Welcome to Pearl Necklace Buzz, an independent website dedicated to helping you learn about and purchase high quality pearl necklaces.  As you spend time exploring the world of pearl necklaces, and other jewelry, you will find there are many different aspects to consider before making an important purchase.

Specifically when it comes to the area of pearl necklaces, you must be aware of the many kinds of pearl necklaces.  On Pearl Necklace Buzz we will write articles regarding the most popular styles including; black pearl necklace, floating pearl necklace, pearl choker necklace, pearl strand necklace, oyster pearl necklace, akoya pearl necklace and more.

What are cultured pearl necklaces and what are Natural pearl necklaces?

It is a commonly mistaken fact that most pearls that are sold in jewelry stores come from the ocean and were created under natural circumstances.  Because only about one in ten-thousand saltwater oysters will actually forma pearl, almost all pearls are “cultured” in pearl farms with the help of humans.  The value of a true, natural pearl can vary greatly based on size and age.  It is also very uncommon for a natural pearl to be perfectly round; many times they will be flat on one side or oblong in shape.

I keep hearing about “akoya” pearl necklaces.  What are they?

The akoya pearl is one that has cultured in the Pintada fucata martensiior akoya oyster.  These are generally regarded as the most “classic” of pearl and are known for the best luster of any other kind of pearls.  Until recently most akoya pearls came from Japan, but now China has stepped up production of the akoya pearl and has overtaken the Japanese companies in this area.

What is the most expensive pearl necklace ever sold?

While there is no official answer to the “most expensive” pearl necklace ever sold, certainly the Baroda Pearls would be near the top.  The necklace was auctioned for a record 7.1 million dollars in 2007, and is comprised of double-strand of 68 pearls.  The pearl necklace was originally owned by the Gaekwad of Baroda, whose family ruled the Indian state from the mid-eighteenth century until the late 1940’s.  Interestingly, the same dynasty also owned the “Star of the South”, and 128 carat Brazilian diamond found in 1853.

How Can I Tell If A Pearl Necklace Is Real?

There are several ways to determine whether or not a pearl or set of pearls is real.  One of the most common is known as the “sun test”.  Real pearls are not all perfectly even in color or overtones.  Because they are created over dozens of years in the deep of the ocean, no one pearl is the same.  When looking closely at pearls under bright sun light, or even some brighter indoor lighting, you should be able to see differences in their color and iridescence.  If the set of pearls you are looking at are all identical, down to the color and small lines, it is probably a fake.

If you are in the market for very expensive pearls, and want to make sure your purchase is authentic, we strong recommend using the services of a gemologist.  One of these experts can very easily discern a true pearl from a fake, and will provide a certificate stating so for around one-hundred fifty dollars.  There are also several trust-worth discount pearl dealers available as well who will provide a certificate of authentecity when you buy from them.  Some of the best places to buy natural, expensive pearls is in the Asia market, which is easily accessible from connecting flights to Honolulu and other South Pacific airports.