A shimmering pearl can make a lovely engagement ring, evoking timelessness and a feeling of eternity in its round form. A very fitting gem for a proposal of marriage! Natural pearls that are as close to perfectly round as possible are the best. Pearls are made of 10-20% water, and their lustrous outer layer is delicate. Because of the presence of water in a pearl, it should not be exposed to very dry conditions for long periods of time, or it could crack. The pearl is also prone to scratches and wear and tear, so it shouldn’t be worn during sports or gardening without protection.
Preferred Origin: South Sea Tahitian saltwater pearls are considered the best when it comes to preferred origin.
White Pearl Engagement Ring
Black Pearl Engagement Ring
How to tell if a pearl is real?:
Fake pearls made today can look remarkably real thanks to modern technology, but there are a few simple checks you can perform to determine whether a pearl is genuine or fake:
- Feel the surface. Both natural and cultured pearls should have a slightly rough surface. You can feel the surface by rubbing two pearls lightly against each other or by rubbing the pearl against your tooth (the surface of your tooth, not the edge, which could damage the pearl). Real pearls will feel gritty whereas fake pearls will have a smooth or glossy feel.
- Check for irregularities. Pearls that are too perfect in terms of shape, size, color and surface characteristics are likely fake. Real pearls have irregularities. They are not perfectly round or smooth or evenly colored. This test is easiest to perform with a strand of pearls. Real pearls on a strand of pearls shouldn’t look identical in shape, size, or color.
- Look at the drill holes. Drill holes in fake pearls can be pretty large and if you look at the holes in them under magnification, you’ll probably see chips in the lacquer or painting. In contrast, real pearls will have small drill holes and you won’t see any chipping.
- Feel their weight. Fake pearls generally weigh less than genuine pearls and you can feel that when you hold them in your hand and gently toss them up and down. With the exception of fake pearls made from glass beads, fake pearls will be much lighter than real pearls. Glass beads will be heavier. In both cases, you can feel the difference between the weights.
