pearls that are very round, with a high to medium luster, good uniformity and minimal surface spotting. A classic pearl is the Akoya variety.

4. Buy a freshwater pearl bracelet. In general, this type of pearl is less uniform and smaller in size than the Akoya pearls. Still, many women love them for their delicate brilliance and uniqueness. Choose freshwater pearls for a more affordable Valentine's Day gift. A nice variety of freshwater pearl is a black Tahitian pearl, which makes for an exotic bracelet.

5. Make your bracelet purchase as part of a special Valentine's Day set. Retailers and jewelers often offer sales on pearls during the holidays. A sale-priced string of pearls and matching earrings will get you a good deal, as well as a lifelong gift your companion will cherish forever.

Tips & Warnings

• Select pink pearl bracelets if you are buying them for those with olive or dark completions.
• Many colored pearls, whether natural or cultured, occur that way in nature. However, some are dyed through various processes. A good jeweler should tell you whether the pearls are naturally colored or dyed. Unfortunately, some jewelers will not offer this information readily, so make it a point to ask a lot of questions when you buy bracelets.

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