How to choose the right pearl? Is it like buying diamonds? Are there rules I should follow to choose the right one for me? Where should I buy it? How much should I pay? All of these are excellent question to ask before diving in and investing hundreds or thousands of dollars into a Jewellery piece you’ll have for years to come. Maybe there is already a picture you have in mind of the style, or you have a style but after browsing the Internet for hours and looking at thousands of options, you’re still stuck with what to pick.
First, what type of pearl should you choose? There are four main types of pearls to choose from: Akoya Pearls, Freshwater Pearls, Tahitian Pearls and South Sea Pearls. Each of these types has their own unique beauty, size, colour and budget. If you’re after the classic white pearl, you’ll probably find yourself looking at Akoya pearls. Akoya pearls are the first type of cultured pearls ever farmed, known for their perfectly round shapes and fine reflective luster. If you’re after something a bit more exotic, Tahitian pearls are a good choose. Often referred to as black pearls, the colour ranges include silver, grey, green, blue and purple. They also come in a variety of different shapes – round, near round, baroque and circle. If you’re after larger pearls, is the Rolls Royce of pearls – South Sea Pearls. These pearls are also on the higher end budget wise. These saltwater pearls take two to four years to form, and have beautiful, unique luster with gorgeous colours – from white, silver to cream, gold and champagne. If you like to stay within a budget, Freshwater pearls are a good option. Freshwater pearls are quite possibly the most versatile of all pearls. They come in a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes and sometimes indistinguishable from their more expensive counterparts.
Secondly, you should think about the size and style of your pearl choice. Are you looking for something subtle and demure, or bold and eye-catching? The most popular sizes on the market are within the 7.0-9.5mm range, which are considered the most traditional and versatile pearl sizes to buy. However like most gemstones, the larger the pearls get, the more valuable they are.
Lastly, understand the pearl value factors will give the most bang for your buck. The main deciding pearl grading factors are: luster, surface quality, symmetry of shape, colour, size, origin and matching. Understanding these means you won’t end up with an overpriced piece of Jewellery. At VAYO, each pearl sold is picked carefully and checked, graded for its quality, which means you always get value for money.