Buying a strand of pearls is a great way to invest in a classic piece of jewelry that will always be in fashion. They’re great for any event. Pearls are perfect for casual dining or for formal weddings, providing you with the subtle yet elegant look you are searching for.

Tips for Purchasing Pearls:

As you begin looking to buy pearls, think about the variables which impact their worth. Among these are shine, thickness, shape, textural quality, dimension and hue. The glow or brilliance of the finish is what is known as luster. There is a solid shine on high quality pearls. Notice the roundness of the pearls. Seek out the really spherical ones which are smooth feeling and have no flaws on the top layer. You should be aware that pearl dimensions are gauged in millimeters. Test out a variety of sizes in order to find the one that fits right for you. Also see how you like different lengths of pearls. Typically they range in length from 17 to 19 inches, an adaptable style that works with lots of wardrobe choices.

Look at the graduated pearls which are large at the center but smaller towards the clasp. Pearls may be in a number of different colors. Gold, black, white, and cream are some of the more popular choices. The pearls must match each other when you are buying a pair of earrings or a necklace, so that it adds to the value. Try different cultured pearls to see which you like, Akoya pearls are reasonably priced and accessible. Tahitian Pearls and South Sea Pearls are two other choices.

They are available with a white or golden tint. Additionally, you could choose Freshwater Pearls which are less expensive. Not all pearls are graded equally. Those with the highest quality are graded triple A or triple A+. Some cheaper alternatives to try out are A or double A. There is a broad array of pearl types as well as with their quality and cost too. You can search for pearls at the top jewelry retailers, web-based shops or auctions.

Be aware of your budget and shop around for the best deal. Include a variety of stores in your search for jewelry. See what is the best from a number of jewelers. Before you buy or request documentation of value, remember to ask about the grade of the pearls. Placing the pearl strand flat on top of a velvet box is a great way to check for flaws before you finalize the purchase. If an outside appraiser does not believe the pearls are worth what you believe, you can get a refund.

Tips on properly cleaning the pearls:

Don’t wear your string of pearls until after you’ve put on perfume, makeup or lotions. They will build up and take the shine off the pearls. After wearing them, remove pearls and use a lint-free cloth to clean them. Check out cleaning solutions that are made for pearls. One can always have a professional clean the items.

Pearls that have lost their shine should be wiped carefully with a moist cloth and dried on a level surface. Wipe your pearls with a cloth and some olive oil to help them return to their original luster. This will get the shine to return.

How to Care for Pearls:

To make sure that your pearls last, to pass down to future generations, be sure to handle them with care. Don’t keep them with your other jewelry because certain gemstones can scratch them. You can keep them in a silk pouch or choose a velvet-lined jewelry box for them. The cord the pearls are strung on are known to fray with time, so every once in a while check to make sure it’s in good condition.

Once every year or two you should get your strand of pearls restrung by a professional jeweler. Only pure silk or a nylon necklace cord must be used. Each of these is strong as well as sturdy. Request to have the pearls knotted separately. This keeps your pearls from brushing up against one another and safeguards them in case the string breaks.

By stringing pearls on a wire instead of on a rope you can achieve a more modern look.

Treat your pearls nicely, don’t leave them on your television or radiator. The color could become different when they get hot.

Make sure to only use cleaners that are safe for use with pearls. Anything other than this could damage the fragile texture.

You should keep your pearls flat so there aren’t any problems with the string. Hanging them may stretch them out.

Renata Lavlor writes about Jewelry and other Fashion & Personal Care as a staff writer for HowToDoThings.com.

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10k White Gold Round Tahitian Pearl Necklace (9-10 mm) $130.89 A lovely gift, pendant-style necklace features one hypnotic black Tahitian pearlWomen’s black pearl jewelry is cradled inside an open teardrop of 10-karat white goldNecklace is suspended from a 17-inch maxim ultralight chain

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693740 – Tahitian Pearl & 0.1ct Diamond Drop Earrings 18ct White Gold $432 Frame your features with the dazzling elegance of Tahitian pearls and diamonds with these fabulous 18 carat gold drop earrings. The leverback earrings each feature a near round Tahitian pearl as well as a total of 24 full round-cut pave-set diamonds. The earrings each measure about 3.6cm (1.4″) in length. Please note that the size colour and shape of the pearls may vary. Total diamond weight: 0.17 carat.

696862 – 11-13mm Tahitian Pearl 45cm Necklace 18ct White Gold $3095 Discover the ultimate in luxury with this truly elegant Tahitian pearl necklace. Showcasing a length of black Tahitian pearls measuring about 11mm – 13mm, the simple accessory will make a timeless addition to your jewellery collection. The necklace measures about 45cm (17.7″) in length and secures with 18 carat white gold tongue and box clasp. Please note the size, shape and quantity of pearls may vary.

693738 – 11-12mm Tahitian Pearl 45cm Necklace 18ct White Gold $2043.75 The deep lustre of Tahitian pearls makes this classic single strand really stand out from the crowd. The necklace measures approximately 43cm (16.9″) in length and is made up of luxurious 11mm – 12mm Tahitian pearls. It fastens with an 18 carat white gold ball and tongue clasp of about 2cm (0.8″).

