In the
world of pearls just two major varieties
make all the headlines - the South Sea and Tahitian
black pearls. South
Sea pearls are generally available
in natural silvery or golden shades. Also known as Australian pearls,
golden pearls, or Pacific pearls, South
Sea pearls have a fine, unique and
dazzling beauty, and are available in several shapes such as round,
baroque, semi round, and semi baroque. They are produced in the
Pinctada Maxima oyster. These pearls are the perfect symbol of
sophistication and this is why a South
Sea pearl necklace is
one of most sought after jewellery pieces amongst elite and
well-to-do ladies.
The
perfect round South
Sea pearls are rare and consequently
expensive. They also vary in size, normally between ten to eighteen
millimetres; the bigger the pearl is, the more expensive it will
cost. In buying a South Sea pearl necklace people may want to
consider the pearls’ lustre. This factor is what gives a pearl
necklace its opulence. A great lustre is demonstrated by how much and
the clarity with which the pearls can reflect light. Any pearls that
look dull are forthrightly not considered jewellery material and
their cash value is quite low. The buyer also wants a pearl with its
surface virtually flawless as this is the essence of fine jewellery.
From
their name, Tahitian
black pearls are generally black in
appearance - an elegant colour that takes out the light shade norm of
South Sea
pearls. Nonetheless, when they are
placed in the light the black colour displays shades of green, blue,
purple, aubergine, pinkish, and greenish blue, which serves to add
more elegance. Tahitian pearls are cultivated in the oyster variety
known as the Pinctada Margaritefera, or by another name, the black
lipped oyster. These pearls are also available in the round and
baroque shapes and hence the major difference between a South
Sea pearl necklace and that made
from Tahitian
black pearls really has to be the
colours. This is rightly so because the similar factors of lustre,
size, flawlessness, and shape, apply to both types of pearls although
Tahitian black pearls are somewhat thicker
because they are produced with several more layers than other forms
of pearls.
Anyone
looking to buy a Tahitian black pearl or South
Sea pearl necklace
should consider the design and setting of the pearls on the necklace.
Several varieties of pearl necklaces are available in the market with
styles ranging from the choker, bib, rope, princess, opera, dog
collar, and matinee among others. Whether you are a fan of the black
opulence of Tahitian
black pearls or the elegant golden
or silvery look of South
Sea pearls, you can be certain that
these respective necklaces will bring out utmost sophistication and
style in any lady.