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B013JZE094 Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 1000.000 Category: Clothing Rating: 5 Votes: 1 Find similar products Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace with Swarovski Simulated Coral Pink Pearl, 18. This jewelry is a classic and elegant gift for her. Erika & Alex jewelry quality products always made with passion and love, nicely presented in gift packaging. Product dimensions displayed in pictures. Made in England with Swarovski Simulated Pearls. Crystal Pearls by Swarovski are pearls made with a crystal core. Their unparalleled harmonious and lustrous shimmer is achieved using a unique coating technology developed by Swarovski. It is the first production method in the world to combine the quality of a perfect crystal core with the exquisite beauty of a pearl coating. The innovative technology by Swarovski gives the pearl a mysterious glow, which appears to be radiating from within the pearl itself. The strictest quality controls help ensure the absolute flawlessness of each Crystal Pearl. (c) Swarovski FAQ.	B001IQ1WNO Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 12.195 Category: Clothing Rating: 3.6 Votes: 41 Find similar products Nvie Designs Simulated Crystal Pearl Necklace - Made with Swarovski Elements - 14 Colors. This Genuine Swarovski Crystal Pearl Necklace is beautiful and elegant. At 18 long, it is carefully hand strung on finest quality silk thread. It is finished with a sterling silver Fish Hook Filigree Clasp. Buy this necklace with its matching earrings and bracelet. At these wholesale prices, this piece is a steal. The Secret Of Swarovski Crystal Pearls : Each Swarovski Crystal Pearl is created around a crystal core, hence the name Crystal Pearl. This crystal core gives the pearl its ideal weight and combined with the Swarovski Pearl coating it causes each Crystal Pearl to glow from within. The pearl coating developed by Swarovski is applied around the crystal core in pearly layers. The high specific gravity of a raw pearl made of crystal gives the Swarovski Crystal Pearl the same weight as a cultured pearl. Swarovski crystal pearls look very high quality with its superior lustre. These are better to maintain than cultured pearls. They do not get stained by sweat. A Swarovski Crystal Pearl feels good to the touch and as a piece of jewelry, it offers that sensual experience valued by pearl enthusiasts. Occasions : Wear these to a party, weddings, formal occasions or just to work everyday. Pearls are always appropriate no matter what the occasion.Just try it and we know you will love it.
B003ODIQ6K Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 10.417 Category: Clothing Rating: 4 Votes: 1 Find similar products Amazon Collection Gold Plated Sterling Silver Clasp 18 Necklace with Crystallized Swarovski Elements Bicone Beads and Golden Freshwater Cultured Pearls. 'Place the Necklace with Crystallized Swarovski Elements Bicone Beads and Golden Freshwater Pearls around your neck for resplendent beauty. Measuring 18 inches, a gold-plated sterling silver clasp holds a string of sparkling champagne-colored bicone-cut Swarovski beads that reflect light off their multifaceted surface for glittering elegance. The centerpiece of this standout necklace is made up of five polished round freshwater-cultured pearls in dusty gold. Pair this necklace with a sweet pastel cardigan, skirt, and flats for girly retro style. The Amazon Curated Collection Discover the Amazon Curated Collection of fine and fashion jewelry. The expansive selection of high-quality jewelry featured in the Amazon Curated Collection offers everyday values that range from precious gemstone and diamond pieces to the latest fashion designs. This hand-selected assortment features an array of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal designs that receive a quality inspection, including from Amazon’s staff graduate gemologist, to ensure they meet Amazon’s high standards. All diamonds featured in the Amazon Curated Collection are certified by our suppliers to be conflict free, and IGI, GIA, or AGS certifications are provided on white diamonds of .75 carats or larger on all stud earrings, rings, and pendant necklaces. Pieces from the Amazon Curated Collection come packaged in a custom box, making them wonderful gifts. In addition, we offer free one-day shipping within the continental U.S. on items over $500. International shipping options for friends and family overseas are available for an additional fee. The Amazon Curated Collection offers a specialized customer service team that is available seven days a week to answer any product questions before, during or after the purchase. