Since the vast majority of modern pearl jewelry uses cultured pearls, a solid understanding of how they are valued will come in handy when shopping for a set of pearl earrings, a pearl bracelet or some other form of jewelry that uses pearls. Here are some guidelines that will be helpful when selecting pearl jewelry:

Pearl Luster

This is the most important feature of a pearl and should be your primary concern. Luster is the sharpness and intensity of reflections on the pearl's surface, to recognize a finer luster, look at the clarity of images that are reflected in the pearl's surface. The closer to a mirror image you see, the better the luster. Pearls with fine luster also seem to glow warmly from within.

Pearl Size

The size of the pearls used in any piece of jewelry is important for both aesthetic and financial reasons. Larger pearls are normally preferred for necklaces, however they may be considered less desirable for earrings, since they can often divert attention away from the wearer. In addition, larger pearls integrated into pearl rings are attractive but are often bulky and difficult to wear. Finally, the larger the pearl the greater the cost, so the educated shopper should balance the size of the pearl with the expected cost.

Pearl Similarity

When searching for pearl jewelry, one should look at how well matched pearls are when combined in jewelry. With many subtleties in color, shape and finish, even a slight difference can create an unbalanced appearance. Look for pearls that are similar, while keeping in mind that those that closely match will be more expensive.

Jewelry Style

Finally, having settled on a piece of pearl jewelry, it’s a good idea to consider the recipient’s taste in clothing to ensure that the jewelry selected will enhance that persons' wardrobe. For example, a traditional choker of white pearls would go well with a more formal business outfit, while a pair of chocolate pearl earrings would be much more versatile. So consider how the jewelry will be worn.

Pearl jewelry is a favorite for many, however navigating the many facets of finding the right piece can often feel complicated. By learning some pearl basics and then creating a familiarity with this popular form of jewelry, you will be well prepared to find a beautiful necklace, bracelet or set of earrings and have fun doing it.