Photo Courtesy of Mikimoto

Pearl is the birthstone for June, which gives us the perfect opportunity to share with you nuggets of information gleaned from the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA).

You’ve probably heard “pearls should be the last thing you put on when dressing and the first thing you take off when you get home.” There is a reason why you should follow this rule. Pearls are meant to be worn. However, they are quite delicate and need a good deal of care. When exposed to extreme humidity or products such as hair sprays, make-ups, cosmetics, perfumes, pearls – both natural and cultured – tend to lose their lustre over time.

Wondering what determines the value of a pearl? We did too. And here’s what GIA had to tell us: the value of pearl strands and multi-pearl pieces hinges on how well the pearls match (or mix). Lustre results from the reflection of light rays that bounce off the pearl’s surface as well as the concentric inner layers of nacre; pearls with high lustre are determined by the sharp bright reflections on the surface. Imitation pearls are smooth when rubbed against the teeth, while natural or cultured pearls tend to have a slightly rough texture. To differentiate natural pearls from cultured pearls, X-rays can be taken to reveal their inner structures.

The following characteristics of the pearl help determine its value and preciousness.

• The number of blemishes on a pearl's surface is evaluated to assess its quality.
• Pearls come in different shapes, but when it comes to shape, spherical pearls are the most valued. Although white is most classic, unusual natural colors are also highly coveted.
• Nacre thickness is evaluated to ensure cultured pearls are durable as well as beautiful.

Smitha Sadanandan