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you will receive a full refund and free return shipping within the U.S. if you return your purchase within 30 days. Find a special gift for a loved one or a beautiful piece that complements your personal style with jewelry from the Amazon Curated Collection. Freshwater Cultured Pearls These pearls are gathered from freshwater lake and river mollusks. Most Freshwater pearls come from China and they can be mostly round to off-round, or rice-shaped to baroque. They look similar to Akoya pearls, but are the perfect gift when on a budget. They might be slightly less symmetrical, smaller, or not as easily matched, but these minor differences provide a major value for the price. Cultivation Pearls are produced naturally in the body of salt and freshwater mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. When these animals sense an irritant, such as a grain of sand, they produce a soft coating of calcium carbonate substance around it. The result is a pearl. Because perfectly round, naturally produced pearls are so rare, a process known as cultivation was developed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the early 1900s. A small bead of polished shell, the nucleus, is used as an irritant and delicately inserted into the mantle of a mollusk. It takes approximately 20-24 months of intensive husbandry to cultivate a saltwater pearl and somewhat less time to cultivate freshwater pearls. The harvest usually takes place during the months of June and September. Color Mollusks produce pearls in a variety of colors, accommodating most personal preferences and budgets. The general color of a pearl is also known as the body color. Pearls typically range from white, cream, and yellow to pink, silver, or black. An overtone of secondary color is sometimes seen. For instance, a pearl may appear to be white, but upon closer inspection a rosy hue is detected. The body color would then be termed white-rosé. Color variation does not affect the quality of the pearl, though it should be noted that color matching is important when choosing pearls for some necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. In fashion jewelry, pearls can sometimes be dyed to achieve the desired color, which should be mentioned in the product description or specifications. Lustre The appealing, deep shine of a pearl is often what defines its beauty. This shine is produced by multiple layers of semi-opaque calcium carbonate crystals, called nacre. The nacre reflects light on the surface of the pearl, producing brilliance and sheen. Lustre is an integral feature in determining the quality of a pearl. Large pearls have a thicker nacre and, therefore, a higher lustre. When comparing a small Freshwater pearl to a large South Sea pearl, the difference is clearly visible to the untrained eye and should be considered when purchasing pearls. Shape While pearls come in many different shapes, the rarest and highest-quality are round. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea oysters tend to produce the roundest pearls, while those of Freshwater mollusks can be oval to slightly off-round. When considering a pearl purchase, whether it be a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, look for consistency in the shapes of the pearls. Many of the less symmetrical shapes are used in stylish jewelry which can be quite beautiful: the drop pearl's shape lends well to earrings, and the baroque pearl features irregular shapes that work well as necklace accents. In addition, a half sphere pearl called a mabe is often used in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Size An oyster's particular type and size has a direct effect on how large the pearl it produces will be, and pearls do come in a wide range of sizes. Round pearls are measured according to their diameter, while baroque pearls are measured by their length and width. A pearl's size does not necessarily affect its quality, but it does affect its price. Large, round pearls are rare and their lustre is usually high--this beautiful combination of traits is often reflected in the cost of such pearls. Average pearl sizes (in diameter): Akoya: 6-8mm Freshwater: 5-6.5mm South Sea: 11-13mm Tahitian: 11-12mm Keshi: 4-10mm Surface Markings Often when an oyster creates a pearl, the nacre does not develop smoothly. The surface of a pearl is judged by how many marks are visible in the nacre. These imperfections can be small and unnoticeable or quite large and distinct. Like diamonds, pearls are rarely flawless. However, high lustre or the way pearls are strung and set can help conceal surface markings. Care Proper care of pearls is not difficult if you remember that they are organic and produced by a living thing. Pearls are soft and delicate, but when cared for with common sense, they will maintain their lustre for centuries. The pearls should not come in contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, chlorinated water, or other harsh chemicals. To keep them clean, let them be the last item put on when dressing, and the first item taken off at the end of an evening. The best way to maintain their lustre is to wear the pearls often, and wipe them down with a soft cloth afterward--pearls absorb the oils from skin, which helps keep them moist. Pearls should be stored in a cloth pouch or jewelry bag, separated from other jewelry to prevent nicks or chipping. Periodically, pearl strands should be restrung since the silk thread used to tie the pearls together breaks down over time.	B07BVH2Q9L Price: $95 Score: 10.000 Category: Clothing Rating: 4.5 Votes: 51 Find similar products Claudia 7-8mm AA Quality Freshwater 925 Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Pendant For Women. The Claudia Black 7-8mm AA Quality Freshwater 925 Sterling Silver Pearl Pendant is a timeless piece. The 925 sterling silver pendant is accented with several cubic zirconias for a dazzling glow. The medium 7-8mm sized pearl shines against the sterling silver and cubic zirconia. The mirror-like AAA luster glistens off the surface of the pearl. The nearly perfect AAA shape of the dyed Black freshwater pearl shimmers in style and elegance.
