<p>D1 will be graduating in May, and has said she doesn’t want a school ring. She has wanted a strand of pearls for a long time, so we will get her one in lieu of a ring. I want to start learning about what are the important things to know about pearls. I’m sure we won’t be buying the absolute best, but I don’t want them to be shoddy, either. I know enough to get a strand that is knotted in between each pearl, but that’s about it.</p>
<p>I suspect that within a couple of weeks, there will be some major jewelry store sales with Valentine’s Day coming up, and I want to go in and be able to ask questions as if I know what I’m talking about so I don’t get taken. If prices look good during February, then I might get them then; but then it makes me wonder about waiting until May, when jewelry goes on sale before Mother’s Day. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>I do not know much. I just bought a strand on eBay from the early 1950’s. I am having it restrung and will give to my daughter next year when she graduates.</p>
<p>I know nothing but am also interested in this topic as I plan on getting a necklace when we go to Beijing this Spring. I found this website that sells pearls but also explains what to look for.</p>
<p>[Pearl</a> Necklaces](<a href=“http://www.bluenile.com/product_catalog.asp?catid=92]Pearl”>http://www.bluenile.com/product_catalog.asp?catid=92) </p>
<p>“How to choose pearl necklaces: Look for pearls that are mostly round, with high to medium luster, good uniformity, and minimal surface spotting. Freshwater pearls make a beautiful, affordable gift.”</p>
<p>If you click on the link that is on the right side you will see there is more information about what to look for.</p>
<p>Not an expert, but bought for our daughter a set of pearl necklace/bracelet/earrings for her confirmation/sweet 16. What I learned is that you want them to be individually tied (if it breaks the whole strand won’t roll away). Make sure they are all the same size and luster. I went to a trusted jeweler in our town.</p>
<p>Another suggestion, my mom started a strand for her when she was born, it is not complete. She went to a jeweler and had them place a pearl for birthdays and special occassion (we are catholic…baptism, communion and confirmation). Right now it is not complete but has a gold chain, and as the pearl is added the chain is reduced, mom is hoping that by her wedding she will have a complete necklace, but if not she will keep adding to it until it is. I have decided to continue the same tradition for any granddaughters</p>
<p>We gave our youngest daughter pearls for her college graduation. I had talked to our jeweler, and then brought her in to look at them. She was underwhelmed with the classic strand of white pearls. However, when the jeweler brought out a strand of natural pink pearls that were mixed with pink pearls that looked as if they were long teeth with cancer, my DD went nuts. They are very unusual, and she loved them at first sight. My DD has always loved unusual jewelry, and this was no exception. She and the jeweler are kindred spirits in their love of pearls. I bought her a strand of gray pearls that she loved for Christmas.</p>
<p>The jeweler came to speak to a woman’s group that I am in, and she was a huge hit. She showed us how to tell real pearls from fake – if you rub two real pearls together lightly, they have a grainy feel, the fake pearls are smooth. There are freshwater, cultured and natural pearls. There really is lots to know. You can do so much research online.</p>
<p>However, I wouldn’t wait until Valentine’s day to start looking. While there may be sales then – another good time is Mother’s Day, the jewelry stores are usually swamped. I am sure that if you have lots of questions, they may not appreciate you taking up lots of time when it is crowded. You may not want to feel pressed into purchasing a strand with all of the rush of shoppers. You also will want to have your DD learn how to take care of her pearls. No perfume near them, and lots of other stuff. You might do better to go to a retailer not in the mall, as their prices tend to be higher. I am sure that Blue Nile is a good place for jewelry, but you must see pearls to see the differences in the individual strands. Our jeweler even has a strand of “bad” pearls that she keeps in the case. Once you have even a little bit of knowledge, you can spot the yucky strand straight away. </p>
<p>Good luck in your shopping. I know that you will find the perfect strand for your daughter.</p>