About Pearl
For centuries, pearls have been one of the most popular and beloved gems in the world. The prices of pearl can range from anywhere $100 or less, all the way up to thousands and even millions of dollars. But then you may ask “What makes some pearls worth more than the others?” and “What is the value of my pearls?”
At Magicalle, we would like to share with you the know-how on determining the value of your pearl collection based on the shape, size, color, etc and how to care for your pearls. Here are the six major factors that determine the value of pearls.
1. Luster: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) researched that luster, referring to the intensity of the reflected light throughout the surface and the clarity of the image is the most crucial factor.
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- Excellent – Reflections appear bright and sharp
- Very Good – Reflections appear bright and near sharp
- Good – Reflections are bright but not sharp, and slightly hazy around the edges
- Fair – Reflections are weak and blurred
- Poor – Reflections are dim and diffused
2. Shape: Pearls are mainly separated into four categories:
- Round/Semi-Round
- Drop
- Baroque, and
- Circle Baroque
The idea shape is perfectly round. However, irregular shape in some cases improves the uniqueness of the pearl collection.
3. Surface Quality:
Like colored stones, most pearls never achieved perfection. If the surface of the pearl is totally smooth and flawless, it is considered to be in the highest grade, while if discovered any cracks, scratches and inequality on the surface will reduce the value of the pearl.
4. Nacre Quality: Refers to the natural substance produced by a mollusc to form a pearl. There are three categories defined by the GIA:
- Acceptable,
- Nucleus Visible, and
- Chalky Appearance
5. Size:
Pearls vary in size from 1mm to 20mm or more. Generally, the preferred size for pearls is 7-7.5mm, considered to be elegant and classic. For pearls which are more than 15mm are rare and have a higher collection value.
6. Color:
Colors are usually a personal preference and pearls come in an array of stunning colors. Although white is the traditional and most sought-after pearl hue. However, black, gold and blue pearls are very valuable due to their rarity.
How to Care for Pearls
1. Must be always in contact with air
Pearls need fresh air, put them up every few months, let them expose to air and breath often to avoid them from turning yellow.
2. Prevent direct exposure to sun
Pearls contain a certain amount of water, so they should be kept in a cool place to avoid dehydration.
3. To check regularly, change the string every 3 years
The pearls are advisable to be re-string every 3 years.
4. No contact with chemicals
Avoid letting pearls contact with acids, alkaline and chemicals, such as soap, perfume, styling gel, etc.
5. Never kept close to the kitchen
There are tiny pores on the surface of the pearl. Thus, avoid wearing the pearl close to oily fume, otherwise it will turn yellow.
6. Never be in contact with clean water
Do not clean the pearl with water, water can easily enter the small pores of the pearls resulting in fermenting the pearls.
Additional Finding about Pearls!
- The world’s first round-shaped pearl was successfully cultivated by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1905.
- Vinegar can cause pearls to be dissolved.
- Black pearls are not in black color. To be precise, it is charcoal gray, silver gray, dark green, blue-black, gray-black, purple-black, iron gray, etc.