B01MR6PY7B Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 9.901 Category: Clothing Rating: 4.6 Votes: 4 Find similar products Amazon Collection Sterling Silver White Freshwater Cultured Pearl 7.5-8mm and Created White Sapphire Pendant Necklace, 18”. The Amazon Curated Collection Discover the Amazon Curated Collection of fine and fashion jewelry. The expansive selection of high-quality jewelry featured in the Amazon Curated Collection offers everyday values that range from precious gemstone and diamond pieces to the latest fashion designs. This hand-selected assortment features an array of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal designs that receive a quality inspection, including from Amazon’s staff graduate gemologist, to ensure they meet Amazon’s high standards. All diamonds featured in the Amazon Curated Collection are certified by our suppliers to be conflict free, and IGI, GIA, or AGS certifications are provided on white diamonds of .75 carats or larger on all stud earrings, rings, and pendant necklaces. Pieces from the Amazon Curated Collection come packaged in a custom box, making them wonderful gifts. In addition, we offer free one-day shipping within the continental U.S. on items over $500. International shipping options for friends and family overseas are available for an additional fee. The Amazon Curated Collection offers a specialized customer service team that is available seven days a week to answer any product questions before, during or after the purchase. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you will receive a full refund and free return shipping within the U.S. if you return your purchase within 30 days. Find a special gift for a loved one or a beautiful piece that complements your personal style with jewelry from the Amazon Curated Collection.	B006MB7FX6 Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 9.709 Category: Clothing Rating: 3.5 Votes: 3 Find similar products Amazon Collection Sterling Silver Amethyst Heart Pendant Necklace, 18. The Sterling Silver Amethyst Heart Pendant Necklace presents a classic display of the regal beauty of this purple birthstone. Displayed at the base of a classic 18-inch sterling silver cable chain is a sparkling .5-inch pendant. A romantic heart-shaped amethyst stone is prong-set between a floating trim of round cubic zirconia stones. Delicate and elegant, the color and sparkle of this pretty pendant will remain close to her own heart as the necklace fastens with a spring-ring clasp. The Amazon Curated Collection Discover the Amazon Curated Collection of fine and fashion jewelry. The expansive selection of high-quality jewelry featured in the Amazon Curated Collection offers everyday values that range from precious gemstone and diamond pieces to the latest fashion designs. This hand-selected assortment features an array of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal designs that receive a quality inspection, including from Amazon’s staff graduate gemologist, to ensure they meet Amazon’s high standards. All diamonds featured in the Amazon Curated Collection are certified by our suppliers to be conflict free, and IGI, GIA, or AGS certifications are provided on white diamonds of .75 carats or larger on all stud earrings, rings, and pendant necklaces. Pieces from the Amazon Curated Collection come packaged in a custom box, making them wonderful gifts. In addition, we offer free one-day shipping within the continental U.S. on items over $500. International shipping options for friends and family overseas are available for an additional fee. The Amazon Curated Collection offers a specialized customer service team that is available seven days a week to answer any product questions before, during or after the purchase. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you will receive a full refund and free return shipping within the U.S. if you return your purchase within 30 days. Find a special gift for a loved one or a beautiful piece that complements your personal style with jewelry from the Amazon Curated Collection. Gemstones Color Jewelers describe the color of a gemstone in terms of three characteristics: hue, saturation, and tone. A gemstone's basic color is its hue, and those with purer hues (for emeralds, green; for sapphires, blue; and for rubies, red) are generally considered more valuable. Often, however, a hint of another color can be detected. Saturation is a measure of the intensity or purity of a gem's hue and is determined by the degree to which gray or brown hues mute its defining color. Value tends to increase with saturation, so a fully saturated purplish blue sapphire may well be more expensive than a muted pure blue one. The tone of a gemstone, a measurement of its lightness or darkness, is usually given as light, medium-light, medium, medium-dark, or dark. Clarity A flawless gemstone is rare and expensive. As with diamonds, most gemstones have inclusions, or tiny mineral flaws, that can be seen under magnification or by the careful eye. Make sure that any inclusions in the stone do not penetrate deeply into the gem, as this may cause it to break or crack. Clarity grades range from VVS (very, very slightly included) to I3, in which inclusions are prominent and severely affect the gemstone's beauty. Cut A gemstone's cut refers to its proportions and symmetry. In making a gemstone look appealing--the stone should be symmetrical in all dimensions so that it will appear balanced, and that its facets will reflect light evenly. Color should also be taken into account when cutting for optical efficiency. If