Pearl Buying Guide

by Newman, Renee

• ISBN13: 9780929975276
• ISBN10: 0929975278
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-01-01
• Publisher: Intl Jewelry Pubns

Summary

The first pearl book for consumers that gives them the fight information when making a pearl purchase. Renee Newman's gem and jewelry guides are known for their clear and concise advice, written in everyday English, with lots of explanatory photographs.

Author Biography

Renee Newman, GG (GIA), is a gemologist with broad experience in pricing, evaluating and selling gemstones and jewelry. She has made numerous trips to pearl centers such as Japan, China, Tahiti, Australia, and Hong Kong.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 7
Suppliers of Pearls and Jewelry for Photographs	p. 8
Why Read a Whole Book Just to Buy Some Pearls?	p. 11
What This Book Is Not	p. 13
What This Book Is	p. 14
How to Use this Book	p. 14
Curious Facts About Pearls	p. 15
An Apology from the Pearl Family	p. 15
The Pearl Oysters' Response	p. 16
Pearl Types and Shapes	p. 19
Pearl Types	p. 19
Pearls Produced by Snails	p. 27
Judging Shape	p. 29
Judging Luster and Nacre Thickness	p. 31
What is Pearl Luster?	p. 31
What Determines Luster?	p. 32
Judging Luster	p. 33
How Lightning Affects Luster	p. 34
Judging Nacre Thickness	p. 36
Is Nacre Thickness Important and Does It Affect Pricing?	p. 39
Judging Color	p. 41
Pearl Color	p. 41
Judging Pearl Color	p. 44
How Lighting Affects Pearl Color	p. 46
What Causes Pearl Color?	p. 47
What Color is Best For You?	p. 48
Judging Surface Perfection	p. 51
Pearl Blemishes	p. 52
Determining Which Blemishes Are Acceptable and Which Aren't	p. 53
Tips On Judging Surface Perfection	p. 54
Do We Need Standardized Grades to Judge Surface Perfection?	p. 55
Size, Weight, and Length	p. 57
Judging Make	p. 63
South Sea Pearls (White and Yellow)	p. 67
Price Factors	p. 68
Black Pearls	p. 85
Price Factors	p. 77
Freshwater Pearls	p. 85
Price Factors	p. 89
Pearl Treatments	p. 93
Natural Color or Not?	p. 96
Imitation or Not?	p. 99
Types of Imitation Pearls	p. 99
Tests That Require No Equipment Other Than A Magnifier	p. 100
Other Tests	p. 104
Natural or Cultured?	p. 105
Tests a Layperson Can Do	p. 105
Other Tests	p. 108
Choosing the Clasp	p. 111
Versatile Ways to Wear a Strand of Pearls	p. 117
Caring for Your Pearls	p. 125
Cleaning Your Pearls	p. 126
Storing Your Pearls	p. 126
Having Your Pearls Strung	p. 127
Miscellaneous Tips	p. 127
Finding a Good Buy	p. 129
Appendix	p. 133
Chemical, Physical, and Optical Properties of Pearls	p. 133
Quizzes	p. 135
Bibliography	p. 151
Index	p. 155
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.