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The value factors for
cultured pearls Size
Three things determine the size of a cultured pearl: size of the
mother-of-pearl nucleus, size of the oyster and thickness 
of the nacre. Size
is an important value factor. Certain sizes that are in fashion demand may
command premium prices. Supply and demand are the over-riding factors. Shape
Among connoisseurs, the more perfectly round a pearl is, the more valuable
and desirable it becomes. Pearls today are offered in a fascinating array of
shapes and sizes. Color
- three components
Pearl color includes: the body color (the primary color - either light,
dark or colored), the overtone color (a tint that appears super-imposed on the
body color), and a rare component called orient (an iridescent, or rainbow of
colors that generally is found on baroque pearls, or those with an irregular
surface).
The
most valuable pearls in the light body color group are pink, pink rose and
white rose with a very high luster, and rare well matched and round with a
clean surface. The finest dark pearls are black with a metallic green overtone
color. Pearls also come in pastel colors such as: pink, purple, yellow,
golden, green, silver and blue. The most valuable overtone color in light
pearls is rose. In black pearls green is most desirable. The color of the
mother-of-pearl inside the shell determines the pearl color, depending on the
species. Luster
Of the value factors, luster is among the most important. Luster refers to
the quality and quantity of light reflecting from the pearl's surface, or
"brightness" of the pearl. Very high luster is a sign of fine
quality nacre and is found only in the most rare pearls that command a premium
price. Japanese pearls, in general, exhibit a higher luster than South Sea
varieties that show a softer, more velvety appearance. Texture
This feature refers to the degree of surface perfection. Finer quality
nacre is very smooth and nearly blemish-free. However, most pearls have
natural surface characteristics that serve to identify them and act as
"mother nature's" fingerprints. The cleaner the surface, the higher
luster produces and more valuable the pearl become. Nacre
Thickness
Top quality cultured pearls have thick layers of very finely accumulated
nacre that produce a magnificent luster and durable pearl. Japan has strict
export standards regarding nacre thickness to ensure a quality product
worldwide. Matching-blending
When multiple pearls are combined, the quality of matching them such as is
earrings, is an important factor. In selecting pearls for a strand, the pearls
are closely blended for all of the features presented here. In all strands the
closest matching, finest quality pearls are found in the front third of the
strand.
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