How to Buy Pearls

Versatile and classic, pearls are a worthwhile investment that can soften a business suit or add more elegance to a dress. Here's what to look for.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pearl Bracelets
• Pearl Earrings
• Pearl Necklaces

Distinguishing Real Pearls From Imitations

1. Run the pearl lightly along the biting edge of your front teeth. A real pearl will feel slightly gritty or sandy, whereas a fake pearl will feel smooth. This is a standard test for authenticity that most sellers will allow, as long as you ask first.

2. Look at and feel the pearl. Absolutely flawless-looking pearls, as well as those that feel unusually light when you bounce them in your hands, are probably fake.

3. Examine the pearl under a 10magnifier (a loupe). Imitation pearls appear grainy.

General Considerations

4. Decide whether you want natural, cultured or imitation pearls. Keep in mind that imitation pearls are costume jewelry and are of very little value; natural pearls are almost impossible to find in stores and often aren't as high in quality as cultured pearls.

5. Choose a pearl shape: round, symmetrical or baroque and/or irregular. Spherelike round pearls are the most expensive and highly prized. Symmetrical pearls, such as those shaped like teardrops, should be evenly shaped.

6. Consider pearl size, the most important factor in price. The larger the pearl, the costlier it will be.

7. Decide if you want a double-strand necklace of smaller pearls (cheaper) or a single strand of larger pearls (more expensive).

8. Place pearls directly under a light on a flat, white surface in order to inspect them.

9. Inspect each pearl for luster. 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.

10. Look at the pearl's 'orient,' a play of iridescent rainbow colors'characteristic of high-quality pearls.

11. Examine pearl color, which can be white, yellow, black, gray or various other colors. Ask whether the color is natural or dyed; the latter is less expensive. More exotic natural colors are more expensive.

12. Inspect the pearl's 'overtone,' a tint secondary to the main body color. Pinkish overtones can increase pearl price, while green or blue tints may lower the price.

13. Verify the pearl's cleanliness by checking that it has minimal surface blemishes such as nicks, cracks, pits or discoloration.

14. Turn the pearl in your hands to examine it from all angles. Color, shape, smoothness and luster all may vary within a single pearl. Roll a strand of pearls on a flat surface to test them for roundness'round pearls roll more smoothly and evenly.

Tips & Warnings

• Pearls offered at unbelievably low prices are probably fake.

[mattarjewelers]

on 11/16/2008 "natural pearls are almost impossible to find in stores and often aren't as high in quality as cultured pearls."

Natural pearls aren't impossible to find, we have 100s of natural pearl necklaces, earrings, rings, etc. Necklaces starting from 900$ and certified too. And regarding the quality, natural pearls will always be better than culutered pearls. They are rare, unique and a very good investment as its value will never go down.

Reem
[e-mail]

[purepearls]

on 9/2/2008 I'm so sorry to hear you had such a terrible experience with that company. Shopping online can be daunting when you don't know who you can trust! There are some important factors to look for when shopping for pearl jewelry.
1. How long has the company been in business?
2. What is their return policy?
3. Do they have a lot of proof factors? (ie: high profile press, strong rating from Better Business Bureau, great reviews from customers, are they responsive to questions, calls, and emails?)

Often, if you are not sure about a company, simply call them or chat with them on Live Chat. You will get a good feel for the company by interacting with them.

Customer service should be a company's #1 priority!

Best,
Amanda Raab
CEO
PurePearls.com
www.PurePearls.com

[trilady66]

on 12/18/2007 I took the advice of "eHow Friend" 8/8/2006 and ordered a pearl necklace set from Pearls by Angela Carol which cost nearly $1,100. I had them shipped by FedEx overnight express. After waiting for three days and no delivery I called the company and left a message on their answering machine requesting a tracking number. I waited another two days (no delivery and no response to my first call) and called again and left another message. I also called FedEx who to my dismay informed me that Pearls by Angela Carol didn't ship my jewelry. It appears that I have been scammed by an elaborate website run by crooks. I'm sorry that I didn't shop at our local high end jewelry store.

[mrgari]

on 10/11/2007 list of jewelry stores online:
http://jewelry.jewlery-stores.com/

[delawaremba]

on 6/27/2007 One way not to buy pearls is through Angela Carol. The user ahead of me listed several online sites and she was the first listed. After 8 days the order had still not shipped and I was under an anniversary deadline. Despite numerous attempts via email, phone and fax, I was not responded to. I canceled the order and reordered through Pearls of Joy. They answered the phone when I called and were able to get the order in hand the next day. That's customer service. I will repost when I inspect them. I am still not convinced that these online pearls will be up to my standards but I hope to be surprised.