[Ingykiz]

For me:

1. Size-I like big!
2. Lustre
3.Orient
4. Shape- I like baroque, circle

I have several large Tahitian and South Sea that are large and shiny, My style!

[jerin]

Originally Posted by v_ni

Not sure if there is a similiar thread already, I couldn't find any when i did a search.

Please rank your preference between roundness, orient, luster, blemishes. did i miss out any?

i'm new to pearls so my current ranking is (i'm sure it will change once i'm more familiar):

1. roundness
2. luster
3. blemishes
4. orient (i'm still not sure what is the difference between orient and luster. but from what i've read, it seems that it should be on the top 2)

Hi

it is quite difficult to choose pearls that way as it is the combination that will decide:

LUSTER is important of course. But if the pearls are heavily blemished, luster simply won´t help.

Orient is nice but I can live without it, if the shape, size, luster and surface are OK.

It is a personal preference that will make you choose one way or the other. If you like baroque pearls you would perhaps look firstly for luster, blemishfree pearls with orient and don´t care so much about the shape.

And don´t forget about size: you can get quite large baroque pearls with fine orient, whereas round pearls of the same size with the same qualities are much more expensive.

[Karl]

For any given size/shape I look for these qualities:

1. Luster - I like to pick pearls that 'pop'.

2. Orient - This shimmering color quality is what pearls are all about to my thinking. I also believe it is a good indicator of nacre thickness and quality. You never see this quality in inferior pearls.

3. Blemishes - Obviously as a natural gem there could be something...but the less the better.

4. Color - I like them all... but they need to add to the 'pop' factor.

My wife likes all shapes and sizes...though she tends to follow the bigger is better rule like many here ........

[Ashley]

1) Luster- Surface brilliance
2) Orient!
3) Depth- I like to feel that I can gaze into the pearl and see the glow from within... I believe someone else on the forum used to call this 'Water', so I am not sure about the accuracy of the term, but it fits!
4) Color- preferably something rare / exotic
5) Size
6) Roundness - I like the drop-shapes in all pearls, unless it goes on a ring- then roundness is key!
7) Blemishing- natural inclusions in moderation do not bother me if there is a Ton of color to keep my eyes busy! I consider them more like fingerprints.

On a side note: The Cortez pearls seem to have all of these- I suppose I should start collecting!

[silverseajewelry]

1. luster
2. color
3. price
4. orient
5. size
6. shape (I love almost all shapes in Tahitian, even quirky ones)
7. roundness (only a factor in freshwater...and then it is higher up)

[Raisondetre]

I'd say for me I don't even look at pearls unless the size and color are right. I only start prioritizing after these two criteria are met. Tentatively:

1. Price
2. Color/overtone
3. Size
4. Luster
5. Orient
6. Surface
7. Shape

But having said that any of the above can kill the deal for me. I hardly return pearls I buy online because I know what to expect - if it's AA+ I don't expect AAA quality, but if something is not what it's stated to be e.g. fleabay purchases I'd rather not risk it. I haven't been too disappointed so far apart from Chinese sizing.

[Spherical Flower]

I agree with Ashley on these:

1) Luster- Surface brilliance
2) Orient!
3) Depth- I like to feel that I can gaze into the pearl and see the glow from within... I believe someone else on the forum used to call this 'Water', so I am not sure about the accuracy of the term, but it fits!
4) Color- preferably something rare / exotic

Blemishes don't bother me that much unless we are expecting top quality pearls to be nearly flawless.
To me, there is a difference of expectations depending apon what grade you are buying.
There is nothing more unattractive then a pearl so lackluster it is dull.

Luster is certainly my most important factor.
Followed by Orient and Depth.
Followed by Overtones and Color.
Followed by Blemishes.
and then lastly, shape.

To me, it doesn't matter what shape a pearl is as long as it is beautiful.

[tanakarn1]

1. Price/ Reputation
2. Orient/ Luster: I love pearls with rainbow orient and good luster.
3. Color/ Overtone: my favorite is white with pink overtone
4. Shape/ Surface.
5. Size: I like big pears. Anyway, to me, small pearls are lovely too
6. Pearl Type. I prefer south sea & Tahitian for ring, earrings & pendent.
7. Length/ Design/ Clasp: I like graduated strand (18”-20”).

Tanakarn

[Sueki]

Oh, yes, thanks Ashley.
Water/depth I adore.
And yes, it is there on Cortez pearls.

[Ashley]

Yes- it does appear that I need to save for at least one of Douglas' treasures

I see alot of depth in tissue-nuc White Freshwater pearls too. I'll sit down and start matching cards of AA+ Buttons and after 15 minutes of staring at all the different shades of white, the quality of the crystal really pops out at you!

[v_ni]

wow i really have much to learn about pearls

i've been looking at my mikis and i can't see the orient, only the overtones....

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by v_ni

i've been looking at my mikis and i can't see the orient, only the overtones....

I don't think Akoya are very good at that - there's a reason why these pearls are so noted fo lustre and orient is never mentioned Besides, it isn't very striking on round pearls on any kind - the wavy surface of baroque pearls makes orient very obvious.

[Caitlin]

The only orient I have ever seen on akoyas is on baroque akoyas.
Here is a necklace I recently restrung for a friend. It is a 1950's baroque akoya and has some nice orient.

[Kaywal]

I'd say, so far, as I am new to this, I desire:

1. Solid Nacre and Luster--a tie for #1
2. Size (size that suits me)
3. Shape (right now looking for baroques)
4. Overtone/Color/Orient
6. Price

Wow! Hard to rank! With the exception of price, it's really a tie for 1-4, those qualities are all so important.

[gravityalwayswins]

For me, price is #1. If I'll never be able to afford it, no use thinking about it. I just get forlorn and angry at all the people who can afford it. I find I'm much happier sticking with things that fit in the "someday you'll be able to own one of those" categories. (For example, no use in me thinking round South Seas or big, round Tahitians are the perfect pearls...)

After that, my rankings fall into the same ranges as most of yours.