💍 Knowing pearl types is the first step of evaluating pearls. Each type of pearls has its own characteristics and valued standards. Basically, all pearls can be listed in two categories: Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls.
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💍 The three most common saltwater pearls are Akoya pearl, Southsea pearl and Black Southsea pearl/Tahitian pearl. Among different types of pearls, saltwater pearls are more valuable than freshwater pearls. It can also be divided into Natural pearls and Cultured pearls. Natural pearls cost more than cultured pearls. The high value of natural pearls does not mean they are better quality than cultured ones. That is just because they are rare.
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💍 Luster might be the most important factor of all. Luster is the amount of light a pearl reflects. Pearls with high luster have sharp bright reflections on the surface. Different pearl types have different standards for luster. Among all types of salt water pearl, Akoya pearl often shows high luster. The qualities that determine a natural or cultured pearl’s value are luster, nacre quality, size, shape, color, and surface quality.