a stone's color is highly saturated, a shallow cut will allow it to pass more light, while a deeper cut may increase the vividness of a less saturated gem. There is no generally accepted grading system for gemstone cut. Size Though a gemstone's weight is usually given in carats, this may not give an accurate idea of its size, because different types of stone have different densities. Therefore, a one-carat sapphire or ruby will be smaller than a one-carat emerald, though they have the same weight, because sapphires and rubies (both a form of the mineral corundum) are more dense than emeralds. Gemstones can also be measured in dimensions (diameter, length, and width). It is important to know the dimensions to ensure that the gemstone weight will be visible and well-proportioned in the setting. Gemstone Treatment Gemstones are often treated to enhance color and fill cracks. Please note: if a gemstone has been treated, this information will be provided in the specifications on the stone's product detail page. There are various accepted techniques, depending on the type of stone: Oils and resins are frequently used to fill surface-reaching fissures in emeralds and rubies. This process is not permanent; however, if a treated ruby or emerald is subjected to high heat, the filler may leak out of the stone. Sapphires and rubies are often heated in a kiln or furnace to enhance their color. Such heat treatment, which is considered permanent, has been used for centuries. Lightly colored sapphires may also undergo diffusion treatment. This is done by heating a stone in the presence of coloring elements such as titanium or iron, which causes a thin layer of color to be diffused into the stone's surface. Because this color layer is so thin, a diffusion-treated sapphire should not be re-polished. Gemstone Care To clean gemstone jewelry, first wipe it with a soft cloth to remove any dirt. Emeralds require only the use of a soft cloth, as cleaners may damage these soft gems. Sapphires and rubies can be cleaned with either an ultrasonic cleaner or a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water, with a soft brush. Store your gemstone jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry case so it does not touch other pieces in your collection. As with all jewelry, normal wear and tear can loosen prongs and settings, so it is a good idea to have it checked by a professional jeweler who can make repairs as needed.
B007EIWCNO Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 9.709 Category: Clothing Rating: 4 Votes: 93 Find similar products Amazon Collection Sterling Silver with Swarovski Elements Crystal Teardrop Pendant Necklace. Tiny crystal accents in graduated purple hues add fashionable detailing to this fluid pendant design. Wrapped in swirling sterling silver, its polished finish yet colorful presence allows it to be dressed up or down. The Amazon Curated Collection Discover the Amazon Curated Collection of fine and fashion jewelry. The expansive selection of high-quality jewelry featured in the Amazon Curated Collection offers everyday values that range from precious gemstone and diamond pieces to the latest fashion designs. This hand-selected assortment features an array of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal designs that receive a quality inspection, including from Amazon’s staff graduate gemologist, to ensure they meet Amazon’s high standards. All diamonds featured in the Amazon Curated Collection are certified by our suppliers to be conflict free, and IGI, GIA, or AGS certifications are provided on white diamonds of .75 carats or larger on all stud earrings, rings, and pendant necklaces. Pieces from the Amazon Curated Collection come packaged in a custom box, making them wonderful gifts. In addition, we offer free one-day shipping within the continental U.S. on items over $500. International shipping options for friends and family overseas are available for an additional fee. The Amazon Curated Collection offers a specialized customer service team that is available seven days a week to answer any product questions before, during or after the purchase. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you will receive a full refund and free return shipping within the U.S. if you return your purchase within 30 days. Find a special gift for a loved one or a beautiful piece that complements your personal style with jewelry from the Amazon Curated Collection. Fun, flirty, fashionable, and fabulous, Carnevale jewelry brings a refreshing burst of light to any occasion. Made with the best crystal product on the market today set in shimmering sterling silver, each Carnevale piece delivers signature Swarovski sparkle and unbeatable quality – at prices that deserve their own celebration. Whatever your style, whatever your mood, there’s a glittering Carnevale gem to lighten up your look. From passionate purples to midnight blues, perfect pinks to ravishing reds – Carnevale jewelry comes in a carnival of color options. Or for a classic twist, sparkle in a pretty pearl piece with a simple shock of black and white shine. Choose a colorful cocktail ring to light up your little black dress or a glittering pair of hoops for an elegant office look. A blingy butterfly when you’re feeling dreamy – or a basic bangle for a splash of down-to-earth sparkle. Design choices are endless. And at prices very affordable to all, Carnevale jewelry makes the perfect personalized gift option to light up birthdays, graduations, Mother’s