Pearl Colour
Pearls are available in a variety of colours. Colours of pearls include the following: White, pink, silver, cream, golden, green, blue and black. Freshwater pearls come in the ranges of Whites, Pinks, Golds and Creams. Other colours like the darker colour ranges like Charcoals, Greens and Blacks are colour enhanced - which has become an industry acceptable standard.
Pearl Clarity and Lustre
The lustre of pearls depends on the quality of the nacre. Pearls should have the characteristic shiny pearly lustre and their surface should show sharp and bright reflections. The surfaces of good quality pearls are smooth and blemish-free with a suitable layer of nacre to increase durability.
Pearl Cut and Shape
Pearls can be round, oval, pear-shaped or misshapen (baroque pearls). However, the best materials are regularly shaped. The most valuable shapes are symmetrical spheres or symmetrical drops. Pearl sizes depend on the type of mollusc that they form in and they typically range from 2 mm to 16 mm in diameter.
Pearl Treatment
Pearls can be bleached to lighten and enhance their colour. In this way, a uniform colour can be achieved for beaded necklaces. Also, as mentioned above, colour enhanced by dying to create a new colour tone.
