Guide To Buying Pearl Jewellery

Jewellery can be considered one of the most treasured investments of any person. It is a great fashion accessory while maintaining your social status because of its value. You can invest in different types of jewellery, and you will always find its value intact. 

There are different types of jewellery for various occasions. But some jewellery is evergreen and elegant. One such type of jewellery is pearl jewellery. The gorgeous white gemstones are breathtakingly beautiful. No jewellery can level up to the grace of the jewellery made from these round white gemstones.

The history of pearls is a bit mysterious. It is difficult to pinpoint precisely when the pearls were first found, but a little fragment was found in the coffin remains of a Persian princess from 420 BC. The piece is now on display at the Louvre in Paris. The references to spherical gemstones have been found over different times in history. They have always been considered gemstones of the elite and ruling class. Even Julius Caesar made a law in the 1st century BC to limit pearls to higher ranks. 

There are many famous legends associated with precious white gemstones. It is said that Cleopatra took off a pearl from her earring, put it in her wine, waited for it to dissolve, and drank it later. The pearl was known to be one of its kind and was exuberantly large. Also, there are many mentions of the famous Basra pearls in Indian and Mughal history. The Baroda Pearl Canopy is made from approximately 9,50,000 Basra pearls, which makes it worth 2.2 million dollars in today's world.

The formation of pearls is as interesting as their beauty. They are extracted from freshwater oysters. Every woman needs to have a pearl jewellery set; it adds grace and elegance to her look. If you are a pearl enthusiast or thinking of investing in pearls, this article will give you insight into these magical gemstones.

Real Pearls vs. Fake Pearls

We live in a world where it has become easier to fool someone. The market is flooded with fake jewellery. It is difficult for an ordinary person to identify between real and fake pearl jewellery. Real pearls are found in nature, and faux pearls are often made in labs using glass and plastic. 

However, using some tips and tricks, you can strike a significant difference between the two. Both pearls have different features, easily identified by the naked eye and considered unofficial steam of authenticity.

Shine

The shine of fake pearls is more uniform, while the luster of real pearls is not so uniform because of the imperfections. The fake pearls lose their brightness after a particular time, while real ones maintain it for the long run because it resides in their depths. 

Weight

The fake pearls are lighter in weight as compared to the real ones. However, nowadays, fake pearls are made from glass which makes them heavier. 

Uniformity

Anything natural or authentic tends to have flaws, which are also reflected in the real pearls. Genuine pearls have slight imperfections, while it would be hard to notice any blemishes on the fake ones. 

Color

Pearl color is an essential factor in determining the authenticity of pearls. Fake pearls have the same shade of color and uniformity, while genuine pearls miss this feature because every pearl comes from a different oyster. 

Types of Pearls

The origin of the real pearl is a story in itself. It is interesting to know how they grow and are extracted. When shopping for pearl jewellery, always ask the jeweler about the origin of the pearls. Majorly there are three types of pearls available in the jewellery market.

Natural Pearls

When an irritant or parasite enters the shell of an oyster or mussel to damage it, they create a natural defense mechanism. The mechanism involves building layers of fluid called nacre around the irritant or parasite. The nacre is known as mother-of-pearl. It takes about five to ten years to mature completely, resulting in a beautiful pearl. This is the way natural pearls are born. 

Cultured Pearls 

Cultured pearls are formed precisely like natural ones, with a bit of human intervention. The irritant is inserted in the oyster as a shell bead nucleus surgically. These pearls came into existence only in the late 19th century, when there was a need for more affordable pearls in the market. These pearls are grown in “pearl farms” by farmers, where they are well taken care of. 

Different cultured pearls are available today- Akoya, Tahitian, Freshwater, White & Golden South Seas, and Sea of Cortez. However, the most popular ones are Tahitian Pearls and South Sea Pearls. 

Tahitian pearls are known for their exotic black appearance. These are naturally cultured in the salt waters of French Polynesia. They are not strictly black, but the shades range from pale Dove Grey to very Dark Charcoal Grey. Rarely a complete black pearl is obtained. Like any natural pearl, they come in different shapes and sizes with distinct overtones.

 

 

South Sea pearls are the most luxurious cultured pearls because of their rich color palette. Often regarded as the “Queen of Pearls,” they have a striking pearl color palette of white and gold. These are naturally cultured in the waters of the Northern coast of Australia and the Philippine Islands. They are large and have uniformity in round structures. 

 

 

Cultured pearls are genuine pearls grown in the lap of nature, precisely like natural pearls. 

Imitation Pearls

Fake pearls are known as imitation pearls. As discussed previously, they are made using glass beads. These glass beads are coated with a mixture of varnish and a solution extracted from fish scales. They are made with great precision and have good luster, but eventually, it fades out. There is plenty of fake pearl jewellery available in the market today that is inexpensive and easily accessible.

