Pearl type – The two types of pearl are saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls are farmed in the sea, and are usually larger, rounder and clearer than the freshwater variety. They are also usually more expensive because of this. Freshwater pearls are farmed in lakes and rivers, usually smaller and often less regular in shape, though they come in a large range of different colours.

Size – When buying pearls, size really does make a huge difference. The bigger the pearl, the more it will cost. Saltwater pearls are usually bigger than freshwater, and are therefore more highly sought after.

Nacre – Pearls take years to form inside an oyster shell. When a foreign object is introduced into the shell the oyster produces nacre, which builds up in layers forming the pearl. The thicker the coating of nacre, the longer the pearl will last as jewellery. Some cultured saltwater pearls are ‘beaded’ with a larger nucleus which speeds up the process and ensure a round shape. Most freshwater pearls and all natural pearls are formed entirely of nacre, which accounts for their more irregular shape.

Luster – No pearl is perfectly shiny like glass but they do have a sort of reflective quality to them, called the lustre. Pearls with this shimmery surface are the most desired.

Colour – Pearls in their natural state come in various shades of white, pink and lilac although cultured pearls are often dyed so they are available in the colour of your choice. A pearl necklace made of matching naturally-coloured pearls will cost more than dyed ones, as it can take a long time to collect enough matching pearls for a whole string.

Shape – When we think of pearls, we usually imagine them to be perfectly round and smooth. In reality this is rare, and perfectly round pearls are very expensive as they are hugely sought after. Small cultured pearls tend to be more rounded and some larger ones are formed around a bead to coax it into a round shape. Irregularly shaped pearls are still used and made into unique jewellery and pendants.

Matching – It can be hard to find enough pearls of the same size, shape and colour to make a whole necklace, so a string of regular pearls is more desirable and will be more expensive.

Brooch Photo Mugs Ring-shaped brooch, with a pin and catch at back. The ring is decorated with blue enamel and eight seed pearls. In the centre of the brooch is a gold naval crown, which is decorated with seed pearls. Lieutenant John McGivering (1884-1971) gave the brooch to his wife.....

Brooch Photo Mugs Silver bar type brooch, the brooch is made in the shape of a cross, anchor and heart. The shape of the brooch is meant to represent the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. The brooch is set with seed pearls.....

Brooch Photo Mugs Circular gold brooch decorated with a pearl border. The brooch comes complete with a pin attachment at the back and a suspension ring. The centre of the brooch contains a piece of wood, which is said to be a fragment from Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelsons (1758-1805) coffin. The back of the brooch is inscribed with the words Wood of Nelsons coffin.....

SE 3 Professional Quality Adj. Jewelers Saw Frame & Blades $12.97 Jewelers Saw Frame and 12 Intricate Cutting Saw Blades This Jewelers saw set includes an adjustable 6" saw frame plus 12 intricate cutting saw blades This Jewelers saw set is ideal for cutting jewelry chain, wood, thin metal sheet, fiber glass etc This Jewelers saw set is made with strong metal frame for strength and agility This Jewelers saw set comes with carved and polished wooden handle for co...

Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals - White Pearls - Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won't damage your paint or l...

Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals - The Girl with Pearls - Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won't damage your paint or l...

Mother of Pearl Segmented Pendant $38.00 Segments of milky white Mother of Pearl set in a sterling silver pendant. CHAIN NOT INCLUDED Matching earrings also available. *About Blair and Sara's Mother of Pearl Jewelry* The renowned iridescence of mother of pearl and the elegance of .925 sterling silver come together to create these magnificent jewelry pieces. Simple yet classy, each piece exudes its own aura of quiet sophistication. Mot...

Men's Sterling SIlver Mother of Pearl Cufflinks - 11mm x 12mm $94.40 A pair of sterling silver mother of pearl cufflinks. Size - 11mm x 12mm (approx)...

Black Mother of Pearl Oval Ring An oversized ring for a dramatic look. This ring will get you noticed - its oval design and the mysterious sheen of the black mother of pearl make a statement of uniqueness and confidence. Matching pendant also available. *About Blair and Sara's Mother of Pearl Jewelry* The renowned iridescence of mother of pearl and the elegance of .925 sterling silver come together to create these magnificent ...

iPhone 4 & 4s Swarovski Crystal Bling Diamante Case Cover - WHITE ANGEL $115.00 OMG Crystals creates cases that are completely unique in design and quality. We pride ourselves on using only the highest quality Swarovski Crystals and embellishments to create designs that are not only beautiful but also completely new to the mobile phone accessories world. All our cases are handcrafted in house by our design team in London and are made as one off pieces created to your require...