• Blemishes are okay, cracks are not. Get to know the difference.
• Don’t discount a pearl just because it has a dark spot, it may be cleanable.
• Always consider nacre and luster over surface perfection.

Of all the Big 6 value factors, blemishes are the least important. Not that you shouldn’t investigate the pearls for cracks and large pits, but high luster, good color, shape and nacre thickness are far more crucial to the gem’s overall beauty and value. It is a good idea, however, to familiarize yourself with how to recognize blemishes. So make sure to check pearls under a variety of lighting situations, against a dark background (white pearls especially) this reveals little nicks, roll them either alone or on the string, you will get a feel for little glitches in their skin and then hold them at eye level. If you see dark spots, don’t necessarily rule the pearl out. It could be lipstick or perfume. Pearls are very pourous and will soak up just about any substance it comes in contact with. Many of these stains can be buffed or washed away. Again, unless you see large cracks or actual chips off the nacre, don’t let a few surface imperfections keep you from a lustrous gem on all other counts.

Answer to quiz: a, b and c