Buying Pearls in Africa

No matter what you buy or where you shop it is always important to know what you are looking for. Buying jewelry is requires a small amount of expertise in order to find valuable pieces, especially when shopping in foreign countries.

Africa is one of the world’s best places to purchase high caliber pearls. In Africa you can find both loose pearls and gorgeous jewelry made of several different types of pearls. The pearls found in Africa come in endless varieties and shapes. They also come from many different areas and, as some locals say, every pearl tells a story.

If you are purchasing pearls in Africa there are several things to consider. The color of the pearl is very important. Pearls can be found in many, many different colors as bivalves and clams create different colored pearls. Pink, cream, and black are some of the most popular. Rarer are the pearls with peach tones and gray hues. The term “perlen” actually refers to the hue of the gem, not the gem itself. Pearl has, though the years come to be a generic term for the gem itself.

The luster of the pearl is also important. It is the shine of the pearl. The more luster a pearl has, the more valuable it is considered. This is the first quality a jeweler or pearl merchant will look at when determining the quality of the pearl. A rare hue of pearl may not be worth much if it has a dull natural luster.

The quality of the pearl is also determined by the smoothness of the pearl’s surface. All pearl’s have dips in the skin. These dips are called blisters and while they give the pearl character, too many blisters will decrease the value of a pearl. A high quality pearl will have blisters only seen under a jeweler’s magnifier.

The size of the pearl will be yet another determining factor of the pearl’s value. The size of a pearl is measured by the pearl’s diameter. The size will be measured in millimeters and larger pearls are, for the most part, considered to have more value. You must also remember that the other factors play a large part in determining the value of a pearl.  Its normal to only use good pearls for Brautschmuck.

Shopping for pearls, with the above knowledge, will help you make good decisions when faced with the many choices offered in Africa. Pearls are offered in small souk storefronts and jewelry stores with armed guards and buzzer entries. Beautiful treasures can be found in both types of stores.

When buying pearls in Africa you must take into account the current market value of pearls and make the correct monetary calculations to ensure you are getting a fair price. When shopping in a foreign country for pearls is more important than ever to know what you are looking for and how to spot an imitation.

Pearls are thought to be the most romantic of gems and have a mysterious and enchanting past. Owning pearls from a far away land only adds to enjoyment you will feel when wearing these delectable items.