The Uniqueness of Pearls

No two pearls are exactly alike. No matter how closely one may resemble the other, there is a slight difference between them. Some pearls are well shaped, but may have something to be desired in their purity of colour; others are lustrous to perfection, but somewhat irregular in shape. A pearl may have an exquisite colour but be somewhat lacking in lustre. The variations are countless. Those pearls which do well in all three factors are the most valuable and costly.
 

To judge the value of pearls, just remember that the closer they come to being perfect in all respects, the more they are worth.
 

As for the other factors, colour should be pure and clear though it is subtle. The surface should be free of disfiguring blemishes, although pitting is natural and tolerable. Size and shapes depend upon tastes. You may want to compromise with size and shape in order to buy pearls which are affordable. The larger and more symmetrical a pearl is, the more it will cost. Providing, of course, that is also have good lustre, colour and surface.