Pearl engagement rings are unique in that their gemstones occur organically rather than as inorganic minerals. Majority of gemstones that we know today occur as minerals within the earth. A pearl gemstone can grow in freshwater and also in saltwater in a broad range of mollusk species. They can also grow in any continent and they do this both in cold water and warm water bodies.
Pearl engagement rings make a statement of luxury and grace. There are two types of pearls which include natural pearls and cultured pearls. Natural pearls that are found in their natural state tend to be quite rare which is why they can be very expensive. Cultured pearls are more readily available which means that they are easier to buy and are more affordable. With mollusk species becoming an endangered species, natural pearls are not as available. This is the reason a cultured pearl is more common today. They are from underwater farms in controlled conditions where they grow in mollusks. In these farms, the conditions remain controlled throughout the process until the pearl is harvested.
Cultured Pearls
Assume that any pearl you come across is a cultured one unless you are given other information to the contrary. Looking at its drill hole will also let you know whether a pearl is cultured. A wild pearl will have a nacre all through the pearl but a cultured pearl will have a layer of nacre around the white bead. An X-ray examination is an option for a pearl that does not have a drill. This is to determine whether it is a cultured one or natural. Pearls have a score of 2.5- 3 which means they are a soft stone that can get scratched easily.
Choosing a Pearl Engagement Ring
The value of a pearl will depend on a variety of factors, with the most important ones being color, size, shape, luster and surface. These are the qualities of a well-rounded pearl that would also have a high value. Luster refers to the glow or the brilliance of a stone. A pearl with luster will have a sharper reflection and will also be brighter. When buying pearl engagement rings, avoid those that are dull or chalky. Some pearls also have a display or rainbow colors known as an orient which makes them more valuable.
Shape is also something you should look at when purchasing a pearl ring. Most pearls are in baroque or irregular shapes which means that those that have round shapes are more expensive since they are the rarest. A round pearl should not be an oval but rather a perfect sphere without rings or dimples. They should have a color that is the same all round and without blemish. For baroque pearls, the most valuable pearls are the ones in teardrop shape. A pearl should also have no scratch or irregularly. A pearl engagement ring that has a stone with some irregularity will not have a high value.
The bigger the pearl, the more it costs. Get a stone of at least 8mm for your engagement ring center stone. For an engagement ring, the color would be very significant since personal preference should be taken into consideration. The highest valued pearls are the ones that have true black, pure white and rich gold colors.
Best Places to Buy Pearl Engagement Rings
James Allen
Looking for a pearl engagement ring? James Allen has you covered. James Allen has a broad range of engagement rings, as well as wedding bands and other types of jewelry. Their rings have stunning designs and are top quality making a purchase from them one of the best choices you would make.
Capucinne
Capucinne should be top on your list when it comes to engagement ring shopping. This store has a wide range of engagement rings that you can choose from. You can even customize some features of the ring to suit your taste. For a beautiful ring and good customer care to go with it, visit Capucinne for your ring purchase.
Netaya
Experience definitely plays a role in getting you the right engagement ring for the love of your life, and Netaya has you covered. This store has been a leading jewelry retail store from 1999 and they have gained the trust of numerous customers over the years. A pearl engagement ring from Netaya is definitely a good idea.
Pearl Engagement Rings vs Diamond Engagement Rings
Pearl engagement rings are elegant and beautiful and offer a great alternative for options that are more traditional like diamonds. However, these gemstones are not as hard as diamonds, which means they may not be as durable. For reference, a diamond has a score of 10 on the Mohs scale which reflects on its hardness. Pearl gemstones on the other hand, have a score of 2.5 – 3 which means they are not hard stones. Another difference between diamonds and pearls is that pearl engagement rings tend to be far more affordable when compared to diamonds. This means that if you have a tight budget, a pearl ring would be a great option for you.
Pearl Engagement Rings Metal Options
Pearl rings are stunning and the type of metal you use should match the shape of the stone and the style of the ring. Vintage rings will have smaller pearl stones and the band can be in rose gold to create the vintage style. Classic pearls will have larger pearl rings and they may have a halo of diamonds or could also be in a floral motif. For these rings, a rose gold or silver metal would look great. Classic pearls rings incline towards being simple in a bid to give attention to the luster and the smoothness of the gem at the center of the ring.
Common Setting Styles for Pearl Engagement Rings
For a Pearl engagement ring, a jeweler will set it by drilling one of its ends or both ends. A setting will have the jeweler use a needle coated in glue for inserting into the hole. One of the most common settings for pearl engagement rings is the prong setting. For this setting, the pearl will be glued to the prong to secure it. A pearl is usually set low into the bowl or flower design. For a pearl that is more round, it will be set up high on the ring to accentuate it and make it more noticeable. For such settings that are more dramatic, it is important that the person wearing the ring is careful.
Beautiful examples of Pearl Engagement Rings
Pearls are often thought to be white but they are also available in other colors that include peach, silver, pink, gold, lavender and black. The mollusk that produces the pearl will determine the color of it. They are loved for their luster and color which determines the refracting capacity of the ring. Pearl engagement rings come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Here are some of our top 10 pearl engagement rings that we love and think would be a great choice for a ring. It ultimately comes down to what you prefer, your budget and the amount of care you are willing to give your engagement ring.
