When looking for a good quality pearl earring for your wedding, pay special attention to the following:
The nacre: this should be even and thick, if you can see the centre of the pearl then that would be a bad choice.
The pearls should be smooth but slightly gritty when rubbed in between your teeth. If they are totally smooth then
these may be plastic, glass or painted on (sprayed) pearls which are fake pearls.
Look for pearls with a high lustre & clean surface, which will ensure they sparkle in the light.
Stringing: Your pearl earring should be strung with high quality string & a knot tied between each pearl to
prevent them rubbing together & wearing the pearl nacre down, which would of course ruin the pearl earring..
Colour: traditionally this has been white to go with a white wedding dress, however you can choose whatever colour
you like but make sure the pearl earring matches the colour of your dress or outfit.
Clasps: these vary from nickle plated metals to Silver & Gold metals.
Nickle plated clasps: these clasps are very shiny, have superior wear plus corrosion resistance & as a result they
make a good choice when you don't want to spend too much money.
Silver plated clasps: normally these are rated as 925 silver & will be stamped or laser marked with the assayers stamp
plus our own to ensure that the required amount of precious metal under UK law is present. If items are descibed as 925
silver then they must have a hallmark.
Gold plated clasps: these clasps have to meet the same standards as Silver but of course in relation to gold & will
typically be rated 9k or 18k & hallmarked
Note: the above, applies to all pearl jewellery & that includes a pearl earring.
As you would expect, gold & silver are more expensive than nickle plated metals, however the choice is entirely your own as
to which you prefer.
However, you may decide to go for the more baroque style of pearl earring these can include earrings with semi-
precious stones.
