The quality and value of fine cultured pearl jewelry can vary greatly depending upon the quality of the pearls. The quality and value of pearls are determined by: luster, color, cleanliness, roundness, and size. Luster is defined as the pearl’s glow. Some pearls give off flashing rainbow colors (iridescences). This effect is called Orient and is characteristic of the finest pearls. Jewelry with orient pearls could cost in the thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. These pearls are highly sought after by those who can afford them.

Cultured pearl jewelry is priced according to the color of the pearls. The most desirable color for cultured pearls is white with a rose overtone. White pearls with a cream-colored overtone are also desirable. Pearls with yellowish or greenish overtones are less expensive. Pearls also come in many different natural colors, such as pink, green, gray, blue and black. Pearls of natural colors usually sell for much more than their white counterparts.

A pearl’s cleanliness is its freedom from skin blemishes such as pits, spots, or blisters. Perfectly spotless cultured pearls are rare. Most pearls have some kind of blemish or imperfection. Small defects in pearls are acceptable. Larger imperfections can be unsightly.

Luster is the single most important factor when selecting fine pearl jewelry. Shape is also important. For round pearls, the shape should be as round as possible. Roundness is a desirable feature of pearls. If the luster is excellent and the pearls are round, the cultured pearl jewelry will be very expensive. Cultured pearls are sold by their millimeter size. The larger pearls are priced higher. An 8 millimeter pearl is considered large, a 9 millimeter, very large. The price increases upwards faster with each millimeter once you pass 8. The size of the pearls that you choose is entirely your choice.

Cultured pearl jewelry strands typically come in the following categories: collar (12-13 inches), choker (14-16-inches), princess (17-19 inches), matinee (20-24 inches) opera (26-36 inches) and Rope (40 inches and over).

If you cannot afford fine cultured pearl jewelry, you should consider more affordable cultured freshwater pearl jewelry. Many online jewelry boutiques feature beautiful cultured freshwater pearl jewelry at affordable prices.

Freshwater cultured pearl jewelry has a tremendous allure and is eye-catching. High quality freshwater round pearls are often difficult to distinguish from their more pricey salt-water counterparts without the expertise of a gemologist. Also, many online jewelers offer elegant freshwater pearl jewelry sets, including a necklace, earrings and a bracelet.