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Pearl Oval Loose

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South Sea Pearl Buying Guide

Of all the pearls around the world, one is revered above all others: the South Sea Pearl. Grown in the deep seas off Australia's coast, the South Sea pearl is prized for its brilliant gold or white shine. Shopping for South Sea pearls can be confusing. An informed shopper should gather as much information as possible so as to make an educated decision.

Grading South Sea Pearls

Pearl necklaces are graded by the Five S's: Shine, Surface, Shade, Shape and Size.

Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects and shines through the pearl. Because a pearl is an organic object, it often has Surface markings such as nicks, scratches, small indentations and discolorations. (A pearl void of such markings is considered perfect and only accounts for 5-10% of the total amount of pearls harvested each year).

South Sea pearls have a wide variety when it comes to color and overtone, with different Shades being considered more desirable than others. Pearl Shape can range all the way from Baroque to Perfect-Round, with different shapes being considered more valuable than others due to their rarity. Size is the total circumference of the pearl, usually measured in millimeters. The combination of these qualities factors in to the total grade of the necklace, resulting in a rating of A, A+, AA, AA+ and AAA. The highest grade for a pearl necklace is AAA quality. AAA pearls are the most desirable and valuable. They are impressive gifts to give someone who especially cares about quality and value.

South Sea Pearl Luster

Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects from the pearl. It is the most important factor in determining a pearl's value. Luster is what gives the pearl its iridescence and depth. Luster is determined by the thickness of pearl nacre, the coating that makes up the pearl. Very lustrous pearls have a deep-mirror like surface and a bright shine. Pearls with low luster look dull and foggy. South Sea pearls are in possession of thick, creamy nacre and are famous for their rich, silky luster.

One way to examine the luster of a pearl necklace is to lay the strand on a table and look at the pearls from 20 inches away. The sharper and clearer your reflection is on the pearls’ surface, the higher the luster.

South Sea Pearl Surface

As pearls are an organic creation, they often have surface imperfections. Flawless South Sea pearls are very rare and command a much higher price. The surface of a pearl is graded by how many imperfections are visible and to what percentage they are distributed. These marks can range from small and nearly unnoticeable, to quite large and distinct. When buying pearl jewelry, be sure to examine the pearl surface carefully for these kinds of flaws.

South Sea Pearl Color

South Sea Pearls have a wide variety of colors and overtones, ranging from white, silver, yellow and gold with subtle undertones of pink, blue and green.

Among these colors, deep golden or white hues are the most desirable and valuable.

Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace: The deeper the golden color, the more rare and valuable the pearls are. Their beautiful glowing hue creates a sense of warmth; livening the complexion and creating a feeling of luxury.

White South Sea Pearl Necklace: Famous for their rich, creamy color, White South Sea pearls can have rose or silver overtones. While pearls with silver tones are more popular, South Sea pearls with rose overtones are considered to be rarer and more valuable.

When buying a White South Sea pearl necklace, keep in mind that pearls with white body color are more valuable than those with ivory or cream. Use caution, as some sellers may sell cream South Sea pearls as white ones for a higher price.

When choosing color, keep in mind the complexion of the wearer. For example, if the wearer has a dark complexion, the golden color would be a good choice. If the wearer has a fair complexion, a white or silver hue would be nice.

When examining the color of a South Sea pearl necklace, it is best to view it under natural light. Pearl color will look slightly different under various types of lighting. Pure morning light is the ideal time. Florescent light tends to give pearls a more bluish or yellowish hue, while incandescent light lends pearls a more reddish hue.

South Sea Pearl Shape

South Sea pearl shapes include perfect round, semi-round, circle, oval, button, drop, and baroque. Because symmetry is rare in nature, round shapes are the most highly valued. While a strand of round South Sea pearl necklace is the most classic and valuable, a nearly round necklace can create a similar look at a significantly reduced price. Another option to consider is a baroque necklace. Stylish and fun, it can be worn with everything from a pair of jeans to a Gucci bustier.

