Pearls, also known as Moti, are incredible gemstones, beautiful and elegant. These gems are symbols of purity, luxury, innocence and wisdom. Whether you are drawn to their glow, or luster or to their historical symbolism and meaning, their history makes them valuable and apparently the gems of fashion and styling too.
But before you invest in buying the pearls, invest a little bit of your time in making sure that you purchase your perfect gem. Here are 10 things you absolutely need to know before you buy Moti stone that can help you make the correct choice.
Choose the right type of gem according to your style and budget.
Know - What to know before buying pearls? Keep these things in your mind:
1. Natural vs. Cultured Pearls: Know the Difference
Pearls are naturally formed in nature over many, many years. They are formed in mollusks, which are found in water. When an irritant enters the mollusc, it secretes layers of nacre on that irritant, which forms into a pearl.
These gems are formed without any human intervention and take years of time, which is why they are rare and expensive.
On the other hand, to make pearls more available to people, now the gems are cultured in labs, and these are called cultured pearls. They are grown with human assistance and now make up the majority of the market. These gems are real and are nurtured
with care, so they have the same beauty but are less costly.
There are many types of pearls to choose from, so you must know about them before you purchase one:
Depending on your style, occasion and budget, make a choice, but more importantly, the gems are an extension of your energy, so choose the one that aligns with your vibe.
Also Read - Different Types of Pearls You Must Know About
Real pearl stone have subtle imperfections; they are not always very glossy or perfectly round. Fake ones will look perfect and will be lighter in weight as well, indeed, they have a plastic-like shine.
Quick authenticity checks :
But the best way is to buy it from a renowned seller who provides you with lab certification from a reputable lab. The lab report will prove the authenticity of the gem.
Read More - A Guide on How to Identify Genuine Pearl Stones
The lustre of the
gemstone
makes it more beautiful; it makes the gem feel alive. It's the way the light reflects off the surface of the pearl. It makes it shinier, so while buying the gem, see if the gem you are buying has natural lustre or is polished. A polished one will
lose its shine over time.
The Moti stones , which are natural, have blemishes, so they are divided into grades to showcase their quality.
Pearl Grading Scale:
Grade |
Luster |
Surface Quality |
Shape |
Nacre Thickness |
Matching (for strands) |
AAAA |
Excellent, mirror-like |
95–99% blemish-free |
Perfectly round or near-round |
Thick |
Excellent consistency |
AAA |
Very high |
90–95% clean surface |
Near-round |
Medium to thick |
Very good |
AA |
High |
70–80% clean surface |
Slightly off-round |
Medium |
Good |
A |
Moderate |
Noticeable blemishes |
Off-round or irregular |
Thin |
Fair |
Further Reading - Pearl Grading Factors and its Value
The size of the Moti stones is measured in millimetres or MM. The larger gemstones are rare, hence they are more expensive. Smaller ones are elegant and best for traditional jewelry.
Choose the gemstone according to the style or design of your jewelry .
Everyday wear: 6–8 mm
Statement pieces: 9 mm and above
The Moti stones come in a spectrum of colors - each one shows their uniqueness and has their own overtone or a secondary hue that adds depth to the gem.
You should choose a colour that flatters your skin tone, or you get attracted to it or carry a feeling for it, whether it is white, golden, black, lavender, pink, blue, green, etc.
Discover More - Which is the Best Pearl in astrology: Black, Golden or White
You should always buy the gemstone from a trusted seller, like Navratan, an online gem bazaar, which specialises in gemstones. Look for transparency when you are buying the gem, look for the grading, certification and make sure there is a return and exchange policy.
Buy from Navratan, where you can get advice from the best gemologists. We do not sell pearls, but trust.
Why are you buying the gem, for which purpose or with which intention - it is important to take that into consideration as well. It is for your wedding, a gift for a loved one, for astrological purposes or personal empowerment?
Your choice will reflect the moments you are honouring - you can choose freshwater pearls for casual wear or gifting, South Sea for formal occasions or Tahitian ones for expressive styling.
Know More - Latest Pearl Jewelry - Know The Trend!
Pearls or Moti stones are very delicate; they have a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on Mohs hardness, which means they can get scratched easily and so need gentle care. Here are some tips to follow:-
Ques. Which is better, AA or AAA pearls?
Ans. AAA pearls are better in quality as they have good lustre and fewer flaws than AA.
Ques. What to Look for When Buying Pearls?
Ans. Look for the surface quality, lustre, shape, thickness, color overtone and dimensions as well as authenticity.
Ques. How to identify a good quality pearl?
Ans. A good quality Moti stone will have minimal blemishes, strong lustre, a balanced shape and will feel gritty when rubbed against the teeth.