Luster: Luster is defined as the appearance of the surface of a mineral dependent upon its reflecting qualities. This also relates to the the robust shine of a pearl. Pearls are composed of countless microscopic layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals. The luster of a pearl is the light that reflects off of these layers.

When selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so it will also exhibit even more luster. Compare a 5mm Freshwater cultured pearl with a 10mm South Sea cultured pearl and the difference in the amount of nacre is obvious. The difference in luster is as clearly visible as the difference in the pearl sizes.

Ideally you want to select pearls which are spherical and symmetrical – these represent the some traits of the highest quality pearls. Typically Tahitian, Akoya, and South Sea pearls are the rounder than Freshwater pearls , which can be oval or slightly un-round.

The layers of a pearl are known as nacre. The layers of nacre are not necessarily created smoothly by an oyster. Occasionally imperfections such as spots or bubbles can occur as the oyster is creating layers of the pearl. Naturally pearls with the least imperfections and the smoothest surfaces are typically considered to be the highest-quality. These occur very rarely in nature, and as such are the most sought-after pearls.

Ultimate Pearls