Pearls 101

I love pearls and not just because it is my birthstone!  I love their shape, I love their colors and I love the feel of pearls. Pearls are a staple of any great jewelry wardrobe and I think they are underestimated by the majority of us.  When we think of pearls an image of statuesque woman in her living room wearing a fabulous 1950’s day dress, heels, an apron, and a strand of pearls comes to mind.  Her hair is perfectly coiffed as she elegantly vacuums the floor.  At least that’s what I imagine.  But pearls can be so much more edgy and modern than that.  You’ve heard of leather and lace…why not leather and pearls.  An unexpected strand of pearls paired with a concert t-shirt and ripped jeans can be so fun and modern.  I wish we all had the guts to throw on our pearls at the most unexpected time.  Let’s start a movement to change the stereotype that the pearl has endured for centuries.  Let’s be the generation that gives its youth and fire back to the pearl!!!

I think the hardest part of buying and owning jewelry is taking the mystery out of the gemstones.   How can we be sure we won’t damage or ruin these very expensive items with our ignorance of them?  I want to help dispel the stigma around harming our jewelry.  Undoubtably we must take care of these items to make sure they last for generations but you only have to look to the auction houses to see that gemstones and jewelry are made to last lifetimes.

So here is my pearl 101…how to buy, how to wear, and how to maintain.

How to buy.

You can go to my Instagram Highlights @CuratorofGems to see examples of what I am discussing below.

Pearls are Calcium Carbonate and are found inside of a mollusk.  Historically, a piece of sand, or another irritant, gets inside of the mollusk.  The mollusk begins excreting nacre that surrounds the irritant until a pearl is formed.  It can take four years or more for a pearl to develop.  

Lustre

In my opinion the lustre of the pearl is the most important quality.  Lustre is what gives the pearl its unique beauty.  Lustre can be described as the pearls shine determined by the quality and translucence of each layer of nacre.  A pearls surface quality also effects the lustre.  A pearl that has a very smooth surface will reflect light better are create more of a shine. 

Color.

White…am I right?  When you think of pearls think about the clouds.  Are clouds white?  Yes and no, there are so many colors to see when we look at clouds and the pearl is exactly the same. Yellows, greens, pinks, blues, grays, creams.  All these colors are in white pearls.  There are tones within a pearl that compliment different skin. The point being you MUST try on a strand of pearls!  The tones within the pearl might not sit right with your skin.  Try on different tones of pearls until you find the right fit for you.  Our keyword plays a part in the color as well.  You are looking for uniform color throughout the strand.  You can move the pearls close to one another to make sure they are uniform in color.

The same is said of Tahitian pearls.  There are black, grey, brown, purple, green, and yellow tones that will compliment different skin colorations.  Traditionally, “Peacock” Tahitian pearls have been the most desirable with greens and purples within the pearl but honestly I swoon when I see buttery, silvery Tahitian pearls.  Something about the color makes me happy.  

Pearls naturally form in a myriad of colors depending on the minerals they are exposed to while forming.  White, black, gray, yellow, orange, pink, lavender, green and blue.  Pearls can be color treated so be sure to ask questions before purchasing! 

Shape

Round and Baroque are the most common shapes of pearls.  Round being the most recognizable in the United States but did you know there are tear-drop, button, mabe, and oval.  A perfectly round pearl is the hardest to come by and usually the most valuable.  Our uniformity comes back in the shape as well.  You are looking for a uniform run shape in a pearl strand!  Baroque pearls are the irregularly shaped pearls and are very desirable for a strand or in other jewelry pieces. Tear-drop shaped pearls are usually used in earrings.

Size.

Pearls are measured in millimeter (mm) by its diameter.  When purchasing a strand of pearls they are described by the smallest pearl and the largest pearl for example a strand might be 12.7mmx14.4mm.  The smallest pearl is 12.7mm and the strand graduates to a 14.4mm pearl at the center.  The keyword to remember while looking at pearls is uniformity.  A desirable strand of pearls has a slight graduation not a dramatic graduation so that the pearls appear very uniform around the neck.  An example of a dramatic strand would be 8mmx16mm.

How to Wear.

Pearl jewelry is a classic part of your jewelry wardrobe that can be worn daily either for special occasions of casually.  A strand of pearls instantly makes one look more elegant and conversely if worn in a casual setting can add edge.  Don’t be shy about your pearls throw them on everyday and see how they add something special to your day!

How to Maintain.

Pearls are living organisms and can be damaged by environmental factors. Make-up, perfume, lotions, and hair products can damage the nacre of the pearl causing it to loose lustre and discolor. The best way to clean your pearls is with a soft cloth and warm water. Gently wipe the pearl down to remove any residue and restore its natural lustre. Once a pearls nacre has been compromised there is little that can be done to restore it so always remember to your pearls on LAST!

It has been a blast sharing this knowledge with you. If you have ANY questions please feel free to send me an e-mail or comment below! Put your pearls on and enjoy your day!

XOXO, Nicole