Day – or just because. So turn your tried-and-true style into a technicolor treasure with Carnevale Jewelry. Lighten up and look great! Caring for your Carnevale Jewelry To keep Carnevale jewelry shining bright for years to come, make sure to give it special care. Rub your jewelry with baby wipes: they perform miracles on crystal jewelry without damaging the surface. Then rub with a clean dry soft cotton cloth to bring back the shine. The best way to store your Carnevale jewelry is inside a soft cloth pocket or fabric swath. Never stack it to avoid it from rubbing against other jewelry in your collection and try not to drop it on a hard surface. Swarovski Elements Swarovski was founded in 1895 in Austria by Daniel Swarovski. He’s aptitude for invention and entrepreneurship formed the company that today employs more than 20,000 and has a presence in more than 120 countries. Daniel came up with a new invention and patented an automatic grinding machine that was to revolutionize the crystal industry and provide the basis for the family’s company long-lasting success. The combination of fine crystal and precision cutting made the Swarovski name famous. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is the world’s leading brand for the finest crystal components manufactured by Swarovski. The science of the cut and the celebration of crystal as high art come together in SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Highest precision, quality and clarity of crystal that ensure perfect application and durable designs. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS add infinite brilliance to everything they embellish.	B01BXHIUUU Price: $30.99 Score: 9.174 Category: Clothing Rating: 4.8 Votes: 8 Find similar products Peora Freshwater Cultured Grey Pearl Swirl Pendant Necklace for Women 925 Sterling Silver, 10mm Round Button Shape, with 18 inch Chain. .
B00IVVC5JE Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 9.091 Category: Clothing Rating: 4 Votes: 1 Find similar products Alvdis Premium Oval String Shaped Pink Crystal Necklace - Genuine Swarovski Crystal Elements Pendant. .	B005VFGI0A Availability: Currently unavailable Score: 9.009 Category: Clothing Rating: 5 Votes: 2 Find similar products Amazon Collection Sterling Silver Bow Cubic Zirconia Diamond Cut Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, 16+2 Extender. Like a stunning gift all tied up in a bow, the Sterling Silver Bow Cubic Zirconia Diamond Cut Freshwater Pearl Necklace is a true symbol of romance. Displayed at the base of a 16-inch rolo chain is an adorable open bow shape that is completely embellished in pave-set cubic zirconia stones. The center of the pendant is touched with a semi-round freshwater pearl that reveals a medium luster and good uniformity. A lobster-claw clasp allows the pendant to easily adjust up to two inches. The Amazon Curated Collection Discover the Amazon Curated Collection of fine and fashion jewelry. The expansive selection of high-quality jewelry featured in the Amazon Curated Collection offers everyday values that range from precious gemstone and diamond pieces to the latest fashion designs. This hand-selected assortment features an array of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal designs that receive a quality inspection, including from Amazon’s staff graduate gemologist, to ensure they meet Amazon’s high standards. All diamonds featured in the Amazon Curated Collection are certified by our suppliers to be conflict free, and IGI, GIA, or AGS certifications are provided on white diamonds of .75 carats or larger on all stud earrings, rings, and pendant necklaces. Pieces from the Amazon Curated Collection come packaged in a custom box, making them wonderful gifts. In addition, we offer free one-day shipping within the continental U.S. on items over $500. International shipping options for friends and family overseas are available for an additional fee. The Amazon Curated Collection offers a specialized customer service team that is available seven days a week to answer any product questions before, during or after the purchase. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you will receive a full refund and free return shipping within the U.S. if you return your purchase within 30 days. Find a special gift for a loved one or a beautiful piece that complements your personal style with jewelry from the Amazon Curated Collection. Cubic Zirconia History In 1937, Cubic Zirconia was first discovered by German mineralogists, M. V. Stackelberg and K. Chudoba. Little did they know, the tiny crystals that they discovered would move on to become a popular synthetic gemstone. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Cubic Zirconia was first used in the jewelry world, when scientists began growing the crystals in the laboratory. In the 1980s, Cubic Zirconia use in jewelry continued to grow and today is it one of the most popular diamond substitutes available on the market. Composition Cubic Zirconia is the cubic form of zirconium oxide that is created in a laboratory. Its durable material allows the synthetic stone to be molded into a variety of shapes. The stone offers brilliant shine and flawless clarity. Cubic Zirconia is available in a wide range of colors, including a colorless form that is an economically important competitor to natural diamonds. Caring For Your Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Like natural diamonds, Cubic Zirconia needs to be cared for in order to