Capetown Diamond Corporation has been helping others buy pearls for approximately 30 years. For the first-time buyer, particularly those purchasing an Akoya cultured pearl necklace, may we offer the following recommendations?

Color
Many people tend to look only for pink or silver-pink pearls. The production of cultured pearls in these colors is so limited that demand cannot be met. This traditional preference therefore causes them to be priced much higher than pearls of similar size but with a slightly different coloration.

Thus we recommend buying a pink or silver-pink necklace when it is to be worn very short (i.e., a choker) or if the wearer's complexion is very fair. If the necklace is to be long, worn over clothes, or one's complexion is not extremely fair, cultured pearls with slightly creamy, champagne or greenish undertones represent a much better buy.

Size
Many buyers also base their selection on size. But it is our opinion that quality should be given priority. Set an approximate budget and decide on the necklace length you require. Then ask your dealer for his recommendations, keeping quality uppermost in your mind, and be willing to go down a millimeter or so in size to stay within your budget.

Shape
Because top quality pearls that are perfectly round command the highest prices, it also benefits to be somewhat flexible about shape. Slightly off-round pearls often have fine coatings, too, and thus represent excellent value for your money.

Luster
The luster of a pearl should be given great consideration as this criterion is more important than color, size or shape. In most cases, a pearl's luster depends upon the quality of its coating.

Coating
Just by examining a pearl, you may be able to judge its size, shape and color. But evaluating the thickness of its coating must be left to an expert. As for the surface itself, all but a very few pearls have some minor flaws because, after all, they are products of Nature. Remain flexible with regards to color, size, shape and light surface markings, but never make concessions regarding the thickness of the coating.