Pearls have become a classic staple in today's jewelry even though they are the oldest known gemstone in history.
Do you know how to choose the perfect pearl?
When the goddess Venus emerged from the waters, iridescent sea drops rolled down her body, turning into pearls before returning to the sea. In Hindu mythology, Krisna discovered the first pearl and gave it to his daughter at her marriage. A gift from the gods in nature.
The use of pearls as ornamentation is not at all current. Civilizations since the most remote times have enjoyed the suggestive power of pearls. They captivate us with their magic and natural beauty. But, would you know how to choose the perfect pearl?
En Jewelry Gordillo We help you discover all the secrets of this gift of nature.
THE 5 S
Although gems have an emotional content in which subjectivity is a determining factor, when choosing a pearl it is interesting to know certain characteristics that lead to knowing if a pearl is of higher or lower quality.
Although the 4C criteria (Carat, Color Clarity and Cut) is widely known and used for diamonds, the criteria to determine the value of a pearl is less well known. These characteristics are collected with the 5s, in English, Size (size), Shine (lustre), Shape (shape), Surface (surface) and Shade (tonality).
Size
The size of a pearl is given by its largest diameter in millimeters. Although it is a relevant factor, it is not the highest criterion for choosing a pearl.
The smallest natural pearls They are found from 5 mm in jewelry and are sometimes used as first jewelry.
Pearls can reach sizes greater than 20mm, as is the case with Australian pearls, although their value will be compromised by the actual layer of mother-of-pearl that it possesses, since this will determine some of the other characteristics, such as the luster of it.
White gold ring with diamonds and Australian pearl.
Shine
The luster is the incidence of light on the layers of mother-of-pearl of the pearl The luster is what gives that incomparable mystical halo that differentiates them from the rest of the precious stones.
A pearl with adequate luster shines evenly without milky or vitreous markings on its surface.
Long pearl necklace.
Shape
The larger it is, the easier it is for the pearl to be present. irregularities in its shape, being some of them totally unclassifiable. We know these pearls as baroque pearls and they have a particular beauty that is not inconsiderable. In fact, it is the choice in many of our pieces in which we want to convey a more informal and natural style.
But it is true that the human being by nature is a great pursuer of symmetry, especially as far as natural elements are concerned. This, together with the greater complexity in finding completely regular elements, makes the roundest pearls the most valuable.
Earrings, made in rose gold with baroque pearls.
Surface
The surface of the pearls is full of marks that cannot be considered imperfections, since they are the result of nature's own action affecting its body.
But it is true that all the so-called spots on a pearl modify the direction and the way in which the light reflects on them, becoming one more criterion to take into account at the time of their choice.
A certain degree of imperfection will provide the piece with character and personality.
Full round pearl design.
Tone (Shade)
Although if we imagine a pearl we always imagine the most absolute white, this is not the case at all.
The tone of a pearl is defined by the color and its orientation. The color is determined by the origin and characteristics of the animal. one is given immense color range ranging from shades of grey, black, green or yellow. The value of each color will depend on the tastes and customs of each consumer, leaving open a wide range of possibilities in terms of choice depending on the characteristics of the person who is going to wear them.
A white or gray pearl will be more flattering on cold skin, however, green and yellow will favor tanned ones.
The orient is one of the most valued characteristics in pearls and is the result of the undertones reflected by irradiating light on the surface.
Long necklace, made with black Tahitian pearls.
The care of a natural jewel
You already have all the resources to know how to choose the Perlas, but being a living element, its care is of vital importance.
1. A natural fiber cloth such as cotton or silk will keep your piece in an excellent state of cleanliness.
2. It is important to avoid all kinds of chemicals such as perfume, creams or hair care products that can damage your pearl
3. It is also important not to use them in swimming pools, due to the powerful chemical effect of chlorine.
By following these simple recommendations you will be able to keep your jewel in perfect condition.