South Sea Pearl Size

The most common sizes for South Sea Pearls are 10mm – 15mm. South Sea pearls in 16mm - 20mm are very rare and extremely valuable. Ultimately, the size of a necklace is a personal preference as it reflects individual style and personality. When choosing a size, you should consider the wearing purpose of the necklace. Generally, larger necklaces are more extravagant and create a statement; while smaller necklaces are more for everyday wear.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Matching and Workmanship

It is important to examine the workmanship of a pearl necklace. Poorly matched pearls with obvious color differences will lessen the beauty of your necklace, causing its value to drop dramatically. When you receive your necklace, examine it by letting it hang off the tip of your finger. Examine whether the line of the necklace is straight, the knotted tie too tight or too loose and whether the finish is beautiful.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Graduation

Graduation means that the pearls are strung from smallest to largest, starting at the clasp and ending with the largest pearl in the center of the necklace. This is traditionally done to capture the elegant, interesting look it creates.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Length

When choosing pearl necklace length, keep in mind both the size of the wearer and the effect you wish to create. Traditionally 16 inches, or choker necklace length, is considered the classic look, while longer lengths are ideal for casual, business, or evening wear. It is an ideal choice for those with high necklines as well. The most popular length for a pearl necklace is 17 inches; a length that is not quite a choker yet does not drape extravagantly low on the wearer.

Millimeters Vs Inches

Pearls are measured in millimeter. 1 inch is equivalent to about 25mm. Therefore, a 10mm pearl is equal to 0.4 inches.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Pricing

Due to their size and rarity, South Sea pearls can be expensive. Here are some quick tips to help you in the decision making process: When selecting a necklace it is wise to choose quality over size.

High quality South Sea pearls are a statement of perfection and sophistication. Also, they are rare and have investment value. A high quality South Sea pearl necklace can last for generations.

Where to Buy

When buying South Sea pearl jewelry, compare prices from both online sellers and local stores. On average, local dealers tend to charge considerably more than online sellers. It is best to buy from a trusted online source. Make sure to check the sites’ return policy, customer support, and customer reviews.

About the Author

About the Author: Yan Berry is a seasoned pearl expert and designer from www.premiumpearl.com, a leading online pearl jewelry retailer.

A funky looking ring can be comical, cute, cheap, expensive, fun and serious and always welcomed as a gift by ring lovers. There is a huge selection from diamonds to glass including resin, gold and sterling silver. It can be a gift with a message, to commemorate a special moment in life or just something to add a little flair.

Glass rings are colorful, elegant and inexpensive. Murano glass is made on a tiny island north of Venice, Italy and has been making extraordinary glass beads and figurines for centuries. They are famous for the way they combine several strands of glass to give texture and color in their tiny designs. Some rings are pure glass and some are gem-like glass set in sterling silver. The way the colors are melted together makes a rich looking chunky ring that will add accent to the right outfit. The effect is like a large swathe of color and design. Other inexpensive glass rings resemble large oval cut emeralds, blue topaz and others for the formal evening party.

Cocktail rings are meant to be worn when the hands are prominent. They are not subtle or small they are large, flashy, colorful, sometimes funky and sometimes elegant but always fantastic. All women may not be comfortable wearing a large cocktail ring that draws so much attention but almost everyone would like to. There is a cocktail ring that will satisfy every personality and add elegance to their evening. Flashy stones such as tanzanite, blue topaz, amethyst and Swarovski crystals in every color are set in 14K and 10K yellow gold, sterling silver and plated base metal.

Domed rings make a grand statement and never go out of style. They are often made with bright colors in enamel on a gold base. Candy domed rings are another style that is fun and attention-getting. They have tiny bead studs embedded in gold or silver-toned metal. The studs can be white or other colors and since they are not costly it's fun to have one for each day of the week.

There are also inexpensive rings that are pure funk as gifts that can celebrate a special occasion such as the last day of school or the first time the toast wasn't burned. Large resin rings with hearts and flowers or skulls and bones depending on the mood and occasion and the particular liking of the receiver. As a conversation piece alone a ring with a toaster and bread is worth every penny. Or what about a pink glow-in-the-dark cocktail ring? It will be sure to draw a lot of attention.

If a truly valuable gift is required, there are expensive cocktail rings that will become heirlooms for generations. Woven sterling silver gives a rich detailed setting for genuine gems including diamonds, blue topaz and lemon quartz with diamond accents. Many of these rings have 18K yellow gold highlights. Also, there are solitaire settings of amazing colors from moonstone, amethyst, tiger's eye, yellow prehnite, aquamarine and pink and green amethyst. Each of these stones can be surrounded by small diamonds to create the gift of a lifetime.

Buying a ring as a gift can be tricky if the correct size is not known. If there is a doubt, try asking a friend or relative if they know or can find out the correct ring size. If possible, borrow and measure a ring that fits the recipient. Just make sure it fits the same finger where the gift ring is intended. The average size for women is 6 (16.5mm diameter). Some rings only come in size 7 (17.3 mm diameter). If the ring has a wide band it is good to get a size larger to be more comfortable. The standard American ring sizes are available online and can be easily compared with any ring.

cocktail rings and glass rings

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