Pearls are naturally formed when a foreign irritant enters the shell of an oyster – the oyster excretes calcium carbonate that forms in layers around the irritant and ultimately produces what we know as the pearl. Natural pearls are irregular in shape and rarely can you find naturally formed pearls that are symmetrical or acceptably shaped. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are easily grown into acceptable shapes and sizes.

If you want to know how to choose the right kind of pearl earrings for the right occasion, then you should equip yourself with knowledge on how to judge a pearl’s standard. From the color, the overtone, the size and shape to a pearl’s luster and surface quality, pearls can vary from the inexpensive to the extremely rare and valuable.

The color of a pearl can range from white, cream, silver, blue, pink, gold and black. Choose a color to suit your skin tone and the occasions you may be wearing your pearl drop earrings to. Luster refers to the reflective quality of a pearl and the more luster a pearl has the more valuable it is. Surface quality is also an important consideration; the less imperfections like bumps there are on a pearl, the more highly prized it is.

Pearls are delicate gems and are generally softer in composition than other jewels. Because of this, they are prone to damage like cracking and scratches. Its porous nature also makes it susceptible to other substances like perfume, sweat and makeup. Keep your pearls clean by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth and try putting on these accessories after you’ve worn your makeup and applied your perfume.

Accessories like pearl earrings are designed to draw attention to your face. Carefully choosing the right pearl earrings for the right occasion is important if you want to flatter your face and enhance your features.