- Rub the jewelry using a soft white cloth. If you find any black marks on the cloth, then you can be sure that it is made of real sterling silver. This is because any air exposure causes real sterling silver to oxidize. This causes them to deteriorate with time, and the reason why black marks are found on the cloth they are polished with.
- Do The Nitric Acid Test. When drops of nitric acid are added to fake non-silver jewelries, they cause them to lose their color. Always ask a jeweler before buying 925 sterling silver from him if you can conduct the nitric acid test on it. Nitric acid has no effect on real 925 sterling silver, so if the jeweler is selling you a genuine product, he won’t have any objection to that. But be sure to wear gloves and protect your eyes with goggles while doing the nitric acid test. If the jewelry is made of real sterling silver, the part on which you drop the nitric acid will appear creamy in color, otherwise, if fake, it will appear green.
- Use the Smell Test. Real sterling silver shouldn’t smell. If it does, it is because there is too much copper in it.
- Use the Magnet Test. This is a simple test. Magnets have no effect on silver – just as they have no effect on gold or platinum. But if you find that the jewelry is attracted to the magnet, then it will be clear to you that it is not made of real sterling silver.
- Real sterling silver jewelry will have markings such as “Ster,” “925” or “Sterling Silver” in a hidden area. If you don’t see such a marking, be wary of it immediately.
- Real pearls have fingerprint-like surface ridges when viewed under magnification. Fake pearls have bubbles or mat patterns on the surface when viewed under magnification.
- Real pearls have enriched body color and an overtone color. Fake pearls only have one body color. The color looks flat and lacks depth.
- Real pearls are cold to touch. You don’t feel the coolness when touching fake pearls.
- If you rub pearls across your teeth, real pearls feel gritty while fake pearls feel smooth.
- Real pearls are heavy. Fake pearls are light in weight.
- Real pearls show smoothness around drilled holes. Fake pearls show roughness or bumps around drilled holes.
- Luster - this makes or breaks pearls as a gemstone. Luster describes the way light reflects off the pearl surface (Sharp and Highly Reflective or Soft and Blurry). The sharper the Luster, the more valuable the pearl.
- Surface Quality - pearls with smooth, clean surfaces are more highly valued than those with multiple inclusions.
- The symmetry of Shape - truly round pearls are the rarest shape of all, and the most valued. After that, we look for perfectly symmetrical semi-baroque shapes like tear-drops and ovals, then circled baroques and finally, free form baroques which are totally asymmetrical.
- Color - pearls come in every color of the rainbow (literally!). This value factor is weighted according to whether the color is naturally-occurring, the depth and saturation of the color, and the rarity of the color.
- Size - large, perfectly symmetrical pearls are RARE, taking many years to form inside the oyster. If all other value factors are equal, the larger pearls will be the more valuable ones.
- Origin - The value of cultured (farmed) pearls that dominate the industry today vary by pearl type: Freshwater (least expensive), saltwater Akoya (mid-range), black Tahitian (mid to high-range pricing), and South Sea (highest). We also factor in whether the pearl is cultured or natural/wild. Natural pearls - pearls that are formed without any human assistance - are extremely rare and command premium pricing.
- Matching - The meticulous matching of a fine pearl necklace layout can take many years depending on the pearl type. You’re looking for a steady, smooth graduation rate from smallest to largest pearls in the center, with little to no variation from pearl to pearl in terms of Luster, Shape, Color, Overtone, and Surface Quality (Multi-Color strands are given a tad more leeway but still must have an overall well-matched "tone").
- AAA (Flawless): The highest-quality pearl, virtually flawless. The surface will have a very high luster, and at least 95% of the surface will be free from any type of defect. The pearl will be perfectly round and have a mirror-like luster, and a nacre thickness of 0.4mm or higher.
- AA (Excellent): The surface will have a very high luster, and at least 75% of the surface will be free from any type of defect. The luster will be very high, and have a thick nacre, still a very nice quality but not quite as nice as AAA or higher.
- A (Good): This is the basic jewelry-grade pearl, with a lower luster and/or less than 75% of the surface showing surface without any defects. In many cases, if the pearl is being mounted into a piece of jewelry, it can be mounted so that the defects are hidden - thus providing a lovely jewelry piece at a lesser price. This quality has a chalky appearance and thin nacre, typically of .25mm or less.
