Diamonds are a classic, timeless choice for engagement rings, but sometimes your bride-to-be may want something more unique. In that case, a pearl engagement ring is a wonderful alternative to traditional white diamonds. Their simple elegance and timeless beauty make them the perfect choice for a unique engagement ring to commemorate a lifetime of happiness.
Cultured Pearls
Walk into any jewelry store today and take a look at their pearls. Chances are, the majority of them are cultured pearls. The difference between natural and cultured pearls are simply the process used to obtain each. Cultured pearls are created artificially by inserting a foreign substance called a nucleus into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk. The oyster is then returned to water (lake or ocean) and the cultured pearl then develops naturally. While natural and cultured pearls are basically equal quality-wise, cultured pearls cost significantly less because they are quite common.
Colors, Shapes and Sizes
While white pearls are the most common, black, pink, gold, cream, blue and green pearls also exist. Colored pearls are quite rare, and the colors present in a pearl help to assign a value to the stone. For example, white pearls with a pinkish hue are exceptionally rare and are substantially more expensive than other colors. The familiar shape of round pearls work exceptionally well in an engagement ring, but pearls come in other shapes as well. Teardrops and other shapes (referred to as baroque pearls) are also available, but are not found in engagement rings.
When browsing for pearl engagement rings, you may be surprised that pearls are not typically measured in carats. Instead, their size is measured in millimeters. The exception to this rule are natural pearls, which are measured in carats.
Things to Know
Just as you would examine a diamond or other gemstone when purchasing an engagement ring, you should also examine the pearls. Do they have surface cracks or blemishes? If so, ask the jeweler if those can be buffed away or repaired.
Does the pearl appear iridescent and have a good luster? If not, look for a different pearl. If you aren’t sure if the pearl has undergone any sort of treatment, ask if it has been processed. If it has, that treatment can affect the quality and luster of the pearl.
While you should only visit a reputable jeweler for your pearl engagement ring, it doesn’t hurt to make absolutely certain the pearl is genuine. To determine if a pearl is real, rub it against your tooth. If it feels grainy, then you can rest assured you have a real pearl. If, on the other hand, it feels smooth against your tooth, the “pearl” is actually no better than a small bead that has been coated to look like a pearl.
While pearls are more affordable than diamonds usually, a pearl engagement ring can end up costing more than a diamond ring depending on the setting you choose, accent stones and other customizations. Of course, pearls have long been associated with brides and weddings, and would make an excellent alternative to a traditional engagement ring.
11:58 AM UTC February 05, 2012