maintain its original brilliance and shine. Clean with warm-to-hot water and a soft brush with a mild soap, then immediately dry with a clean cloth after rinsing. Avoid contact with perfume, body lotion, hairspray or any other chemical that may harm the shine of the stone. Freshwater Cultured Pearls These pearls are gathered from freshwater lake and river mollusks. Most Freshwater pearls come from China and they can be mostly round to off-round, or rice-shaped to baroque. They look similar to Akoya pearls, but are the perfect gift when on a budget. They might be slightly less symmetrical, smaller, or not as easily matched, but these minor differences provide a major value for the price. Cultivation Pearls are produced naturally in the body of salt and freshwater mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. When these animals sense an irritant, such as a grain of sand, they produce a soft coating of calcium carbonate substance around it. The result is a pearl. Because perfectly round, naturally produced pearls are so rare, a process known as cultivation was developed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the early 1900s. A small bead of polished shell, the nucleus, is used as an irritant and delicately inserted into the mantle of a mollusk. It takes approximately 20-24 months of intensive husbandry to cultivate a saltwater pearl and somewhat less time to cultivate freshwater pearls. The harvest usually takes place during the months of June and September. Color Mollusks produce pearls in a variety of colors, accommodating most personal preferences and budgets. The general color of a pearl is also known as the body color. Pearls typically range from white, cream, and yellow to pink, silver, or black. An overtone of secondary color is sometimes seen. For instance, a pearl may appear to be white, but upon closer inspection a rosy hue is detected. The body color would then be termed white-rosé. Color variation does not affect the quality of the pearl, though it should be noted that color matching is important when choosing pearls for some necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. In fashion jewelry, pearls can sometimes be dyed to achieve the desired color, which should be mentioned in the product description or specifications. Lustre The appealing, deep shine of a pearl is often what defines its beauty. This shine is produced by multiple layers of semi-opaque calcium carbonate crystals, called nacre. The nacre reflects light on the surface of the pearl, producing brilliance and sheen. Lustre is an integral feature in determining the quality of a pearl. Large pearls have a thicker nacre and, therefore, a higher lustre. When comparing a small Freshwater pearl to a large South Sea pearl, the difference is clearly visible to the untrained eye and should be considered when purchasing pearls. Shape While pearls come in many different shapes, the rarest and highest-quality are round. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea oysters tend to produce the roundest pearls, while those of Freshwater mollusks can be oval to slightly off-round. When considering a pearl purchase, whether it be a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, look for consistency in the shapes of the pearls. Many of the less symmetrical shapes are used in stylish jewelry which can be quite beautiful: the drop pearl's shape lends well to earrings, and the baroque pearl features irregular shapes that work well as necklace accents. In addition, a half sphere pearl called a mabe is often used in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Size An oyster's particular type and size has a direct effect on how large the pearl it produces will be, and pearls do come in a wide range of sizes. Round pearls are measured according to their diameter, while baroque pearls are measured by their length and width. A pearl's size does not necessarily affect its quality, but it does affect its price. Large, round pearls are rare and their lustre is usually high--this beautiful combination of traits is often reflected in the cost of such pearls. Average pearl sizes (in diameter): Akoya: 6-8mm Freshwater: 5-6.5mm South Sea: 11-13mm Tahitian: 11-12mm Keshi: 4-10mm Surface Markings Often when an oyster creates a pearl, the nacre does not develop smoothly. The surface of a pearl is judged by how many marks are visible in the nacre. These imperfections can be small and unnoticeable or quite large and distinct. Like diamonds, pearls are rarely flawless. However, high lustre or the way pearls are strung and set can help conceal surface markings. Care Proper care of pearls is not difficult if you remember that they are organic and produced by a living thing. Pearls are soft and delicate, but when cared for with common sense, they will maintain their lustre for centuries. The pearls should not come in contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, chlorinated water, or other harsh chemicals. To keep them clean, let them be the last item put on when dressing, and the first item taken off at the end of an evening. The best way to maintain their lustre is to wear the pearls often, and wipe them down with a soft cloth afterward--pearls absorb the oils from skin, which helps keep them moist. Pearls should be stored in a cloth pouch or jewelry bag, separated from other jewelry to prevent nicks or chipping. Periodically, pearl strands should be restrung since the silk thread used to tie the pearls together breaks down over time.