Where do pearls come from?		How are pearls graded?
What are the different types of pearls?		Which necklace length is right for me?
What is pearl overtone?

Where do pearls come from?

A natural pearl is formed in shellfish as a reaction to an irritant such as a piece of sand. To protect itself, the shellfish releases a substance called nacre, which forms a smooth, hard layer around the irritant, creating a pearl. Cultured pearls are created by purposefully inserting a piece of sand into an oyster or mussel.

Because they are incredibly rare, natural pearls are the most expensive, followed by cultured pearls, which today make up over 90 per cent of the total number of pearls sold. Freshwater pearls are found in lakes and rivers and tend to be less perfectly shaped than their saltwater cousins. They are also less expensive, which make them a popular choice among young and trendy folk who don’t have the means to invest in saltwater pearls like Akoyas.

What are the different types of pearls?

Freshwater pearls
Freshwater Pearls come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are found in lakes and rivers around the world and tend to be less expensive than their saltwater cousins, which make them a popular choice among young and trendy folk who don’t have the means to invest in pricier Akoyas or South Sea pearls. Among the many types of Freshwater Pearls are the Mabe Pearl - a half-spherical cultured pearl grown on the inside shell of a mollusc, the Biwa Pearl - which is grown at Lake Biwa in Japan, and the Rice Pearl.
» Click here to shop for Freshwater Pearls

Akoya Pearls
The Akoya pearl is a saltwater cultured pearl found in the Akoya oyster found off the coasts of China and Japan. Considered by many to be the classic pearl, the Akoya is renowned for its perfect roundness, incredible lustre and shine. Made famous by pearl master Kokichi Mikimoto at the turn of the 20th Century, naturally white Akoya pearls are often dyed and are therefore available in a range of colors.
» Click here to shop for Akoya Pearls

South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls, which grow off the coast of Australia, are world-famous for their rare brilliance and incredible size - which ranges in average size from 8 to 20 mm. As the rarest pearl on earth, the South Sea pearl is also one of the priciest, since a single necklace of uniform pearls can take years and several harvests to assemble. Ranging in color from lustrous white to deep gold, South Sea pearls are the ultimate in luxury and glamour.
» Click here to shop for South Sea Pearls

Tahitian Pearls
Found off the coast of the French Polynesian islands, Tahitian Pearls are the world’s only naturally black pearl. Like the South Sea Pearl, a Tahitian pearl can grow to be quite large - as much as 18 mm. More than for their size, however, Tahitian pearls are treasured for their incredible color. Though they are most often associated with deep black, they naturally come in an extraordinary array of shades, ranging from silvery greys to rich greens.
» Click here to shop for Tahitian Pearls

What is pearl overtone?

Overtone is a secondary color that is reflected in the pearl. For example, a white pearl may have a pink, yellow or silvery overtone while a black pearl may have a green overtone. The interaction of overtones with individual skin tones should be considered when choosing pearls. For example, a person with a fair complexion might prefer pearls with a rosy overtone while are darker-skinned person might look better in pearls with a silvery overtone.

How are pearls graded?

The grade of a pearl represents its quality. Grade A is medium quality, AA is high and AAA is top quality. Pearls are judged according to the following factors:

Lustre: Lustre is the ability of the pearl to reflect light, or it’s mirror-like quality. Some of the most expensive pearls in the world are sought after because of their lustre.

Shape: As a general rule, the rounder a pearl is, the higher its value. Pearls such as the freshwater baroque pearl, for example, which is known for its irregular shape, cannot be judged according to these criteria.

Surface: Again, the cleaner the surface of the pearl, the higher its grade. The highest quality pearls have no spots, bumps or cracks on their surface and give off a sharp, mirror-like reflection.

Size: Pearls are measured by their diameter in millimetres. Tiny seed pearls can be smaller than 1 mm, while South Sea pearls as large as 20 mm have been found. The price of a pearl generally increases with its size.

Colour: Although pearls come in many different colors, white and pink are the most popular, with black not far behind.

Which necklace length is right for me?

Traditionally, each of the 6 standard pearl necklace lengths is associated with different styles and ages. Remember, however, that these are merely guidelines: your personal style (and your budget) should dictate which necklace length is perfect for you.

 

 

Collar - At 14 inches in length, the collar is the shortest of all pearl strands, and sits snug around the middle of the neck. Collar necklaces are often made up of three or more strands. Not quite as versatile as other lengths, the collar is very appropriate for evening wear, and will complement a range of necklines, from boat neck to off-the-shoulder.

 

 

 

Choker - At 16 inches, the choker sits in the hollow of the neck. Probably the most versatile length, chokers look good with almost any attire, from blue jeans to a little black dress. Since it is shorter than the other lengths, the choker is the most appropriate length for younger women and teens, and makes a beautiful “first” pearl necklace.

 

 

 

Princess - Slightly longer than the choker, at 18 inches, the Princess sits just below the collarbone. It looks great with v-necks or blouses for everyday, works perfectly with a business suit, and can also complement a deeper neckline. Many believe that the Princess is the classic length for a pearl strand, which makes it a popular choice for women of all ages.

 

 

 

Matinee - At 23 inches, the matinee is long enough make a statement at formal events but also looks great worn everyday over turtlenecks or high-neck dresses.

 

 

 

Opera - At 28 inches, the Opera is a long strand that falls below the bust. Dressier than shorter necklaces, it looks amazing with plunging necklines, but can also be worn over a chunky turtleneck sweater every day. Many women like to knot it just at the bust to create a vintage look while others double it up to create a double stranded choker.

 

 

Rope - At 36 inches or more, the Rope is the longest and most dramatic of pearl strands. Although you could wear it every day, this length looks best with evening attire. Try doubling it up to create a double (or even triple) strand, knotting it, or draping it down your back when wearing a backless gown. Some Rope length pearl necklaces are made with several clasps, so that it can be broken down into different necklace and bracelet combinations.