How to Buy a Cultured-Pearl Necklace

There are many varieties of cultured pearls and numerous brands and locations from which to purchase a cultured-pearl necklace. By familiarizing yourself with the different features available, you will be able to make the selection that best conforms to your taste and budget.

Instructions

1

Choose a shape. Pearls may be rounded or irregularly shaped. Selecting a shape allows you to personalize your cultured pearls. A rounded shape is the classic look as well as the most common (and most available) style to purchase; irregular pearls have an exotic and distinctive look. The more rare or difficult to obtain the shape, the more you can expect to pay.

2

Choose a size for your cultured pearls. A small strand can be a lovely addition to any wardrobe while a larger strand can be edgy and fashionable. If you are selecting your necklace to match an existing pair of earrings or a bracelet, be sure that the sizes are comparable. As a general rule, larger pearls are more expensive.

3

Select the color. Cultured pearls come in many shades, ranging from white and yellow to pink, black and gray and varying in tint from light to dark. You may choose to alternate colors if you are making your own necklace, or you could select one color for the entire piece. Plan on paying more for rare and exotic colors than for basic white or off-white pearls.