My family has a pearl farm that grows cultured freshwater pearls and I am making them into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to sell on ebay. The following is some valuable information that I'd like to share with you, hopefully it will be of some help to you. If you like my guide, pelase search my listings: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZfarmdirectpearl. Thank you!

1. There is no standard rating worldwide for pearl products.

There is no standard grading system for pearls. Each jeweler grades his pearls according tothe five major elements listed below. One jeweler's AAA might be equivalent to another's AA.

2. Natural pearls vs. Cultured pearls vs. Imitation pearls

Both natural and cultured pearls are grown by oysters and are therefore considered valued jewels---gifts of nature. The difference between them is that natural pearls begin by accident while cultured pearls are initiated by man. Imitation pearls, are manmade by mechanical processes and have no real jewel value. Better imitation pearls are made from beads of glass, ceramic, shell or plastic which are coated with a varnish generally made of lacquer and ground fish scales to simulate the iridescence and color of a pearl.

3. What shape is most desirable?

Natural or cultured freshwater pearls are seldom perfectly round or even nearly round, more often than not they are baroque, slugs, or wings. Perfectly round and nearly round are mostly desirable shapes.

4. The five major elements that determines the value of a pearl necklace

Pearls are priced according to its size, shape, luster, color and nacre conditions:

a. diameter---the bigger, the more expensive

b. shape---the rounder, the more expensive

c. luster---the shinier, the better

d. color---rare colors are more expensive. white, pink and lavender are most common.

e. nacre--the thicker, the better

5. How do I care my pearl jewelry?

Use a soft wet cloth to clean pearls, to avoid scratches, never use abrasives or harsh cleaners. Keep pearls out of sunlight and away from heaters to maintain its moisture. Wait for your make-up, perfume, aerosols or skin care products to dry before wearing your pearls. Remove your pearls before bathing, swimming, hand washing or any kind of workout. Water will dull the luster of your pearls.

6. USGL

US Gemological Laboratory is an independent organization that offers pearl identification service. You may send our pearl piece to USGL to be evaluated. You will get USGL official "Gem Identification Card" after paying a fee, about $40.

7. How do I identify NATURAL pearls without paying USGL?

There are four major ways to identify a natural pearl:

a. rub two pearls together. If it feels coarse instead of slippery, it is real.

b. look at the holes. If you can see darker color near the holes, it is dyed, meaning the color is not natural.

c. most natural pearls have color overtone besides the dominant color.

d. feel the pearl. It is real if it feels cool.

If you have more questions about pearls, you may contact me by going to my listings and click "ask seller a question". Have a good day and pay what it is worth from TODAY! :) :) :)