- Pearls can keep their luster for a very long time when cared for. Proper pearl care is not difficult, as long as you remember that these gems are organic by nature, grown in water from living cells of a living creature.
- The best way to help your pearls maintain their luster is to wear them regularly. Your body’s natural oils aid in maintaining the pearls’ beauty.
- Pearls should be worn alone. If worn with other jewelry, such as a gold chain or other necklace, they may be scratched or damaged.
- Apply any cosmetics, lotions, perfume, or hair spray before putting on your pearls. Make your pearls the last item you put on when getting dressed and the first item you take off.
- Avoid contact with salt water, chlorinated water, or perspiration.
- Wipe your pearls after wearing them, using a soft cloth.
- Remove spills immediately when pearls come in contact with any foods or liquids. Wipe them with a soft damp cloth and then with a dry soft cloth.
- Store your pearls separately from other jewelry, preferably in a cloth bag. Storing them in a slightly damp linen cloth will help the pearls from drying out in low humidity atmospheres and centrally heated areas.
- Never clean your pearls with soap, detergents, or jewelry cleaner. A harsh cleanser can wear away the nacre.
- Never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine or steam cleaner.
- Have your pearls restrung every two to five years if worn regularly, or when the silk becomes dirty? Take your pearls to a professional jeweler for cleaning before restringing, which will add to the beauty and long life of your pearls.
- According to legends, Adam and Eve cried deeply after God cast them out of the Garden of Eden. Their tears created a lake of pearls. It was believed that Eve’s tears created the white pearls, while Adam’s tears created the black pearls. Furthermore, it’s also said that Adam shed fewer tears than Eve did because men control their emotions better than women. Supposedly, this explains why black pearls are so rare.
- According to The Koran, the pearl can be found in Paradise. It’s one of the greatest rewards there. This precious gem is also now symbolic of perfection.
- Pearls symbolize purity to both Hindus and Christians. This is where the "brides wearing pearls on their wedding days" tradition is said to have started, which continues today.
- Because they symbolize religious purity, pearls became sacred objects to Christians by the Middle Ages. During early times, Christians believed the pearls that covered the Holy Grail purified its water.
- During Ancient Greek days, the myth was that pearls were the gods’ tears. It was also believed that if a woman wore pearls on her wedding day, it would stop her from crying.
- Hindu folklore is a bit different. It describes the gems as drops of dew that dropped from the sky during the nigh ttime, into the moonlit ocean. Pearl’s meaning behind the story of Krishna, AKA Vishnu, is believed to be one of the earliest accounts of weddings and pearls. It’s said that Krishna pulled the very first pearl from the sea. He then presented it to Pandaia, his daughter, on the day of her wedding. His wedding gift was a symbol of purity, love, and union.
- Ancient Polynesian myth - The god of fertility and peace, Oro, traveled on a rainbow to visit earth. He brought a magical oyster with him to the people of Polynesia called The Ufi. A gorgeous black pearl was formed inside The Ufi. When Oro said it, he gave it to Princess Bora Bora to symbolize his undying love.
- Ancient Japanese Legend – During ancient times, the Japanese believed that the tears of mythical creatures created pearls. Some of these creatures include, but are not limited to, nymphs, mermaids, and angels.
- Ancient Persian Legend – According to one Persian pearl myth, the gems were created after a storm. That’s when a rainbow came down from the sky and met with the earth. Lightning and thunder were said to be the reasons for the pearl’s imperfections.
- Ancient Egyptian Legend – During ancient times, Egyptians were buried with their pearls after they died because they valued you them so much. The myth from this era that’s most famous involves Cleopatra, the famous ruler of Egypt. Legend has it that she took the gem from one of her pearl earrings. She then dissolved it and drank it! Supposedly, this was done to show Roman politician Mark Antony that the entire nation’s wealth could be devoured in one, single gulp.
- Ancient Chinese Legend – Black pearls were very symbolic during early Chinese civilization. They were symbolic of wisdom. People believed the gems were formed inside the head of a dragon. Once they were fully grown, the dragon carried them between its teeth. According to the myth, a person could only gather the pearls by slaying the dragon to death.
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