Pearl Jewelry Shopping Tips

Usually, the less sharp and intense they are, the lower the luster. Examine luster of the strands on a flat white surface, e.g. a white paper and at the reflections on the pearls under a light.

Sometimes, however, a lack of sharpness is due to surface blemishes, rather than the overall luster. Look for the brightest and darkest areas of the pearls. Then compare the contrast between the two. The lower the contrast and the milkier the pearl is, the lower the luster. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spot low and very low luster.

Milky-looking pearls. are sometimes sold in "high quality" stores. Be aware that their luster is low. The luster quality of a strand is determined by its overall appearance, not just by one pearl.

If you find a strand you like that happens to have a pearl or two with an obviously lower luster than the rest of the strand, that is not a well-matching. Roll the pearls slightly so you can see their entire surface.

The luster not only varies from pearl to pearl. It varies on each pearl. Try the pearls on and check, you can see the highlighted spots on them from a distance (say 10 feet/3 meters), if the pearls are of good quality. If possible, lay the pearls alongside other strands and compare the luster.

This is most effective when you already know the relative quality of the comparison strands. Keep in mind that your impression of a strand will be affected by the pearls it is compared to. A strand will look better when viewed next to lower-luster strands than next to those of higher luster.

Sometimes buyers get so involved in examining the shape and blemishes of pearls that they overlook their luster. However, the most important value point in pearls of equal size is luster because that is what gives a pearl its beauty.
by Katinee W