• Always consider the body color and overtones.
• White-pink pearls with orient are most valuable.
• Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and hair color.

Although color is one of the Big 6 valuing factors, it is the element with the most leeway for individual taste and choice. Whatever color you are looking at, remember to consider both the body color and overtones. Body color is the overall color of the pearl, like white or black. Overtones are the tints or shades of secondary color that is within the nacre. If you see a white-pink pearl, the body color is white, and the overtones are pink. This example also happens to be about the costliest combination. In white pearls, it is also typical to find overtones of green. This is less desirable and therefore cheaper.

In black pearls, however the black-green combination which is sometimes called "peacock" is highly prized and most costly.

You can find pearls in blue, green, yellow, cream, pink, gold and silver. They range in price depending on their overall quality, so check out some top jewelers to find out the spectrum available as you get to know the rainbow of possibilities in these lushous gems.

Answer to quiz: c