693737 – Tahitian Pearl Single Drop Earrings 18ct Gold $165.75 The natural glory of dove grey Tahitian pearls is showcased in this elegant pair of drop earrings. Each lustrous pearl is suspended from a single length of delicate 18 carat yellow gold chain, giving the earrings an overall drop of approximately 55mm (2.2″). The earrings secure with post and butterfly fittings, suitable for pierced ears only.

696897 – 14mm Tahitian Pearl Pendant 18ct White Gold $211.75 Add a hint of luxury to your look with this Tahitian pearl pendant. It’s made from 18 carat white gold and boasts a simple yet stylish baroque pearl. This stone measures about 14mm and will add a little shimmer to your look. The pendant attaches to a fixed jump ring – wear on any necklace to complete the look. The pendant has a drop of about 3.2cm (1.3″). Please note, pearl shape may vary.

Stunning Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 8.50-9mm Tahitian Pearl Well Made in 14K White Gold – Certificate Available. $159 Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 8.50-9mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 14K White Gold – Certificate Available.

Terrific Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 9.5mm Tahitian Pearl Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold – Certificate Available. Size 7 $226 Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 9.5mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 14K Yellow Gold – Certificate Available.

Terrific Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 9.5mm Tahitian Pearl Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold – Certificate Available. $226 Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 9.5mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 14K Yellow Gold – Certificate Available.

Terrific Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 9.5mm Tahitian Pearl Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold – Certificate Available. Size 6.5 $226 Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Diamonds and 9.5mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 14K Yellow Gold – Certificate Available.

693792 – Tahitian Pearl & 0.1ct Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold $389.75 Discover the ultimate in luxury with this stunning pearl and diamond ring. Made from sleek 18 carat white gold, it showcases a Tahitian pearl (10mm) flanked by five sparkling diamonds on either shoulder. The head of the ring measures about 10mmx 15mm and the polished shank tapers to 2mm. Please note the size, colour and shape of the pearls may vary.

8-8.5 mm Black Tahitian Fashion Earrings in 14k White Gold $779.99 Tahitian pearls are perfect to create a lavish and upscale look. Wear these beautiful 8-8.5 mm Tahitian pearl earrings and walk proudly in any room. Be sophisticated and polished wherever you go. Set in 14k white gold.

694668 – 9-12.5mm Tahitian & South Sea Pearl 45cm Necklace 18ct Gold $1216 Add a real treasure to your jewellery box with this gorgeous 18 carat gold necklace adorned with Tahitian and South Sea pearls. There are black Tahitian peals measuring and gold and white-coloured South Sea pearls along a knotted strengthened cord. The necklace fastens using a ball clasp with tongue and measures about 45cm (17.7″) in length.

684757 – 11-12mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Accent Pendant & Chain 18ct Gold $345.12 A precious jewel from the South Seas lies at the heart of this stunning 18 carat gold pendant. The pendant takes the form of a sinuous teardrop, crafted in luxurious 18 carat yellow gold. One half of the teardrop is studded with 11 pave-set, round-cut diamonds. Suspended in the centre is a lustrous Tahitian pearl, accented with a single claw-set diamond. The top of the pendant curls over, creating a bail, which attaches it to a 45cm (17.7″) snaked chain. Diamond: 0.08 carat.

695536 – 9-11mm Tahitian Pearl 20cm Bracelet 18ct White Gold $233.18 Discover the ultimate in luxury with this Tahitian pearl bracelet. Crafted from 18 carat white gold, the statement accessory showcases a captivating collection of drop circle pearls (9mmm – 11mm) creating a lustrous finish. The bracelet measures about 20cm (8″) in length and secures with a ball clasp with a tongue fastening. Please note the size and shape of the pearls may vary.

693741 – Tahitian Pearl 9mm Graduating Grey to Black Strand 18ct Gold $1225 Savour the timeless elegance of this Tahitian pearl necklace. It’s made up of round pearls that measure about 9mm-10mm across, and they graduate in colour from grey at the clasp, through to black in the centre. The strand measures about 45cm (17.7″) in length and fastens with an 18 carat gold ball clasp. Please note that the colour, size, shape and quantity of pearls may vary.

696902 – 9-9.5mm Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Bypass Ring 18ct Gold $568.5 Treat someone close to a little luxury with this diamond and Tahitian pearl ring. It’s made from 18 carat yellow gold and features a stylish bypass design. The ring is set with two round black pearls (9mm – 9.5mm) and 26 round-cut diamonds for a sparkling touch. The head of the ring measures about 17mm and tapers to a 2mm shank. Total diamond weight: 0.15 carat.

Mikimoto! Luxurious Brand New Ring Super Clean Diamonds and 13mm Tahitian Pearl Made of 18K Gold $2295 MIKIMOTO ACB97382BP Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Super Clean Diamonds and 13mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 18K White Gold. Total item weight 13.0g – Certificate Available.

Mikimoto! Luxurious Brand New Ring 2.25ctw Tourmalines and 12.5mm Tahitian Pearl Made of 18K Gold $3135 MIKIMOTO ACO98100PT Brand New Ring With 2.25ctw Precious Stones – Genuine 12.5mm Tahitian Pearl and Tourmalines Solid 18K Yellow Gold. Total item weight 25.0g – Certificate Available.

Mikimoto! Luxurious Brand New Ring Super Clean H/VS Diamonds and 11mm Tahitian Pearl Made of 18K Gold $2019 MIKIMOTO ACB97442BP Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Super Clean Diamonds and 11mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 18K White Gold. Total item weight 12.0g – Certificate Available.