Lifestyle & Smart living

How to buy pearls

How to buy pearls

Buying pearls may prove daunting if it’s your first time. Whether it’s a pearl based on style, quality, or colour, you will need a little bit of knowledge to make the right choice and identify the perfect condition. It is because pearls are a niche of gemstones that are often least understood.

Even professional lustre get problems identifying different pearl types, so if you are going to buy, you need to consider the following tips for the best results.

Consider the value factors

When buying pearls, one of the things you need to look at is value factors. If you are new in this trade, here are some of the things you need to understand to identify the best deal:

Pearl shape

When dealing with clustered pearls, you should observe the shape. Round pearls command the highest price, but some people fancy the uniqueness that comes with off-round and baroque pearls. Think about the purpose of the pearls, so you can pick a shape that will perfectly satisfy your requirements.

Pearl surface

Another essential factor you need to consider is the surface of the pearl. A clean surface is better. Considering pearls are a natural gemstone, you expect to get some imperfections, but these quality variations should not be extreme. You don’t want to wear a pearl necklace with noticeable flaws, do you?

Pearl lustre

Lustre is related to surface. The lustre It is the element that makes the pearl to pop and stand out. An inferior quality surface will affect the glow, and the pearl will look scarred and rough. The best quality should be a mirror-like in appearance.

Pearl size

Size always matters when choosing a pearl. For women, it’s advisable to pick pearls that measure 7mm and larger. Anything below this is considered suitable for young girls and teenagers.

Pearl buying tips

If you are still not sure what to look for, you could eliminate the stress by buying from a reputable seller who will guide you. Here are some tips to consider that will help you get the best deal.

1. Check the return policy

Companies that don’t have a return policy are likely to sell you poor quality pearls. So you should be vigilant when a company offers this policy. They may not be fraudulent, but there’s a chance that the pearl you’ll buy might be different and not of top quality when put against natural light.

2. Buy from a seller who specialises in pearls

General stores are not the best place to buy these jewels. The advantage of a retailer whose specialisation is selling pearls is that you can get important questions answered. Working with the same product for a long time helps them to understand it, and they have the speciality and expertise when it comes to these natural gemstones!

3. Don’t be swayed by brand names

Mikimoto and Tiffany’s have earned their reputation for offering high-quality products, but these are not the only places where you can get pearls. Many other retailers sell quality pearls at a much affordable price. Do your research, and check on different trusted brands.

4. Conduct a “tooth test”

The way to confirm if the pearl is real is to use the “tooth test”. In this test, you slide the pearl across your teeth. Real pearl should feel gritty. If it’s smooth, it’s most likely a fake.

Buying pearls may take a few steps. You need to check for quality, which is defined by some factors, including the size, surface, shape, and luster. Make sure to visit a few shops for comparison before you settle for your last deal. Also, consider buying from retailers with an excellent reputation for selling quality pearls.

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