The best way to verify pearls for color variations and hues

Most people would expect cultured pearls to be white. It’s true many of the pearls out there now are white with diverse hue variations. But too much white can be monotonous. Luckily during the cultivation process all sorts of colors are created. Normally the type of pearl you buy will come in many different shades and the colors will be natural and not artificially colored. Artificially colored pearls are usually associated with the cheaper quality.

The reason we buy pearls is because they look beautiful and have interesting overtones. For example if a freshwater pearl necklace  was flat and dull  it would not be interesting to look at  all. Hence this is why pearls are so popular, because they have a complex array of colors overtones and Hues. One thing to look for in the color the pearl is overtone color. Generally if you look closely in a pearl, for example let’s take the Akoya pearl. You should be able to see a slight pink, blue, green or  silver color. This is what’s called an overtone. And the more overtonesyou see the better the quality. Sometimes these overtones can present themselves in a subtle rainbow color of pink, blue, green, silver. This overtone rainbow of colors is referred to as iridescence.

When you buy top quality pearls they tend to be very colorful. For instance in a light pink pearl you’ll easily be able to see blue and pink overtones. And as you move the pearls they appear to change color due to iridescence. You do need to see the pearls against a white background under good direct light to determine the various lighting qualities of the pearl.

High quality pearls will have the various different types of overtone colors. When deciding  what color pearls to buy you will need to try on the bracelet or necklace and see how they look on you. Light pink pearls will tend to be the highest priced. White pearls will be a little bit cheaper than radiant pink to pearls. Then you have light cream color, then cream color, then dark cream mix with yellow. Oftentimes you may be mixed up because jewelry dealers will not have a standardized method for naming the color of their pearls, it’s really up to the individual.

Pearls with blue and pink overtones are regarded as top quality. And can often be referred to as Hanadama quality. Keep in mind we’re only talking about Akoya pearls. Other types of pearls in Tahitian Pearl Necklace and south sea pearls  will have their own range of colors, hues and iridescence. As of yet there is no general standardized method of measuring pearl colors and hues within pearl jewelry dealers.

To examine a pearl for color place it against a white background that is not reflective. Also view the pearl in several shades of light such as inside light, outside light and fluorescent light. If you possess a pearl necklace, bring it with you and always use that as a comparison to the pearl necklace you’re looking at. View the color of pearls in the most neutral white lights you can ordinarily this would be at the middle of the day. This kind of light ads the minimum amount of artificial color. Keep this in consideration when you go shopping for pearls as the lighting can be off and not right for observing pearls.