All these types are cultured pearls and natural pearls are rarity. Freshwater pearl necklaces that are harvested in freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers are the cheapest of all and abundantly available. They are very much affordable. Next comes the Akoya Seawater pearls and the name akoya means saltwater in Japanese language. The culturing technique was originally developed by famous Japanese man name Mikimoto in early part of 19th Century. But now China has taken over the pearl farming of both akoya and freshwater pearls to a much larger scale.

Most of us perhaps have no real idea as to how pearls are graded and valued when it comes to quality and pricing. Unlike diamonds that are evaluated based on four C’s: Cut, Carat, Color and Clarity, pearls being natural gems are grown naturally in oyster’s womb. They grow in many shapes and sizes and we human have little or no control. More so, the water quality and climatic conditions often play a major role during pearl farming.

Since pearls come in all different sizes, shapes and colors, they are graded from A to AAA depending upon quality. Luster is the king as no one would like to buy dull looking pearl jewelry no matter how cheap they are. Often many jewelers sell them as AAAA and that’s just the hype perhaps to get more money.

There are SIX factors that determine the value of pearls or pearl jewelry:

Pearl jewelry luster: Combination of surface brilliance and inner glow. A very good luster means higher pearl value. Pearl Luster, Pearl Surface, Pearl Size, Pearl Colorand Pearl Shape.

Pearl Nacre: The iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell. It is a natural substance oyster secretes to protect its sensitive flesh. The thin nacre is very prone to peeling and chipping whereas thicker layer commands more value because of its greater luster depth. Pearl Surface: If outer surface is very clean and have very few blemishes such pearls carry more value. Higher quality of pearls have mirror like finish and without any blemishes on the surface. Pearl Size: Pearls are commonly measured in millimeters (mm) in their diameter. Large size pearls carry higher prices. Even 1 mm makes the difference. The average most sold white pearl necklace today are between 6.5mm and 7.5mm and are preferred choice of many young women. Depending upon age, taste, status and styles many go for higher sizes as well.

Pearl Color: Surface color or body color. Most irradiated or dyed pearls have surface colors. The natural pearl colors are white, black, champagne, green, gray, aqua and gold. Again within each category there are common overtones. White with rose overtones look great on fair skin and the cream or the golden overtones look fabulous on darker complexions. Most important is woman's own personal taste and preference.

Pearl Shape: The perfect round shape always have higher pearl values but near round or off round are very much common, great in demand and sold everyday. Pearls are not restricted to round shape only and other shapes like tear drop, pear, potato, coin and irregular baroque shape pearls are equally popular among women and commonly used by jewelers and designers alike.