objects survive long enough to produce a pearl, and
even less produce saleable examples.
But what to look for when shopping for yourself-or
that lucky someone? Pearls are categorized by size,
shape, color, and lustre—a measurement based on a
pearl's brilliance in how its surface reflects light—and
on its inner glow, or how it refracts light. South Sea
pearls, for example, have a soft yet rich lustre because
their nacre coating is thicker than most other pearls,
which give them their satin-like look. Because South
Sea pearls, which are most often cultivated in areas
around south Asia and Australia, have an especially
long cultivation period, it is rare that they are born
without flaws, such as a bump or a spot. They come
in every shape—round, semi-round, button, pear,
drop, oval, baroque, and ringed—and they come in
an array of colors ranging from white to gold.
HYLAND
