How To Buy Pearls

The well dressed woman knows how to buy pearls.  However,  for those who still need a little education on the pearl buying process, remember that adding the right set or string of pearls to any outfit changes the appeal of a woman drastically.  A string of pearls can add distinction to a blazer and a pair of jeans just as they will to an evening gown.  

1. Determine the color you need, want or desire.  Pearls come in many colors from translucent to browns.  Determine the color and value of your purchase.  You'll want to make sure your pearls, if authentic, are the best your money can buy.   
2. A genuine pearl has a grainy surface.  Before paying for a pair of pearls, take a second and rub the pearls across your teeth.  If the pearls do not have a grainy feel, they are manufactured and not genuine pearls from the sea.  
3. Determine the length you want to purchase.   If your ideal style is conservative and chic, select a length no longer than 20 inches.  Or for the classy, sassy individual, a string that measures longer, up to ninety inches is great.  Pearls comes in many lengths for the many diverse personalities.  A woman who wears a suit everyday will probably want to purchase a pair no longer than the opening at her neckline. While one who wears a sassy dress or jeans and a blazer will find the outfit enhanced by adding any length.  
4. View the opalescence to determine a string of pearls value and beauty.  Pearls have an iridescent quality.  They can appear to be greys, pinks and even yellow when worn.  Genuine pearls are not completely white.  They can be off white, blush or bronze and then reflect the color being worn.  
5. Look for a shine or sheen when purchasing pearls.  All pearls have a beautiful, rich luster. When looking for genuine pearls, look for a rich luster or sheen.  Genuine pearls have a shiny not dull finish.
6. Pearls have a light reflective quality. So before making that investment and purchasing a rip off string of pearls, look deep and see if your pearls reflect, not  repel light.