Pearl Insider
5 things to look out for when buying pearls and looking good in them!
Connie 30 June 2020
Cleopatra, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, Kate Middleton, Emma Stone are all beautiful and successful women who have one thing in common : They all love pearls!
From the classic pearl strand necklace favoured by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast with Tiffany, to iconic multi-strand pearl necklaces by Coco Chanel to Baroque pearl earrings popularized by Kate Middleton, and most recently a pearl engagement ring for Emma Stone. Pearls have been the Queen of gems and the gems of queens for centuries and show no sign of going out of style.
A symbol of elegance and exquisite taste, pearls have long been a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Want to look sharp for the corporate meeting later? Put on a pair of pearl earrings or a pearl necklace and instantly elevate your look with class!
Investing in pearls is a smart move but only if you know how to pick them. We will help you, with our top 5 tips to buying your first pearl jewellery.
1. Pick a classic piece. A classic pair of pearl studs or a lone strand of pearl necklace is a style that is enduring and simple to wear. Let the pearls do their job to shine and illuminate your complexion.
2. Choose genuine pearls. Real pearls shine from within, the overtone and play of colours cannot be replicated by faux pearls. Check the pearls for authenticity by lightly rubbing them together. Real pearls should feel gritty and it is perfectly normal for pearls to have some surface indentations as they are naturally formed. What you should look out for is the lustre of the pearl and how well it catches the light to reflect overtone of colours.
3. Know your pearls. The top 4 varieties of pearls in the market are South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearls and Freshwater pearls. If you are just starting to like pearls, go for freshwater pearls. They are more affordable and really good value for money and variety. Akoya pearls are Japanese pearls famed for their mirror like surfaces and perfectly round shape. Tahitian pearls are exotic in their colours and mostly known for their black pearls. South Sea pearls are the most precious of them all for their large sizes and their silk-like lustre.
4. Reflect your personal style. Pearls come in all shapes and sizes. If your personal style is more casual, a strand of pearl necklace may look too corporate. Layer it with another simple necklace of a different style and you will be amazed at how the look is transformed! Or, opt for baroque pearls with their more quirky shapes to reflect your personality. Wear what feels comfortable for you!
5. Take care of your pearls. After investing in them, you want to make sure that your pearl jewellery can last a long time and perhaps even be an heirloom piece! Store them carefully in a sealed box away from sunlight. Wipe them down with a soft cloth after every use. You can run them through with a clean, lightly damp cloth every once in a while. Never soak your pearls in water. or regret it forever!
Got that all down? You are now on your way to picking your very own pearl jewellery with confidence!