A guide on how to judge the luster of pearls

Pearl luster is the factor that provides the pearl with its true beauty. Luster is one of the most important factors to judge the value of a pearl, so it is necessary to master the knowlledge of luster and the method to judge it. Here will be a guide which will indicate how to judge the luster of pearls in details.
1. You can look at the light reflection on a pearl. Usually, the more strong the reflection is, the high luster it is. On the contrary, the less sharp the reflection, the luster will be low. But sometimes, the less sharp reflection is caused by the pearl surface blemishes, not the overall luster.
2. When possible, you can check a pearl under the light. You will see brightest and darkest areas. If the contrary between them is strong and evendently, then the luster is high. While if the contrary is low and milkier, then the luster is lower.
3. Compare the lusters of the individual pearls on the strand.You will find that the pearls are varied in luster. If possible, lay the pearls alongside other strands and compare the luster. This is most effective when you already know the relative quality of the comparison strands. However, the luster quality of a strand is determined by its overall appearance, not just by one pearl.
4. Roll the pearls slightly so you can see their entire surface. The luster not only varies from pearl to pearl. It varies on the surface of each pearl. Try the pearls on and check the spots on them, if you can see the highlighted spots from a 10 feet or 3 meters’s distance, the pearls are good quality and have high luster.
Finally, remember pearls with the highest luster look almost metalic. Pearls with poor luster look chalky and dull.With the knowledge of luster and methods to judge it, you will find a high quality pearl, or pearl jewelry.