Pearl Color
Pearls come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from white
all the way to black. The natural color of a pearl results from a combination of
several factors:
- Body Color The predominant basic color of the pearl.
- Overtone The one or more colors that overlie the body
color. On black pearls these colors are usually easiest to see in the lighter
areas of the pearl. On white pearls they are easier to see in the darker
areas.
- Iridescence A play of lustrous colors. They may be like
those of the rainbow, or they may be a subtle combination of colors such as
pink, blue, green and silver. The colors of the pearls change when you move
them in your hand.
Pearl color does affect the price of pearls. This
affection is more prominent on saltwater pearl than on freshwater pearl. It
differs from type to type. Even pearls in a same category have quite different
price level just because of their color. The presence of overtone color and
iridescence can make pearl more valuable. However, pearl jewelry is a decoration
to inspire beauty of wearer. It is better to choose suitable one instead of
precious one. Your primary concern should be what looks best on you.
Surface
imperfections to avoid when choosing pearls
2.
Take into consideration the lighting. If possible look at the pearls under
different types of light sources-daylight near a window, fluorescent, and
incandescent (light bulbs). You'll probably be wearing the pearls under a
variety of light sources.
3. it’s a lot easier to
compare color than to remember it. If possible, wear or take along some
comparison pearls. Otherwise, compare the color to other pearls in the store.
Even using white and cream-colored papers as color references is better than
relying on color memory.
4. When pearl strands are
exactly adjacent, their color may seem to bleed from one strand to another.
Therefore, also compare them slightly separated from each
other.
5. Every now and then, look away from the pearls
at other colors and objects. When you focus on one color too long, your
perception of it becomes distorted.
6. Consider how
evenly distributed the color is on the pearls, especially if it's one major
pearl on a ring or pendant. A uniform color is more highly valued than a blotchy
one.
7. If you are trying to decide between white and
pink pearls of the same quality but the pink pearls cost more. Look in a few of
the drill holes with a 10-power magnifier. If you can see red or pink stains on
the nacre layer or a pink line between the nacre and the nucleus, they are dyed.
Seeing positive indications of dye may influence your decision. By the way, even
if you don't see evidence of dye, the pearls may still be dyed.