How to Evaluate the Quality of Cultured Pearls: 5 Simple Checks Anyone Can Do
There’s something timeless and powerful about owning a pearl — especially a South Sea pearl from the Philippines . But with so many cultured pearls on the market, how do you know if the pearl in your hand is quality and will last for many years? As someone who’s passionate with pearls and is learning more every day, I’ve realized that being able to evaluate a cultured pearl of good quality is significant. Having a grasp of the distinct attribute of pearls and able to tell that it is of quality is fundamental. The good news is that it is possible to evaluate pearls without using any tools - we can observe it directly! As Antoinette Matlin writes, "that quality difference can usually be seen with one's own eyes"( The Pearl Book , 2008). So here are five simple ways to tell if you have a good pearl and again — no special tools required. 1. Luster As the rays of light travels through layers of nacre of the pearl and reflected back, an intense brightness is created. T...