The quality and value of fine white 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. A pearl with excellent luster will have a thick nacre coating the nucleus giving it a lustrous and milky like quality.

Usually, white pearls with high luster give off flashing rainbow colors called iridescence. This feature is also known as Orient. The brilliant orient is due to the fine quality of the nacre. It is this particular feature that makes white salt-water pearls (Akoya) more expensive than their freshwater counterparts. White pearl 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.

White 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. White pearls with rose overtones and iridescence are very valuable.

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

As previously mentioned, luster is an important factor when selecting white pearl jewelry. Shape is equally as 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 pearl jewelry will be very expensive.

White 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.

Because large pearls are rare, any gem in excess of 15mm is treasured and commands a high price. The value of the gem typically appreciates with size. For example, a 1mm increase in the size of a medium-quality gem can raise its price by 100 to 200%.

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 to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on fine white pearl jewelry of the salt-water variety (Akoya pearls), you should consider more affordable cultured freshwater white pearl jewelry. The fresh water pearls come in a variety of naturally formed shapes, including, nearly round, off round, drop-shaped, button-shaped, and baroque.

Because white round pearls are valued for their perfect symmetry, they are generally graded higher than other shapes. However, depending on preferences, other shapes may be more desirable for their unique appearance. For example, a white baroque (irregular shape) pearl necklace is awesome and breathtaking. Some necklaces with cultured freshwater, nearly round, white pearls are difficult to distinguish from their pricier salt-water counterparts (Akoya pearls).

White pearl jewelry is traditional and a popular choice for brides on their wedding day. The opulence and beauty of the gems makes them the perfect accessory for any bride. White pearls especially have been recognized as symbols of purity, modesty and chastity, thus the ideal jewelry to be adorned by the bride on her wedding day. The Pearls also make great gifts for bridal parties and mothers-of-the bride and groom.

Many online boutiques and jeweler feature a wide selection of white pearl jewelry you can choose from at affordable prices. The jewelry makes for a versatile gift for many different occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and graduations. Thus, you should not hesitate to browse white pearl jewelry offered by online jewelers and boutiques to find the jewelry that you like and that suits your budget.