Shopping For Pearl Jewelry

Modern day pearl jewelry offers women of all ages many more options when accessorizing clothing to give the right look and feel. Pearls are no longer worn just on special occasions, but rather on a daily basis to accentuate that classy, elegant, professional, sexy and fun side of a woman. More choice in color, size, and shape among pearls is usually a good thing. However, buying pearl jewelry for yourself or a loved one can be confusing unless you have been provided with a few essential “pearls of wisdom”.

On recent pearl necklace shopping expeditions that included national retail jewelry stores, on-line stores, and local jewelry shops, the very challenging experiences that consumers face when buying pearl jewelry was revealed firsthand.

In 60% to 70% of the jewelry stores visited, the sales associates:
- either were not able to explain the pearl quality grading system, and/or
- did not have a quality grade associated with their pearls, and/or
- were not educated about pearls, and/or
- were misinformed regarding very high quality cultured freshwater pearls.

Unfortunately for the consumer, the average jewelry store personnel lacks pearl jewelry certification and product expertise. Furthermore, a large majority of jewelry stores or jewelry departments did not offer very high quality cultured freshwater pearls (AAA), either because they did not know they exist or they choose not to offer them. Much more expensive Akoya saltwater pearls were offered as the best alternative to high quality freshwater pearls.

Consumers need to know that very high quality freshwater pearl jewelry exists, is quite comparable to Akoya pearls, and is much more affordable.

The overall message here for consumers is to be sure to learn the basics about pearls from a reputable and knowledgeable dealer prior to shopping. In particular, seek out firms whose employees have pearl jewelry GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification. It is critical that a consumer be properly educated when purchasing pearl jewelry, not only so they understand clearly what they are buying, but also so that they receive the best value for their money.

In summary, when you are shopping for pearl jewelry, remember to:
1) first educate yourself so that you know what you are buying,
2) have the seller demonstrate their knowledge and product offering to you, and
3) seek out high quality freshwater pearl jewelry as a very comparable and more affordable alternative to saltwater pearl jewelry.

These few tips on buying pearl jewelry can make your shopping experience much more pleasurable and rewarding. Today, high quality affordable pearl jewelry is available to consumers armed with the right information.