Looking to invest in some real pearl jewellery? You’re making a good choice—pearls are one of the most timelessly beautiful jewellery pieces, and if you’re looking for something a bit different, they make a refreshing change from gems and diamonds. 

But as with all jewellery, not all pearls are the same when it comes to quality and appearance. Pearls come in all manner of shapes, sizes, and price points, and while most manufacturers have their marketing lingo down, not all of them are worth buying from. 

If you want to make the smartest investment in a stunning pearl piece that’ll last for years to come, here are three things you should look for when you’re shopping online.

1. Know the Type of Pearl

Start by learning about the different types of pearls and decide on one (or a couple) that ticks your boxes. 

You might find a seller offering a specific pearl type—for example, http://freyapearls.com.au/ uses Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and Australian South Sea pearls in its jewellery—but you’re unlikely to find a thorough explanation of what that means in the listing alone. 

Each type of pearl has different characteristics. We recommend doing some more research to learn exactly how they differ, but here’s some quick-fire info to get you started:

• Akoya pearls are round, white and classic
• Freshwater pearls are more affordable and come in a wider range of shapes and colours
• Tahitian and South Sea pearls are usually larger, darker or golden-toned and more expensive

When you’re buying real pearls, make sure the listing clearly states the type of pearl used. If it doesn’t, there’s a good chance that the seller is being vague on purpose, so take your money elsewhere. 

2. Assess the Surface and Shape

Since real pearls are natural, you shouldn’t expect them to have a perfect finish. That said, the price you pay is usually tied to the quality of the pearl, and high-quality pearls typically have fewer surface flaws. 

A few bumps or marks are to be expected, especially when you’re buying freshwater pieces, but you don’t want to invest in anything with obvious chips or scratches. Perfectly round pearls are more expensive, so expect to pay more for them—and if a jewellery piece seems suspiciously cheap, it’s best to continue your search elsewhere. 

3. Learn About the Setting

Make sure you don’t put all your focus on the pearl itself, as regardless of the pearl quality, it’ll still need a decent setting. Learn about the different metals used in jewellery and make your choice from there. Avoid cheap metal at all costs, since this can tarnish quickly or irritate your skin—not to mention break and cause the pearl to fall out. 

Check what the metal is made of. You’re best going for sterling silver, or (if your budget is bigger) gold-filled and solid gold. Stay away from anything listed as just “metal alloy”, as it’s probably plated and won’t last.

Takeaway

Pearl jewellery can last a lifetime, but only if you buy it from the right piece. This isn’t something to rush into buying! 

Even some of the best affordable jewellery brands have been known to use poor-quality materials, so make sure to spend plenty of time comparing sellers and reading descriptions carefully before you spend your money. 

Published by HOLR Magazine.