Jewelry and gems; The Buying Guide Pearls The riches merchandise of all, and the most sovereign commodity throughout the whole world, are pearls.
-Tahitian Black Pearls.
Tahitian Black Pearls, large pearls produced by a black-lipped saltwater oyster unique to the waters of Polynesia.
They range from gray to black in color, and the color is natural; both natural pearls with natural black color, and cultured pearls with natural black color have been found.
These varieties are distinctive because of their unusual shades of color, including tones of gray, blue gray, gunmetal gray, brown black, or greenish black.
The color in the Tahitian black pearl, however, is often not uniform throughout.
The stone can be black on one end, and much lighter on the other end.
The rarest and most expensive color for Tahitian black pearl is black with an iridescent peacock green overtone.
Tahitian black pearls are seldom smaller than eight millimeters.
they are rarely perfectly round.
Teardrop shaped baroque pearls are more common.
As with other South Sea pearls, these are rare and expensive.
Remember, however, not to confuse "natural" black color with being a "natural" pearl; most are cultured.
In addition, beware of "irradiated" or "dyed" black pearls, which are common and inexpensive.
Choosing your pearls When buying pearls, it's important to take the time to compare various types, sizes, and qualities to develop an eye for differences.
Here are some suggestions you might find helpful: -Compare the pearl quality factors as you shop.
Pay attention to differences in luster and orient.
color/tint, cleanliness, roundness, and size.
Pay special attention to the luster and orient.
This is the most important quality factor you should learn to judge.
You should also weigh the innumerable variables in quality against each other: if luster is good, roundness may be poor; if roundness is good, luster may be poor; if luster and color are good, they may not have clean surfaces; shape may be good but matching in the strand may be poor.
You can learn a great deal about pearl quality simply by looking.
-Examine pearls against your own neck and face to be sure the color of pearls suits your skin and hair coloring.
-Ask whether or not color is natural, especially when considering colored pearls (gray, blue, black, etc.
).
Pearls of natural color often sell for much more than white pearls, whereas dyed pearls should sell for much less.
If color is natural, be sure it is so stated on the bill of sale.
-Compare the pearl size.
As you shop, ask what size the pearls are, and compare differences in cost for the same quality in different sizes.
A double strand of smaller pearls may create and equally lovely look, and cost less than a single strand of larger pearls.
-Be sure to ask whether or not pearls are genuine or simulated, and be sure that "genuine cultured" or "genuine natural" is in writing on the bill of sale.
Don't be afraid to use the "tooth teat;" if it won't harm the pearls (but remove lipstick first).
Shopping around can be of tremendous help before you buy pearls.
It will help you become familiar with the wide range of pearls available within your price ranges; it will also develop your eye to distinguish quality differences, and help you decide what color, size, and shape is best for you.
If you take the time to follow our advice, your pearls will give you unending pleasure and pride.