How To Determine If Pearls Are Genuine?

Pearls have metaphysical properties, i.e., they can absorb the negative energy around you and keep you pure and calm. Natural pearls will feel cool on the skin when touched for the first time. The fake one will have room temperature.

It is easy for professional jewelers to identify a piece of natural pearl jewellery from a fake or imitation one. They look at it under a microscope to tell the difference. If the surface of the pearl under the microscope seems grainy, it is real. If the surface is smooth, then it is an imitation. But how can you do it yourself?

We discussed the differences between real and fake pearls. But if it is still challenging to identify, we recommend trying the pearl tooth test. People often do the Pearl tooth test to determine between real and fake pearls. It feels rough, like sandpaper, when you rub a natural pearl on your tooth. But a fake one has a glossier and smoother finish, which will glide over your teeth. 

Another simple way to do this test is by simply rubbing one pearl against another. Faux will glide across each other, while the real ones will feel gritty and rough. 

Some might even recommend the fire test to identify the pearls. A natural pearl, when burnt, remains unaffected and makes a pop sound after two minutes. At the same time, the fake one will release a pungent odor and lose its luster on burning. 

Where To Buy Authentic Pearls in Dubai?

Buying pearls is an investment. There are various types of pearls available in the market. You can buy anything that suits your budget and style. But you need to make sure the product is authentic. 

Before making the purchase, check about the type and origin of the pearl jewellery from the jeweler. Every pearl is unique and has a different shape. A round pearl is priced higher than the others. Check the pearl size chart before buying the jewellery; their diameter is in millimeters to measure them. The average size of cultured pearls is between seven and eight millimeters. 

Other than the Tahitian and South Sea Pearls, Basra pearls are the most exotic pearls ever to be known. They have origins in the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. They are known for their unique scattering effect, which is missing in other pearls. They are scarce because their origin got hampered due to oil production in the Middle east. They are priceless and have great significance in Indian history. 

Dubai is every shopper's haven. People from all around the world travel to the place to shop for jewellery and other things. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind before buying pearl jewellery Dubai:

Shop from a retailer who has specialization in pearls.

It is better to buy pearl jewellery from someone who knows about it very well. Only some understand the difference between natural and cultured pearls.

Refrain from indulging in high-end brands. 

Many brands promise the best quality pearls but have yet to learn about them. Instead, check out Lifestyle Fine Jewelry Store for various pearl jewellery, including Tahitian and South Sea pearls. 

Do a quick check on pearls.

A quick and easy tooth or rub test will give you an idea about the quality of pearls in any store. A good store will show it and prove its quality.

Ask for an authenticity certificate.

Every retailer must provide you with an authenticity certificate for the pearl jewellery. It should mention the details of the pearls, like origin, weight, size, and many more. Check if the retailer is a member of gemstone associations such as the Cultured Pearl Association, Better Business Bureau, and the Jewelers Board of Trade. Having an association with these will add credibility to their name. 

If shopping online, check the store policies.

We all like to shop online, but things will only sometimes turn up exactly as shown in the website picture. It can be due to lighting or any reason. A good store will always allow you to exchange or return your pearl jewellery if required. Also, check their customer service and how they respond to your queries. 

How To Care For Pearls?

Pearls are durable and long-lasting. Pearl jewellery might look easy to maintain and care for, but good quality pearls require maintenance and effort. Here are simple ways you can tend to your precious jewellery:

Wear them in the end.

It is often advised to wear the jewellery after all the hair and makeup, dressing up, and perfuming have been done. The same goes for pearl jewellery. 

Clean and store.

After you have worn the jewellery for an event, clean it with a soft cloth and store it in its case carefully.

No chemicals.

You can clean the pearls using a damp cloth, but you cannot use any chemicals or solvents to clean them. They might lose their brilliance if done so.

Change threads every few years.

The strings or threads on which the pearls are strung might get old and weak after a specific time. Changing it every few years is advised to avoid any breakage at the wrong time. You can ask the jeweler to change the thread.

Keep them wrapped in soft material.

Refrain from casually laying the pearl jewellery on the table or in your bag. It can cause scratches on the surface of the pearls. Keep them wrapped up in a soft mulmul cloth to avoid any damage. 

Conclusion

Jewellery is a considerable investment. You want to avoid falling into the pit by knowing that you have been frauded by fake jewellery. Pearl jewellery is a must-have in your collection, and it is equally important to get natural pearls. Authentic pearl jewellery will add more charm to your style. 

This article convinced you to buy beautiful pearl jewellery and gave you an insight into how to buy the best quality pearls. Always purchase from an authentic place with good services and extreme professionalism.