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Jewelers use five criteria to evaluate pearls: luster, surface, shape, color and size. Akoyas are extra-lustrous, and South Sea pearls are large; because both are rare, strands run $10,000 and up.Freshwater pearls are farmed in large numbers, and unless they're examined side by side with other varieties, they look perfectly lustrous, smooth, round, creamy and large.
The human eye recognizes beauty, not rarity, so look for freshwater pearls that meet the five qualifications to your satisfaction.
