FAQ

These 4Cs are important characteristics of the diamond that defines its overall appearance and price. The Diamond cut helps identify the shine and brilliance of the stone. Colour classifies the diamond on a scale of colourless to visible yellow. Clarity gives information about the natural flaws and inclusions in the diamond and Carat Weight determines the actual weight of the diamond.

A diamond’s cut grade is a mark of its light performance. The cut is prized as one of the defining characteristics that can express the beauty and sparkle of a diamond. Cut grades vary from excellent cuts to poor cut.

The grade of colour refers to the absence of any colour in the diamond. The Diamond Colour Grade progresses from D to Z. Colour grades of D-E-F belong to the colourless range. G-H-I-J grade diamonds belong to the nearly colourless category, K-L-M to Faint Yellow or Faint Brown, N – R: Very Light Yellow or Very Light Brown and S – Z to Light Yellow or Light Brown.

Clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions or blemishes or any identifying marks within a diamond. Clarity grades are segmented as FL-IF: Flawless-Internally Flawless, VVS1-VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included, VS1-VS2: Very Slightly Included, SI1-S12: Slightly Included and I1-I2: Included.

We can provide you with a duplicate certificate at a nominal cost.

Natural pearls will occur without any intervention by human beings. They usually form unusual and more organic shapes. Fewer than 2 percent are symmetrical or perfect spheres. Almost all pearls available today will be cultured pearls. Natural pearls have increased substantially in value in recent years as their availability is limited. Many unique or historically important pieces are usually bought and sold at specialist auctions.

Cultured pearls include the result of human beings inserting seeds inside a mollusk and are grown in a farm.

Both cultured and natural pearls are “genuine” pearls.

Freshwater pearls are grown in mussels living in rivers and lakes and man made reservoirs.

These days, most pearls formed in freshwater come from China.

Saltwater pearls, are created by oysters in oceans and originate from places such as Japan, Australia, Tahiti, among others.

Akoya pearls, which are grown mostly in Japan are among the most popular and high-quality varieties of saltwater pearls, prized for their superior luster and nearly ideal round shape. the largest of Akoya pearl size measures 9.5mm-10mm.

Tahitian pearls grown in French Polynesia are the only naturally dark pearls. Although often referred to as black, Tahitian pearls come in a rainbow of exotic colors. Round Tahitian pearls are quite rare but other fun shapes like drops, baroques and ovals are highly-sought and still considered very valuable. They are size found from 8 mm to 15 mm.

South Sea cultured pearls are exceptional quality pearls with a whitish, almost silver color.

Much larger than the average pearl, the smoothness and roundness of these pearls are exceptional. These are the most rare and extraordinary pearls you’ll find in jewelry. Grown primarily in Australia the Philippines and Indonesia and ranging in color from white to gold, South Sea pearls are the largest saltwater pearls grown today. Because of their large size, perfectly round South Sea pearls are quite rare. Other more common shapes are drops, baroques and ovals. All are considered very valuable. South Sea pearls range in size from 8 mm to 18 mm, and the most common sizes range from 10 mm to 14 mm.

Industry wide there is no standardized grading for pearls therefore each company will have their own system to mark the quality. Each pearl at Kajal Naina is individually hand selected to meets our standards. The main factors that decide the price of a pearl is the color, luster, size, shape, surface marking and nacre thickness of each individual pearl.

Freshwater pearls are produced by mussels which are larger and can thus produce more pearls at a time as compared to saltwater oysters which produce one pearl per oyster. As a result, freshwater pearls are more abundant and the most affordable pearls sold today. The time required for cultivation is also generally much shorter.

They are grown in manmade lakes and reservoirs in more predictable conditions than salt water pearls.

It is also worth noting that unlike freshwater pearls, saltwater ones are mostly round and have better luster – characteristics that are more sought after and therefore command higher prices. In recent years, however, many producers started to grow freshwater pearls for a longer time (three to six years), and the resulting pearls are bigger (8-15mm) and are of quality comparable to that of good saltwater pearls.

Your KN pearl jewelry is a valuable treasure that needs taking care of. The following care is recommended to preserve the beauty of your pearls.

• Avoid contact with chemicals: Always wear them the last after applying make up, perfume, styling hair etc. and remove them first.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures, e.g. Sauna.
• Avoid dry storage in safe or safety deposit box for extended periods of time.It will cause the pearl to dehydrate and cause development of small surface fractures.
• Wear frequently at least 2-3 times a year to avoid drying out the pearls.
• Do not wear during bathing or in water activities. Water weakens the silk thread.
• Do not wear during sports or any activity which will cause perspiration. Pearls lustre is harmed by perspiration.
• Always wipe gently with soft cloth after wearing before returning pearls to the jewellery box.
• To prevent tangles and scratches, fasten clasp and lay each item out separately flat out in the jewellery box. Avoid stretching of string. Don’t hang pearl necklaces.
• Never throw your pearl jewelry with other jewelry in the same storage compartment as they may be softer and can get scratched.
• Never store in a plastic bag. Some plastics emit a chemical which over time causes pearl to deteriorate.
• Restring every 1-2 years if you wear them often.