Buying Pearls

How To Buy Pearls

Before buying your next piece of pearl jewelry, Anandia Pearls strongly recommends you sign up and receive the Pearls of Wisdom Buying Guide. This guide is available free of charge, and is a comprehensive and fun 3-part pearl education series to teach you how to buy pearls in the "real-world" and to buy pearls online!

Pearl Education 101: Are Cultured Pearls Real Pearls?

Yes, the cultured pearls carried by Anandia Pearls are real pearls created by real oysters, produced by a delicate culturing process perfected over the last century. These are the same pearls that are sold at nearly every retail jewelry store across the country. However, among these pearls, only the top 1 - 2% out of the millions of pearls produced each year are good enough to meet Anandia Pearls's top quality AAA-A standards and be sold here. Understanding the different cultured pearl types - and their shapes, sizes, colors, and quality ratings - makes it easy to find the perfect pearl jewelry for you.

Which Type of Pearl is Right For Me?

Selecting pearls is a personal decision: which pearl color do you find most captivating? Which ones most resonate with you? The goal of these pages, and of our pearl consultants, is to help you in your decision process.

Value Factors

In addition to Grading Pearls using the 7 Value Factors - luster, shape, size, color, surface, pearl nacre thickness, and matching - pay attention to how the pearls feel. At room temperature, true pearls should be cool to the touch, not warm, and have a luxurious smoothness between your fingers.

Cultured Pearl Strands: Black Pearls,
South Sea and Golden Pearls

How Can I Tell If a Pearl is Real?

Is this a real pearl? Try this test: take two pearls and very lightly rub them against each other. You should feel a slight grittiness. This sandy feeling is natural, caused by the layers of conchiolin that the mollusk places around the nucleus to create the pearl. Plastic, enamel, and other imitations will feel smooth and glassy. If you only have a single pearl, you can also perform this test by rubbing the pearl lightly against the biting edge of your tooth (the tooth test), feeling for the gritty texture. Just make certain to ask the owner first!

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace

If you're considering a pearl bracelet or pearl necklace, roll the strand along a smooth surface and observe the pearls from all sides. Inspect them under natural light, as this will unveil their true color and showcase their brilliance. Keep in mind that any 'imperfections' in pearls are caused by nature. Be tolerant of minor blemishes; in many cases, they add unique character! No two pearls are exactly the same.

Take your time when shopping for pearls. Like any valuable investment, pearls deserve careful consideration. Whether you're seeking a single exquisite pearl or indulging in a breathtaking pearl strand, savor the process and seek quality within your budget.