Pearl Matching is More About How They Fit Together

The term "Matching" here, does not mean that all of the pearls are absolutely identical - that would be impossible! Nor does it even mean that all of the pearls in the piece are generally uniform in size, shape, and color. It basically means that the pearls "fit together" in a pleasing manner, and that variations among them are either minimal, gradual, or for a specific purpose…

A pair of pearl earrings is a classic, iconic and versatile fashion accessory. You can wear pearl earrings with a formal outfit or go for a casual look and pair the earrings with jeans and a relaxed shirt. Keep in mind that a pair of pearl earrings can make you look older than you are, especially if you make conservative fashion choices. Keep your look fresh and young by wearing the earrings with a slightly unconventional, bold looks.

Formal Attire

You can't beat the combination of pearl stud earrings and a little black dress. Keep the look simple for a formal dinner party or other event. Choose a slim-cut black shift dress that falls to the knees or just above the knees. You don't want too much detail on the dress. Add texture to the look with a pair of textured tights. Lacy black tights or fishnets will work well. Add a pop of color with a pair of red pumps or keep the look monochrome by wearing black heels.

Ready for Work

Pearl earrings will look classy paired with an outfit for work, whether your office requires business attire or lets you be a bit more casual. For a look that's trend but still professional, try wearing a pair of gray or black pearl earrings with a gray wool shift dress and blazer. If you prefer to wear pants to work, choose a cropped, fitted blazer, white button-down shirt and slim fitting, cropped black pants. Finish the look with a pair of oxfords or ballet flats.

Keep It Casual

Even if you're relaxing on a weekend or holiday, going to lunch or shopping, pearl earrings fit right in. Wear your favorite jeans, whether they're boot-cut or slim fitting. Go for a darker rinse, unless you absolutely love the lighter washes. On top, wear a fitted t-shirt in a bold color. Purple or green will work nicely. If its fall or winter, a fitted sweater will work too or a long sleeved casual button-down!

Get Creative

Think outside the box when wearing your pearl earrings for an unexpected look that still looks great. Try pairing the earrings with dressy shorts. A pair of shorts made from silk or taffeta will look stunning with pearl earrings and a fitted sleeveless blouse. Those earrings will also look great paired with pleated shorts or a pair of shorts with a ribbon belt. Try mixing and matching elements for an interesting and unusual look. For example, take the casual look to the extreme and create a funky outfit by wearing your pearls with a pair of cut-offs or ripped jeans. It's unexpected and will make people look your way twice.

 

How to Identify Pearl Blemishes

A standardized terminology has not been developed for pearl blemishes.

 

The terms found below are based primarily on those listed in the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) pearl grading course. These imperfections are usually judged without magnification.

  

                      Some typical pearl blemishes- pits, bumps, welts, holes, pinpoints and dull area

 u  Scratches

Straight or crooked lines scraped on the pearl. These aren't serious unless the pearl is so badly scratched the luster and beauty is affected.

u  Cracks

Breaks in the nacre and/ or bead nucleus. Small cracks in the bead may look like little hairs trapped under the nacre. Cracks, even when not visible, can threaten the durability of a pearl.

u  Dull Spots

Areas of very low luster due to variations in nacre quality or contact with chemicals, cosmetics or skin secretions.

u  Dimples

Circular depressions or indentations which are often found in groups.

 

u  Pits and Pinpoints

Tiny holes on the surface which are normally hardly noticeable and, therefore, not serious. "Pinpoints" may also refer to tiny bumps since, from a distance, these look about the same as tiny pits.

 

u  Chips, Holes and Patches of Missing Nacre

Blemishes which may occur on any type of pearl but that are particularly common on those with thin nacre.

 

u  Discolorations

Spotty areas often caused from concentrations of conchiolin, a protein substance that holds nacre crystals together. Discolorations are not frequently seen because pearls are typically bleached to even out their color.

 

u  Bumps and Welts

Raised areas which are found alone or in groups. They may sometimes cover most of the surface area of the pearl. If bumps or welts are very large, they can put the pearl into the off-round category. Occasionally pearls have a wrinkled appearance. This is due to groupings of welts. 

 

Some Tips On How To Tell If A Pearl Is Real

Some fake Pearls can be easy to spot, but good imitations may be difficult to pick out with the naked eye and the inexperienced. Making sure a pearl is genuine before buying it is just common sense.

Many tests can be performed right at the jeweler's, and they include the friction test, flaw test, matching test, overtone test, and weight test. Some jewelers may even help you perform a surface magnification test. Other tests, like the tooth test and drilled-hole test, are best performed on pieces you already own as the jeweler may most likely object to your biting and making holes with their merchandise!

A friction test involves as the name implies, rubbing Pearls together. The gritty surface texture of a real pearl should give it a notable amount of friction when you rub it against another pearl. Select two pearls from a set, such as two pearls from the same necklace or two pearl earrings. Lightly rub the two pearls together. Note the amount of friction between the two. Smooth pearls are likely fake, but two pearls that offer resistance may be real.

When doing the magnification test, place the pearl beneath the magnifier and examine its surface under 64-power magnification. Real pearls should look fine-grained, scaly, and maze-like, while fake pearls look grainy or speckled. With the flaw test we follow the saying that if a pearl seems “too perfect to be true,” there is a good chance that it is not a true pearl. Examine the pearl for flaws. Real pearls will have small imperfections, while flawless pearls are likely imitations.

If possible, compare the pearl in question against a high quality certified pearl at the jeweler’s store for a matching test. Note the blemishes in the real pearl, and look for similar blemishes in the pearl you are testing. Overtone is a translucent outer layer of color that tints the pearl’s natural color. Examine the pearl in question for any overtone. Most real pearls have some overtone. If you see no overtone, try a different test. While most real pearls have an overtone, not all do, so this test alone cannot verify or discount the legitimacy of a pearl.

Finally, this is not a scientific test by any means, nor is it foolproof. Judging the weight of a pearl simply by holding it may help you to confirm any suspicions you have after performing other tests. Carefully bounce a certified pearl in your hand to get an idea of how much it weighs if you are not sure. Most pearls feel heavy for their size and you can compare this with the pearl you are testing.