The quality of pearls can be determined by its, texture, color, shape, size, luster, surface flaws and its ability to blend and match. There is a difference between freshwater pearls and dyed or imitation pearls and you need to be careful while purchasing pearls.

Quality

A natural pearl is formed by accident when an intruder enters the mollusk’s shell and to defend itself this mollusk forms semi-opaque layers of calcium carbonate which make the coating of the pearl. The shape and size of natural pearls vary as the levels of coatings are left to nature. In cultured pearls man intervenes by opening the mollusk shell and inserts beads which then get coated with nacre to make the pearl appear lustrous and shiny. Natural pearls are rarely available and highly expensive these days.

Luster

The thickness of the pearl’s nacre or external coating will decide the amount of the luster that the pearl has. Pearls with high luster will give sharp reflections and a high degree of transparency. The more the luster the higher is the quality and durability of the pearl. High quality pearls glow with dazzling brilliance making them appear all the more attractive.

Surface flaws

Even the most expensive pearls are not free from blemishes. Each pearl has slight surface imperfections on the surface such as spots, indentations or blisters however you should try and choose pearls with minimum surface flaws as they enhance the appearance of the jewelry.

Color

There are a wide variety of colors which you can choose from depending on your choice and preference. Generally fair complexioned people can go in for lighter shades like rose pink and peach to match their complexion. People with darker shades can choose from a range of light and dark colors such as brown, grey, black, red, green, blue, lavender, and more. Pearls take on the color of the shell in which they are formed.

Shape

Generally a round shaped pearl has more demand and is more expensive. Pearls are formed depending upon the position of the pearl in the mollusk and the shape of the nucleus. Pearls can vary in shape from round, baroques, buttons, eggs, rice, pears and other varieties.

Matching and Blending

Matching and Blending pearls in a strand to maintain uniformity is a difficult task and takes a lot of time. Each pearl has to be sorted out one piece at a time according to shape, size, luster and color and then arranged in a strand before they are sold. While choosing pearls you can select a strand with greater uniformity if you are planning to buy a necklace with single string and matching color pearls.

Size

Larger cultured pearls are difficult to obtain as they will require staying in the oyster shell for a longer time. This will increase the possibility of larger blemishes and surface flaws on the pearl thus decreasing its value.

While choosing the size of the pearl consider the suitability of the size on the person wearing the pearl as large sized pearl necklace will not suit a petit person with a delicate frame.