Flower Pearls

In 1998, The Collector’s parent company, Pala International, and Edward Boehm of JOEB Enterprises introduced the faceted pearl, also known as ‘Flower Pearls.’

It took almost two decades of experimentation by a small Japanese diamond-cutting firm to accomplish this unique faceting process. The faceted pearl has a distinct scintillation that results due to the tiny facets on the surface of the pearl. These facets reflect and refract light, creating an optical illusion that gives the impression that they are actually convex. This effect however, is due to the flat facets being placed on a spherical surface. Each pearl can have as many as 100 to 200 facets and must be of high quality and thick nacre.

Pearl quality and value

Pearls have five criteria for determining quality, price and value. Luster and surface smoothness are equally important criteria. High luster pearls with their mirror finishes are most desirable. The cleaner or freer from blemishes the surface of the cultured pearl, the more valuable. A dull or chalky surface indicates an inferior pearl.

Color is a matter of personal taste, but whatever the color, it should be rich and even throughout. There are an infinite variety of colors in pearls that cover the entire color spectrum. We find subtle shades of cream, gray, green, blue and pink. The most popular however, are white and pink rose because these shades are flattering to the widest range of skin tones.

Shape is a matter of quality and taste. Round or near-round is the most desirable. Other shapes are popular as well, when a different look or style is desired, such as the teardrop or pear-shape, the semi-round or oval, the button and the baroque, which is irregular and free form in shape.

Size dramatically affects prices, particularly above 7 millimeters. Akoya pearls greater than 8 millimeters are extremely rare. Pearls larger than 10 milimeters are black Tahitian, white and golden South Sea pearls or large freshwater pearls. Generally the bigger the cultured pearl, the more rare and valuable it is.

Appraiser notes by Jo Ellen Cole

How to care for your pearls

Fine pearls are appreciated for their luster, color and size as well as their versatility in the jewelry wardrobe. To keep your pearls happy, it is a good idea to get them re-strung approximately once every year. The silk that is used to knot the pearls is strong but will eventually wear under constant use and exposure to skin oils, perfume, deodorants, and/or moisture.

When actively wearing pearls, always put them on after applying moisturizer, perfume and/or deodorant. This way you are exposing the somewhat delicate surface of the pearl to the least possible corroding influences. After use, wiping them lightly with a clean, soft cloth to remove perfumes and oils is recommended. Keeping pearls in a silk bag will also help avoid exposure to the drying influence of heat and light.

For a professional appraisal or any other information, you are welcome to call The Collector at (760) 728-9121.