Nacre thickness is closely related to the culturing period and may have some impact on luster, color and durability of the pearl. It is one of the most important elements of pearl quality. Through a microscope, the surface nacre of a cultured pearl looks like a lunar landscape showing the organic demarcation between bead and nacreous overgrowth.
Luster
Pearl luster is defined by the quality of the reflected light. A lustrous pearl has a strong bright and sharp reflection. A low luster pearl on the other hand is not bright and its reflection is dull. The luster of a pearl may be closely related to the light transmission and thickness of the nacre. A lustrous pearl has a rich inner glow that seems to come from deep within. The higher the “mirror-like” reflection of a pearl, the more valuable a pearl becomes.
Size
Most pearls are measured by their diameter, irregularly shaped pearls by their width and sometimes length. Measured in millimeters (mm), most cultured pears range from 2 – 13mm. The size range is dependent upon the oyster species used; Akoya cultured pearls range from 2 -10mm, Tahitian and South Sea pearls range from 8 – 13mm or larger, freshwater cultured pearls range from 2 -13mm. One millimeter is equal to 1/25 inch.
Shape
A perfectly round cultured pearl is worth the highest value. However, a beautiful symmetrical drop shape is also highly valued. Shape is divided into the following categories: round, semi-round, Baroque, Semi-baroque and circled.
Color
There are three main causes of pearl color; light phenomena, especially interference of the light, pigments and organic matter formed in the clearance between the inner surface of the nacre and the outer surface of the bead. Color characteristics differ according to a mother oyster species.
Cultured pearls come in white, black, pink, orange, lavender and a variety of trendy enhanced hues. Color is not an indicator of pearl quality. Finer pearls have a subtle interplay of colors.
Quality Elements of a Cultured Pearl
Nacre thickness
Nacre thickness is closely related to the culturing period and may have some impact on luster, color and durability of the pearl. It is one of the most important elements of pearl quality. Through a microscope, the surface nacre of a cultured pearl looks like a lunar landscape showing the organic demarcation between bead and nacreous overgrowth.
Luster
Pearl luster is defined by the quality of the reflected light. A lustrous pearl has a strong bright and sharp reflection. A low luster pearl on the other hand is not bright and its reflection is dull. The luster of a pearl may be closely related to the light transmission and thickness of the nacre. A lustrous pearl has a rich inner glow that seems to come from deep within. The higher the “mirror-like” reflection of a pearl, the more valuable a pearl becomes.
Size
Most pearls are measured by their diameter, irregularly shaped pearls by their width and sometimes length. Measured in millimeters (mm), most cultured pears range from 2 – 13mm. The size range is dependent upon the oyster species used; Akoya cultured pearls range from 2 -10mm, Tahitian and South Sea pearls range from 8 – 13mm or larger, freshwater cultured pearls range from 2 -13mm. One millimeter is equal to 1/25 inch.
Shape
A perfectly round cultured pearl is worth the highest value. However, a beautiful symmetrical drop shape is also highly valued. Shape is divided into the following categories: round, semi-round, Baroque, Semi-baroque and circled.
Color
There are three main causes of pearl color; light phenomena, especially interference of the light, pigments and organic matter formed in the clearance between the inner surface of the nacre and the outer surface of the bead. Color characteristics differ according to a mother oyster species.
Cultured pearls come in white, black, pink, orange, lavender and a variety of trendy enhanced hues. Color is not an indicator of pearl quality. Finer pearls have a subtle interplay of colors.