| The most frequent question my clients ask me is | | | | produce long, thin aragonite crystals which thus |
| how they should choose their pearls? The | | | | reflect the light differently than Tahitians and |
| simplest answer I can give them is to choose | | | | South Seas. I have seen Akoyas that look like |
| pearls they love. There are, however, technical | | | | glass when viewed in the bright sunlight - |
| answers to this question. The Gemological | | | | absolutely beautiful! Tahitian cultured pearls tend |
| Institute of America (GIA) provides a set of | | | | towards a metallic luster. The thick-nacred South |
| seven value factors for grading pearls. These are: | | | | Seas cultured pearls have a silky luster. Chinese |
| Size, Color, Shape, Luster, Nacre Quality, Surface | | | | cultured Freshwater pearls (CCFP) have made |
| Quality, and Matching (within a strand or set). In | | | | tremendous advances in the last decade. The |
| general, pearls of higher luster will provide higher | | | | highest quality CCFPs now rival Akoya pearls in |
| value (in the long run) over pearl size, shape and | | | | quality and luster. |
| color. This article talks about Pearl Luster value | | | | Higher luster is desirable. You can see your |
| factor. | | | | reflection in a high-quality pearl. The GIA identifies |
| Luster actually comes from within the pearl | | | | four distinct grades of luster: |
| surface. No other gemstone shares this | | | | - Excellent - Sharp, bright reflection |
| characteristic. Other gemstones, diamonds, rubies | | | | - Good - Bright reflection, but not sharp; hazy |
| and sapphires, shine from the surface. Pearls get | | | | around edges |
| their luster from the light reflecting off the | | | | - Fair - Reflection is hazy & blurred |
| aragonite (a form of calcium-carbonate) crystals | | | | - Poor - Reflection is dim & diffused |
| that form the nacre (pronounced NAY-ker), or | | | | Reputable pearl retailers will accurately use these |
| skin, of the pearl. Thus, the incomparable glow | | | | descriptors with their pearl jewelry offerings. |
| that comes from pearls. | | | | On-line retailers should offer generous return |
| Different varieties of pearls exhibit different | | | | policies so clients can compare their purchases |
| qualities of luster. Akoya cultured pearls are | | | | with these descriptors. This allows the client to |
| renown for their high luster. The colder waters of | | | | gain confidence in the retailer and the retailer to |
| Japan, where Akoyas are grown, are believed to | | | | establish a solid reputation in the online community. |