Pearl - Shape, size and care

The occurrence of pearls are of eight fundamental shapes, which are round, semi-round, button, drop shape, pear, oval, baroque, and ringed shape.

The most sought-after shape for a pearl is perfectly round. Moreover, perfectly rounded pearls are as rare as pearls, which are flawlessly surfaced. Perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most costly, and are in general fashioned into necklaces, or strings of pearls. Semi-rounds are also used in necklaces or fashioned in jewelry pieces wherever the shape of the pearl can be veiled to appear as a perfectly round pearl. Button pearls are similar to a vaguely compressed round pearl and can be fashioned into necklaces, although button pearls are often utilized in single pendants or earrings as, the back of the pearl is enclosed, lending to the appearance of a larger, round pearl. Pear shaped or drop pearls are occasionally referred to as teardrop pearls and are often fashioned into earrings and pendants, or as a focal point pearl gem of a necklace. Baroque shape pearls, are formed symmetrically balanced in distinctive and appealing shapes, rather than round, and are known from time to time be remarkably lustrous and elegant. Baroque shape pearls are frequently appreciated in necklaces. Ringed pearls are marked by concentric crests, or rings, encircling the essence of the pearls shape.

Size

Pearls are measured in diameter by millimeters. Naturally, all other features being essentially equal, a pearl larger in size are more valuable than pearls of smaller size.

Caring for Pearls

Even though pearls profit from natural moisture of its environment, the use body and hair products, chemicals, and cigarette smoke, perfumes, as well as makeup, and soaps are capable of harming pearls, as well as weakening and stretching the threads on which your pearls have been strung. Ensure to your personal beauty habits before you dawning your pearls, will enable the pearls of a long healthy lifespan. After removing your pearl jewelry, wipe it delicately with a soft cloth or scarf of pure silk to eliminate any traces of these substances.

You may also wash your pearl jewelry with a solution of mild soap and water. Do not clean cultured pearls with any type of abrasives, chemicals or solvents, as these items can harm your pearls.

Cultured pearls are precious jewels and should be treated as such, as their delicate nature also causes pearls to be exceptionally vulnerable to harm. Even more reason for extra care with cultured pearl jewelry.

Storing your pearls

A pearl's shell is soft which means pearls can be injured by the edges of precious metals or by the gemstones of additional jewelry, therefore storing.

Protect your pearls while not in use by separating the pearls from other jewelry, using separate compartments of your jewelry box taking care that pearls, gemstones and precious metals of your jewelry are not touching.

Cultured pearls may be placed in a chamois bag or a soft breathable cloth pouch, and may be wrapped in tissue for storage.

Remember to have them professionally cleaned and re-knotted every 2-3 years, for the most beneficial lifespan and care of your pearls.