What to Ask When Buying Pearls

The following questions will help you obtain information to help you make better comparisons and choices. Where we have indicated, be sure the information is provided on the receipt. Information stated on your receipt provides clear evidence of representations made to you by the seller. In the event of misrepresentation, the written information will enable you to obtain restitution. In the US, consumer protection laws require accurate and complete representation of the facts. If there is misrepresentation, the seller can be held legally liable; in such cases, sellers must refund the purchase price or deliver a product that meets the written description, regardless of the store policy.
Here are some great questions to ask while shopping for pearls.

1. Are these pearls natural, cultured or imitation? If they are represented to be natural, be sure the words "natural pearls" are stated on your receipt. Also, if natural, pearls should be accompanied by a laboratory report verifying this. If they are not, be sure to get a report. Note: X-ray examination must be performed to verify that pearls are natural. This must be done by a gem testing laboratory with proper equipment; dental x-rays are unreliable.

2. What is the shape? Make sure the receipt includes a statement specifying shape, such as "perfect-round, round, semi-round, baroque", and so on. If baroque, note whether the pearl is symmetrical or asymmetrical. If round, be sure to ask whether the pearl is truly "round" or "three-quarter" round. This should be clearly stated as "round" on the receipt.

3. How would you describe the overall quality of these pearls? Are the pearls AAA, AA+, AA or A quality? Knowledgeable sellers know whether the pearls they are selling are exceptionally fine, good, average, or poor quality. A statement describing the overall quality should be provided on your receipt, as well as a written guarantee of pearl type.

4. What is the nacre thickness? We recommend knowing what the nacre thickness is. A knowledgeable seller should be able to tell the thickness of your pearls' nacre from the intensity of its luster. They should also be willing to indicate this on your receipt if you request.

5. Do these pearls have good luster? Again, find out how the seller would grade the luster (exceptionally high or intense, very high, high, medium, fair, poor). Keep in mind that if they exhibit a high luster, they will probably have very thick nacre.

6. What color are the pearls? A knowledgeable seller should be able to tell you the body color and overtone and provide this information on your receipt. "White-Rose," for example, would indicate that the pearl has a body color of white with an overtone of rose.

7. Is the pearl color natural or color-treated? Make sure that your receipt states whether the pearl is a natural color or if it is color-treated. Both options can be perfectly acceptable depending on the type of pearl. For example, a white Akoya pearl with a rose overtone should be a natural color; it should not be treated to be this way. It would be normal for a black Akoya pearl to be color-treated however, as Akoya pearls are not naturally black.

8. How does the pearls' "surface perfection" rank? Make sure your seller states what kind of blemishes, if any, appear on the pearls' surface.

9. What size are the pearls? Remember, price increases as size increases (with each half-millimeter increment). Be sure the exact size is stated by your seller on your receipt. Uniform strands, pendants and earrings should have an exact size, described in a half-millimeter range; such as "7-7.5mm". For a graduated strand of pearls the size is measured in a range from smallest to largest. Different sizes are considered rarer than others depending on the type of pearl. For example, 10mm is not large for a South Sea pearl, but would be considered extremely large and rare for an Akoya pearl.

10. How well matched are the pearls? When purchasing pearl necklaces, bracelets or jewelry containing numerous pearls it is vital that the pearls are matched. This means that each pearl should be nearly identical in its' color, surface markings and luster. Pearls that are poorly matched will be much less valuable and beautiful than properly matched ones.