Pearls can be classified into two categories, freshwater pearls and seawater pearls. Freshwater pearls refer to pearls produced by freshwater mussels. China is the main producer of freshwater pearls, accounting for 90% of the total output of freshwater pearls in the world.
Seawater pearls are pearls produced by marine shellfish, such as Malpighia, white butterfly and black butterfly. Because the growth cycle of seawater pearls is longer and the output is less than that of freshwater pearls, its quality will be better. China, Japan, Australia and the Philippines are all important producers of seawater pearls.
Choosing pearls mainly depends on naked eye identification, and judging the quality of pearls by observing their appearance. At this time, you need to know about pearls before you know how to buy them. I have prepared dry goods for you ~ you can consider them from seven dimensions:
1, category
2, leather (luster)
Step 3 color
4. Degree of defects
5. Point (size)
Step 6 shape
7. Pinctada
Let's talk about the first category first.
1, category
Seawater pearls are mainly divided into akoya pearls, Mabeizhu, Tahiti black pearls, Australian white pearls and Nanyang Golden Pearl.
Freshwater pearls are divided into nucleated pearls and seedless pearls, most of which are irregular in shape and mostly white in color. Nucleated freshwater beads are larger, rounder and more colorful, usually white, purple and bronze.
It can be said that each kind has its own unique side, and the price of each variety is also very different. In the selection of varieties, it mainly depends on personal needs and intentions.
2, leather (luster)
The luster of pearl refers to the intensity of reflected light on the surface of pearl and the clarity of image. Simply put, if you look at the patterns in pearls, the clearer the patterns, the better the luster.
Tip: Put the pearl flat on a soft white cloth, and you can see the warm luster of the pearl overflowing. Looking at the light, you can see a spherical surface similar to metal texture and even reflect people's pupils.
The color of real pearls looks natural, and the luster of each bead is different. Natural flood pages are slightly different. The color of the fake pearl looks very single, the magic color layer has not changed obviously, and the skin is still spotted.
Step 3 color
The colors of seawater beads are mainly white, gold, black and silver, and the color levels are richer on the premise of halo.
The main colors of freshwater beads are white, orange pink, purple pink and so on.
4. Degree of defects
Pearls are not as flawless as other jewels. On the contrary, flaws are very common in the pearl world! The degree of defects is divided into: almost flawless >; Extreme defects > minor defects > serious defects.
In the case of the same pearl, try to choose one with slightly more defects. Don't pay too much attention to defects, natural pearls are inevitably flawed. The fewer spots, marks and spots on the surface, the better. Generally speaking, no defects can be seen at a distance of 50 cm, which is considered as an acceptable standard.
5. Point (size)
When choosing a suitable pearl size, whether it is freshwater pearls or seawater pearls, the larger the diameter of pearls, the higher the value of pearls under the premise of consistent quality.
Generally speaking, pearls below 6mm do not belong to the category of jewelry-grade pearls, and pearls of 7-9mm are most popular with the public, and pearls of 10mm are very rare, while pearls of 1 1mm are only found in Nanyang pearls and black pearls, and the more you go up, the rarer things are, the more precious things are, you know.
Step 6 shape
Shape refers to the roundness of pearls, which is called "round and smooth pearls". The rounder the pearl, the more expensive it is. When choosing, try to choose a round one. Generally, roundness can be judged by the naked eye.
Seawater beads are cultured by inserting a nucleus, that is, a round nucleus is inserted into the mother berry to grow, so the shape is generally a regular round sphere.
Freshwater pearls cultivated without seeds are cultivated by implanting into cell membrane, so the pearls produced by them are mostly irregular shapes, such as oval, oblate, egg-shaped and rice-shaped. The share of perfect circle is small and there are many defects. Although the output of freshwater pearls is high, the proportion of perfect light is less than one thousandth.
7. Pinctada
The thickness of nacre is directly proportional to the durability and beauty of pearls. Too thin will affect the luster of pearls, and the pearl layer may fall off if worn for a long time. The thickness of high-quality mother-of-pearl is generally greater than 0.5mm!
If the nacre looks gray and dull, it means that the nacre is very thin.
How to choose freshwater pearls or seawater pearls?
This really depends on your budget and preferences. If the money is not bad or the quality requirements are good, you can choose seawater pearls. Those who pursue cost performance can choose freshwater pearls.
But good quality freshwater pearls are not worse than seawater pearls, and the price will be much cheaper. For example, Edison's top freshwater pearls can be compared with them.
Speaking of which, even Xiaobai has more or less mastered some methods of selecting pearl ornaments ... Let's talk about how to buy them so as not to be cheated. Words are very important!
? Universal formula: category+size+roundness+minimum flaw+accessories.
For example: Nanyang Pearl 12- 13mm, perfect and round, with minimal defects. /kloc-how much is the 0/8k gold necklace?
Don't ask each other directly:? Are your pearls natural? Now pearls are farmed, so it is estimated that you will go to auction or find antique jewelry. The correct word is
Are your pearls farmed or synthesized?
Are the white beads bleached?
Is there a coating in Ma Bei?
Are the colored beads dyed?
At least this question won't make the other person think you are Xiao Bai and kill you at will. The rest can be judged by yourself according to the above method.
When buying expensive pearl jewelry, remember to ask if there is after-sales service and whether it supports re-inspection. If it is fake, it will cost three yuan. Is there a real scientific research certificate or a national inspection certificate? The material of pearl ornaments should also be clearly seen.