Pearl Buying Secrets - Pearl Luster
by Lise Lepa, President and CEO, Pearls Only
Luster is one of the most important aspects of a pearl. After all, regardless of pearl size or its shape, how much light the pearl reflects will make a huge difference on a look of a pearl necklace.
I must say that when I am buying pearls this is one of the easiest things to determine - the luster of the pearls. Unlike the difference between near-round and round, which can difficult to tell, luster of the pearl is very easy to spot. The lustrous pearls just glow and radiate light. The dull ones are just that - dull. Personally, if I had a choice of a perfect round 7 to 8mm pearl necklace with low luster, and a 6 to 7mm, off round necklace with great luster, I would pick the high luster first!
Luster is what makes the pearl!
More often than not, when we are purchasing pearls for Pearls Only we are presented with various qualities of pearls. Just as in my example before, I may be looking for my AAA quality pearls, say 7 to 8mm, near-round. We will often be presented with a batch of 200 strands of pearls that match my size and roundness requirements: they will be 7 to 8mm and will be near-round.
But then off the 2000 strands we will only usually select 40 to 50 (occasionally on good days we may find 50 to 60).
Why select only a portion?
Its easy, some pearls will glow and sparkle. When you look at them up-close you will see your face in the pearl. They will appear alive! They will be beautiful. Unfortunately others will not! They will be slightly dull or not as bright. Why?
Pearls are made by living organisms and they are not created all equal. Some mussels or oysters will be strong and healthy others will not. The environment also plays a large role in the quality of the nacre. Water temperature and water quality are very important. |
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Of course, we purchase the brightest and best and leave the others behind and then come back another time for another harvest!
How can you tell how lustrous is your pearl necklace? If the pearl is described as good or excellent luster, you should be able to hold up your set in good light (sunlight is best) a few inches away from your face and see a nice reflection of your face. If the pearls are of poor luster, your reflection will appear dull and hazy. If they are bright, the reflection will be bright and alive!
Tip #1: Luster is what makes the pearl - good luster means good pearl. Given a choice, always go for the most lustrous pearl possible. Good pearl luster makes a big difference on pearl price. The higher the luster the higher the price
Tip #2: When you receive your pearls check the pearl luster on a sunny day in sunlight. If you can see a nice image of your face in the pearl, you have lustrous pearls.
The body of the pearl is seldom perfect; there can be little divots or naturally occurring "blemishes". Next I will discuss the impact of pearl body quality on price and quality. Just in case you are worried, please don't be - the body imperfections are a natural part of the pearl.
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