Vintage Pearl Jewelry is loved and collected because it is so elegant and classic.
If you’re fortunate enough to own vintage pearls then you know how well pearls set off traditional vintage designs. It’s hard to believe that such a lustrous gem started as a piece of grit in a mollusk. As the grit irritates the mollusk, it’s coated with layers of mother-of-pearl eventually making the lovely little gem we know and love.
Vintage and Antique Peal Jewelry pieces were made in 14 and 18 Karat Gold and platinum. Pearl rings were popular in the 1940s and 1950s and were often set in clusters, or with diamonds or gemstones.
Know your Pearls
- Natural Pearls: These are most commonly found in vintage pieces having come out of the mollusk without any human tinkering. These are rare and costly so if you see a vintage piece boasting a natural pearl be ready for an impressive price tag.
- Cultured pears grow thanks to a little nudging by humans. These are generally more durable than natural pearls.
- Saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls: these come from either salt or freshwater, and thus the designation.
Pearls are also separated by shape – spherical (round), symmetrical and baroque (irregularly shaped). The Baroque pearl is the least expensive but also very unique.
Note that vintage designers used natural, cultured and faux pearls in their designs.
If you’re new to buying pearls you may be wondering how you can know for certain what you’re getting. Experts tell us that the Tooth Test works.
Rub the pearl against your tooth. Gritty textured pearls are cultured or genuine. Smooth pearls are more likely to be a faux pearl made from glass or plastic. The synthetic plastic pearl sounds rather flat when tapped, whereas the glass pearl clinks.
Caring for Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are delicate and need gentle handling. The best way to clean them is with a mild soap (like you might use on a baby). Avoid anything abrasive, and don’t put pearls in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
In terms of storage, keeping pearl jewelry in a soft cloth bag is one way to keep the finish from getting scratched or rubbed off.
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