Do Not Buy Pearls until You Watch This (5 Key Tips)

Summary

Matt Harris, a pearl specialist and jewelry designer, educates viewers on smart pearl buying in this video. He emphasizes distinguishing real from fake pearls using the tooth test, understanding the differences between freshwater and saltwater pearls, and the rarity and cost implications. Harris advises on clasp choices to save money and stresses that beauty is subjective, encouraging viewers to consider unique, less expensive pearls. He invites questions and promotes his social media for further engagement.

Takeaways

• 💡 Matt Harris is a pearl specialist and jewelry designer who loves teaching people about pearls.
• 🔍 Learn to distinguish real pearls from fake ones using the tooth test or by rubbing them together for a gritty feel.
• 🌊 Understand the difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls, including their sources and production processes.
• 📈 Freshwater pearls are more common and less expensive due to factors like production volume and time.
• 💎 Saltwater pearls are rarer and more expensive, often nucleated with a bead and may only produce one pearl per oyster.
• 📌 Know the three main types of saltwater pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls, each with unique characteristics.
• 💍 Consider the clasp when buying pearl jewelry; it can be a significant part of the cost, and silver clasps can be a more affordable alternative.
• 💰 Pearls are priced based on their beauty and rarity, with larger, round, and flawless pearls being the most expensive.
• 🎨 Don't limit yourself to traditional pearl strands; explore various designs and single pearl pieces for versatile fashion.
• 👵🏻 Pearls are not just for formal occasions; they can be fun, fashionable, and suitable for everyday wear.
• 🔎 When shopping for pearls, start with your desired look and budget, then explore what's available within that range.

Q & A

What is Matt Harris's profession?

Matt Harris is a pearl specialist, GIA Pro graduate, and a pearl jewelry designer.

Who are some of the celebrities Matt Harris has designed jewelry for?

Matt Harris has designed jewelry for celebrities such as Britney Spears, Debra Messing, Kate Flannery, Victoria's Secret models, and national news anchors.

What is Matt Harris's primary passion related to pearls?

Matt Harris's primary passion is teaching people about pearls so they can fall in love with them, feel confident in participating in pearl fashion, and become smart pearl buyers.

What is the tooth test mentioned in the script, and how does it work?

The tooth test is a method to tell real pearls from fake ones. If you rub the pearl on the bottom of your tooth and it feels gritty, like fine sandpaper, it's likely a real pearl. Fake pearls generally feel smooth.

What is the main difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls come from mussels that live in lakes, ponds, or streams and can produce multiple pearls at a time. Saltwater pearls come from oysters in the ocean, are nucleated with a small bead, and often produce only one pearl at a time.

Which country is the largest producer of freshwater pearls?

China is the largest producer of freshwater pearls.

What are the three main types of saltwater pearls Matt Harris mentions?

The three main types of saltwater pearls mentioned are Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls.

Why are freshwater pearls typically less expensive than saltwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls are less expensive than saltwater pearls due to their abundance (making up about 98% of the world's pearl production), shorter production time, and lower costs associated with the technicians who nucleate the saltwater oysters.

What is an Edison pearl, as mentioned in the script?

Edison pearls are a relatively new type of freshwater pearl that are nucleated and can come out well over 10 to 15 millimeters in size. They can be perfectly round, lustrous, and free of blemishes, with beautiful overtones, and their pricing is creeping up towards the level of nice saltwater pearls.

Why is the clasp an important consideration when buying a pearl strand?

The clasp is important because it can often cost more than the pearls themselves. When designing pearl jewelry, Matt Harris often uses an expensive clasp made of silver rather than gold to save on costs while maintaining an attractive appearance.

What advice does Matt Harris give regarding pearl pricing?

Matt Harris advises that the prettier the pearl, the more it will cost, with large, perfectly round, blemish-free, and highly lustrous saltwater pearls being the most expensive. However, he also suggests that beauty is subjective and that one can find beautiful pearls that are not round or perfectly shaped at a lower price.

What does Matt Harris suggest to pearl buyers in terms of variety and affordability?

Matt Harris suggests that pearl buyers should widen their view and consider different shapes, sizes, and types of pearls for more affordable options. He also encourages buyers to have fun with their choices and consider pearls with personality for everyday wear.