SURFACE: The quality of the pearl is greatly affected
by blemishes(disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks). The cleaner
the surface of the pearl, the more valuable.Pearls must be smooth
and roll easily.
SHAPE: It is very rare to find a perfectly round pearl.
The rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is.You can find out
if they are slightly elliptical or not quite perfectly round by
rolling the pearls on a flat surface. COLOR: Cultured pearls
come in a variety of colors including white/silver, rose, cream,
golden and black.Low quality pearls often have brown or yellowish
body color.Some people say that the most precious are the ones
with a rose overtones.
SIZE: The larger the pearl, other factors being equal,
the more valuable it will be. The average sized pearl is between
7 and 7-1/2 millimeters.
Fashion
Tips 
Fair skins - rose or silver/white pearls suit well.
Darker complexion - cream and gold colour pearls are suggested.
Long neck - Dog collars enhance a long neck. You are blessed
and able to wear wide necklaces and chokers.
Short neck - Longer strands slenderize and appear to elongate
the neck.
Round face - The glimmer of elongated earrings will soften
the roundness of the face.
Long face - Round earrings will keep your eyes and cheekbones
in focus, making your face appear wider.
Short fingers - Elegant thin rings will elongate your fingers
Short - A pin on your shoulder will actually make you appear
taller
Long necklaces are slinky and sexy.
Short necklaces can be demure or sophisticated.
The classic, round pearl necklace is perfect for evening wear
or suit dressing.
A long strand of cultured pearls, with invisible clasps at several
points along its length, is very versatile. It can be shaped into
many different styles, such as a dog collar, a choker, or a bib.
Necklace lengths and terminology:
Bib
- Multiple strands of pearls, each shorter than the one below,
nested together in one necklace.
Graduated - A necklace composed
of pearls which taper downward in size from large pearls in the
center.
Uniform - A necklace which
appears to be composed entirely of pearls of the same size, though
there generally is a slight difference in size between the center
and the end pearls for a more proportionate look. 
Collar -- 12 - 13 inches
:Pearl collars are usually made up of three or more strands and
lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Very Victorian and luxurious,
pearl collars go best with elegant V-neck, boat neck or off the
shoulder fashions. 
Choker -- 14 - 16 inches.
A pearl choker is perhaps the most classic and yet versatile of
all the single strand lengths. A simple pearl choker can go with
virtually any outfit from casual to fancy evening wear, and just
about any neckline imaginable.
Princess
-- 17 - 19 inches. The princess length necklace is best suited
for crew and high necklines. It also compliments low plunging
necklines. It's perfect support for a pendant or pearl enhancer.
Matinee -- 20 - 24 inches.
Longer than the princess, and just a bit shorter than an opera
length, the matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or
business dressing.
Opera
-- 28 - 34 inches. The opera necklace is the queen of all lengths.
When worn as a single strand, it is perfect for high or crew necklines.
When doubled upon itself, it serves as a two strand choker.
Rope -- Over 45 inches.
It is elegant and sexy.hanel. When mystery clasps placed in strategic
locations around the necklace, that will enable you to break it
down into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations. For
those looking for the complete pearl wardrobe, this length is
a must.
Maintenance:
1.DON'T heap your jewelry into one purse or jewel box. Remember
a diamond ring or hard metal edges or harder stones can scratch
that pearl necklace.
2. Keep the jewels separately, ideally wrapped in velvet, paper,
or silk.
3.DON'T expose them to acid-based hair sprays, cosmetics, or perfumes.
4. DO get pearls restrung every two years or annually with frequent
use.
5. DO clean fine jewelry often to maintain its sparkle and beauty.
6. Do not use toothpaste as its abrasives can damage softer gems
and metals. All fine jewelry can be safely cleaned by soaking
for 10 minutes in warm soapy water (using a non-detergent soap).
Use a soft brush on harder gems to loosen any dirt around the
prongs.
7. Pearls should never be wiped, as dirt will concentrate between
pearls or on the string. Rather, soak in mild detergent made for
pearls, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Allow the pearls to
dry for 48 hours before wearing to prevent the string from stretching.
8. Never expose pearls to corrosive or ammonia based detergents,
as it will damage the nacre (skin) of the pearl.
9. Put on your makeup perfume prior to putting on pearls.
10. DO have pearls strung with a knot between each pearl. This
will prevent loss of pearls if the string should break.
11.Pearl jewels should be kept in a cool dry place.
12. Avoid wrapping pearls in a coloured paper and cloth that fades.
Pearl gift ideas :
Necklaces
Multi-strand Bracelets
Mabe Pearl Pendants "Add-A-Pearl"
Necklaces
Pearl Cluster Ring
Single Pearl Rings
Stud Earrings
Cluster Earrings
Pearl Drop Earrings
Brooches
Cufflinks
Tie tacks
Hairpiece.
Pictures by: Soundarrajan
