Useful tips to differentiate between genuine and fake pearls -CHOICE # 380 (June 16, 2008

What better place to buy pearls than in Hong Kong reputedly the "Pearl of the Orient".

The Consumer Council has produced a comprehensive report to help both local consumers and mainland visitors shopping for this precious jewellery.

The report covers basically everything that prospective shoppers need to know about pearls - their types (South Sea Pearls, Tahiti Black Pearls, Japan and China Cultured Pearls, Fresh Water Cultured Pearls), methods of cultivation, and tips on colour, luster, shape, size, smoothness.

In the report is included also advice on fake pearls. Between 2005 and 2007, the Consumer Council received a total of 16 complaint cases in relation to the purchase of pearl jewellery, half of them (8) concerned about the quality of pearls.

Consumers should be on the alert for fake pearls which largely fall into 4 types: "glass pearls", "plastic pearls", "shell pearls", and "artificial black pearls".

Consumers can refer to the report for more details in differentiating between the genuine and fake.

Further, in the report, consumers are offered tips on pearl maintenance.

What's the secret in keeping the luster of your precious pearls bright as new over time?

Lock them up in an airtight safe or sealed container may seem like a bright idea. But you cannot be more mistaken.

Pearls not unlike human beings need also to breathe in order to be alive and glowing.

So never keep your precious pearls in a plastic box or plastic bag which is poor, if not totally devoid, in ventilation.

The sensible and right thing to do is to place pearls in a silk made bag that provides ample ventilation and protection. Other useful maintenance tips:

• Avoid contact with sunlight, sweat or chemical (such as perfume).
• Do not rub pearls against object that is hard or coarse.
• For cleaning, bathe them with water or highly diluted neutral cleanser, and dry with a soft towel.