Jewelry
How to Buy Pearls
Pearls are graded on qualities you can genuinely see. Once you know what lustre looks like, you will never mistake a good strand for a great one.
Know the four types
Akoya are the classic round white pearls with sharp lustre, typically 6 to 9 millimetres. Freshwater are the value choice, softer in lustre and more varied in shape. South Sea are the largest and rarest, in white and gold. Tahitian bring naturally dark greys, greens and aubergines.
Lustre and nacre are everything
Hold a strand under a point light: you should see a sharp, mirror-like reflection, not a chalky glow. Thick nacre gives depth and durability; thin nacre reveals the bead nucleus when the pearl is rolled against light.
Surface and matching
Minor surface marks are natural and acceptable if hidden by the drill hole. On a strand, the pearls should match closely in size, shape, colour and overtone — matching is a large part of the price.
Wear and care
Pearls are soft and reactive. Put them on last, after perfume and hair products, wipe with a damp cloth after wear, and have strands restrung on silk with knots between pearls every year or two.
Before You Buy
- Choose the pearl type before the size
- Look for mirror-sharp lustre
- Check strand matching under daylight
- Restring on knotted silk regularly
Private Appointments
Personal sourcing, authentication and styling — by appointment only.
hello@jlluxuryboutique.com