It's an unfortunate truth for pearls... There is no standardized Grading System used to evaluate pearls. Re-read that line and let it sink it. It's one of the most important things to understand about pearls when considering where to buy pearls.

So you want to buy pearl jewelry. You’ve pinned down the color and quality. But then you face a question that stumps you — which pearl size should you go for? It’s an important question, especially when buying cultured pearls for the first time.

Close your eyes, and picture in your mind a pearl necklace. We’d bet $100 that what you envisioned is the classic white Akoya pearl necklace, perfectly round in shape. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be that way?

Choosing the right length of pearl necklace can be a bit daunting. This handy necklace length guide will help you narrow down the perfect length.

Find your perfect pearl. Let’s face it, shopping for pearls can be overwhelming. Between different shapes, sizes, colors, overtones and origins, who can decide? Here’s our guide to learning about what pearl jewelry is best for you!

The topic of Pearl Luster can be a tricky one to describe to someone learning how to buy pearls. But it is an important topic to cover, and definitely something all pearl lovers should be familiar with.  This article aims to quickly and easily explain this topic, and show you visual examples of each pearl type’s typical luster levels.

The world of pearls is filled with color... From classic white, yellow, golden, pink, blue to black and almost every shade in between. There's more to pearls than Grandma's old white strand of pearls.

Many buyers get duped into buying fake pearls instead of real, high-quality pearls. For serious jewelry buyers, learning how to distinguish real from fake pearls is very important. With these five easy tests you will be able to tell real pearls from fake ones in no time.

Whether your pearls are brand new or family heirlooms, knowing how to care for your gems to keep them beautiful is paramount. Pearls are a porous gemstone. This means that they can absorb oils and acids easily, which over time can lead to damaged and discolored nacre. Knowing how to clean and maintain your pearls means that you can keep them looking lustrous and true to color for decades to come.

The epitome of classic grace and style, the Akoya pearl is a staple for every woman's jewelry box. In this Guide, you'll find information on all aspects of the Akoya pearl ... from simple pearl basics to pearl farming, Akoya pearl grading and more. The Akoya Pearl Buyer's Guide touches on every relevant facet you should know about these precious gems before you buy.

Tahitian pearls are the epitome of luxury and beauty. Dark and colorful, Tahitian pearls are the only naturally black pearls that have been mesmerizing pearl lovers with their mystique since they first entered the jewelry world in the 1960s.

Japanese Hanadama Akoya pearls are hands-down the most lustrous pearls on the market. Loved for their intense mirror-like luster, iridescent "Aurora" effect, certified thick nacre depths and classic, timeless appeal, Hanadama Akoya pearls are one of the pearl world's rarest pearls.

White and Golden South Sea Pearls are widely known as the "queen of gems". Revered for their large, luxuriant sizes, glowing luster and natural, organic white and golden colors … South Sea pearls are have earned the moniker of both the Queen of Cultured Pearls (for White South Sea) and the Rolls Royce of Pearls (for Goldens) for pearl lovers the world over.

Fun, feminine and so very affordable, the Freshwater pearl is on the fast-track to become the world’s most interesting and ever-changing pearl type. The Freshwater Pearl Buyer’s Guide from the pearl experts at PearlsofJoy.com is here to answer all your questions about these colorful pearls.

The main difference between Freshwater and Saltwater pearls is that Freshwater pearls come from rivers, lakes and ponds, while Saltwater pearls come from the sea.Saltwater pearls are exceptionally gorgeous and typically more expensive than Freshwater pearls. They have many differences but also quite a few similarities, and the most important thing to remember is that both are real pearls and beautiful in their own distinctive way.

So you’ve decided to plunge into the world of jewelry and buy some pearls … now what? Do you know what kind of pearls to buy? What size? Color? Necklace length if you’re getting a strand of pearls? How do you buy pearls online, sight unseen?

Buying pearl jewelry online doesn’t have to be intimidating. We’ll teach you how to spot the best deals and give you a pearl expert’s opinion on where and how to find the best pearls.

The dozens of vendors available on the market today can leave many shoppers looking for high quality pearls find themselves wondering … “Just how much do pearls COST anyway?!” And not only that but, “How do you determine the value of a pearl?”

When you close your eyes and imagine the best pearl necklace to buy and wear, what do you see? Is it a classic pearl necklace like the white, perfectly matched Akoya? Is it a one of a kind, unique pearl necklace like exotic Tahitian pearls? So what are the best pearl necklaces to buy?

The elegant boutiques, the iconic Robin’s-Egg Blue jewelry box (now named Tiffany Blue — they even have their own color!), the mystique of Audrey Hepburn and Holly Go Lightly … not to mention their sparkling diamond and gemstone jewelry designs! But for the vast majority of pearl jewelry shoppers just looking to find high quality jewelry at competitive prices, their biggest question is: is Tiffany's worth it?

For jewelry buyers looking to find their perfect pearl pieces, selecting the right brand can be overwhelming. Between the huge range of different types of pearls and their widely varying price points, the choices are almost limitless.This article will help you make sense of all of that overwhelming choice. With careful consideration, we have compiled a list of the ten best brands for pearls.

Mikimoto and Tiffany are both luxury brands that are renowned for their exquisitely crafted jewelry, unique design aesthetic, luminous pearls and premium prices. Mikimoto vs Tiffany, where should you buy your next piece of pearl jewelry?

This article aims to get down to brass tacks, so you can make up your own mind about whether owning Mikimoto pearls is worth it, or whether you'd prefer to take the plunge and buy high quality pearl necklaces from a trusted vendor that can save you some serious cash.

If you’re looking for a Mikimoto alternative, but still want stunning, lustrous Akoya pearls, the Hanadamas available from other brands are an excellent place to start. And if you want to ensure you get top quality pearls, it’s important to know what options are available, and how they measure up against each other.

With many different lengths on offer, choosing the right necklace may seem overwhelming. But don’t worry. Our guide discusses different necklace lengths, making it easy for you to find the perfect necklace, one that is both a flattering length and a great addition to your jewelry collection.

For centuries the black pearl has captivated pearl collectors and treasure hunters alike. With its dark body color and mesmerizing overtones and iridescence, the black pearl is both enchanting and full of mystique.

The jewelry world is all about trends. And jewelry trends come and go. But the pearl stud earrings are a timeless classic. Nestled on the lobe, gorgeously lustrous pearl ear studs are the ultimate jeweled accessory. And they look great on everyone.