04Jun13 - Pearls

Pearls symbolize purity of heart, mind, faith and innocence. They remind us to carry ourselves through life with dignity.
These oldest known gems were once considered the most valuable of gems.
Pearls stimulate spiritual transformation, wisdom, integrity and pure love. They bring out the best qualities that rest within our souls.

How to grade pearls
-Glossiness
 A - particularly bright, sharp and uniform. Skin like a mirror, the reflection is very clear
 B - bright and uniform, clear reflection.
 C - bright, moderate reflection
-Markings
 A - Smooth surface, no sign of blemish
 B - Small pinholes-like blemish, only visible on close inspection
 C - Visible blemish and deflects
-Shapes(Roundness)
 A1 - Difference between height and width is less than 1% (salt water pearls)
       - Difference between height and width is less than 3% (fresh water pearls)
   B - Over shapes, teardrop shapes or rice shapes
   C - irregular shapes

    Sea water pearls are usually more valuable and rare than fresh water ones

How to differential real and fake pearls
Fake pearls can be made to look like more expensive pearls, but they are made up of glass, ceramic, shell or plastic. This bead or fragment is then coated with a varnish or some other material that simulates a pearl-like luster and false iridescence. They are manufactured by humans to fool the human eye.

-Drill Holes
You should be able the layered interior. Fake pearls may have damages around the holes and different interior colors. Generally the holes on the pearls should be small as pearls are sold by weights.

-By Feel
Real pearls feel cool to the touch while fake ones feel too smooth and greased.

    Cultivated pearls are much affordable and common.

-Rubbing
By rubbing real pearls against the glass, it should feel a bit of friction and powdery residue will appear (over-doing will damage the pearl surface!)
By rubbing real pearls against each other will feel similar. Fake pearls will be smooth and no friction.

-Microscopic view
 Under microscopic view, real pearls have rough surface, similar to eggs, while fake pearls will be smooth and perfect

-Overall
Real pearls are multi-colored, and no two pearls are the same in shape and color. Fake ones
will look all the same with no variations.

Pearls are the world’s only organic gemstone, and therefore, tend to be quite delicate. Proper care of your pearl jewelry is essential to ensure your investment will last a lifetime. Personal care products, such as perfume or hairspray, can severely damage the luster and beauty of a pearl.  

JJ