The Ultimate Guide to Pearl Gemstones

Pearls are symbols of elegance, beauty, and sophistication. They are unique gemstones that have been cherished for centuries worldwide.
Ancient Greeks knew them as tears of God, while the Chinese saw them as symbols of wealth. Modern cultures see purity, love, and a happy marriage in these timeless charms.
Pearls are popular choices for various types of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Pearl rings are also popular in the fashion world.

What are Peals? And What are they Made of?

Pearls are organic gemstones found underwater and formed in mollusks (mussels, oysters). In fact, they are smooth layers of nacre that come to be as a response to irritants.

How are pearls formed?

In short, pearls result from nacre secretion inside the mollusk (mollusc), which happens when an irritant enters the mollusk.

This process starts from the moment an irritant enters the mollusk’s shell. This, in turn, triggers a defensive response.

The secretion of layers of nacre around the initial irritant leads to the gradual formation of a pearl. This may take several years until the pearls are big enough to be extracted and used.

Why are pearls so special?

Pearls are unique because they are the only gemstone originating from a living creature. They are naturally attractive, beautiful, and radiate graceful poise, strength, and class.

The astonishing diversity of pearls allows for a wide range of choices in variations of colour, shape, and type suitable for all fashion styles.

What are pearls shaped like?

Pearls have various shapes. They are mostly spherical and have smooth surfaces. However, there are exceptional cases like the “pearl of Pearl of Puerto Princesa” -the biggest ever pearl found- which has an irregular W-shaped form.

What colour are pearls?

Pearls are usually white, cream, and black; however, there are other pearl colours, such as silver, green, gold, pink, and more.

Make a free appointment with Diamond Net to discuss the best possible options before buying pearls!

Different Types of Pearls

There are two general categories of pearls:

  • Natural pearls: These are incredibly rare (about 1% of peals). They are formed without human intervention and tend to be highly valuable.
  • Cultured pearls: These are formed through human intervention and assistance. This method intentionally introduces irritants into the mollusk to stimulate nacre production.

Naturally, due to their accessibility and affordability, cultured pearls are much more popular.

  • Keshi pearls: Keshi pearls are by-products of cultured pearls but lack nuclei; They are, in fact, a hybrid mix between the natural and the cultured pearls.

Now that you know the two main categories of pearls, let’s take a look at the key features of pearls.

How to Choose the Perfect Pearl Gemstone

As you now know, there are two main categories of pearls, each containing various types of pearls.

Before going into details about the different types of pearls based on water source and geographic source, you should know about the key quality factors of pearl gemstones:

Key quality factors when buying pearls

The following are the most noteworthy quality factors that determine the overall quality and value of pearls:

1. Lustre

If you look at a high-quality pearl, you can see its shine and deep light reflection. This quality is referred to as lustre. Pearls that exhibit a deep, radiant lustre are more valuable.

2. Surface quality

The smoother a pearl's surface, the higher its value. Pearls with blemishes, imperfections, spots, or irregularities are less valuable. In general, pearls with smoother surfaces are more appealing and also durable.

3. Size

Jewellers measure the size of pearls in millimetres. Although the ideal size of a pearl is subjective and depends on the intended piece of jewelry and the personal preference of its wearer, larger pearls are generally more valuable and command higher prices.

Different Language Fonts

4. Shape The most traditional-looking pearls are round, but pearls come in various shapes, such as oval, baroque, and teardrop. Every style and piece of jewelry can influence the shape of the pearl. However, rounder spherical pearls are more valuable.

5. Colour

As we mentioned before, pearls have a variety of colours, such as white, black, silver, cream, green, gold, pink, and blue. You should look for consistency in colour. Pearls with consistent, vibrant colors are more valuable.

6. Origin and certification

Another factor that ensures the high quality of a pearl is the authenticity of its origin, which is provided with a kind of certification.

It is worth noting that the font of your wedding ring engraving should be relatable to the ring’s style and material. Some fonts look better on gold, while others on platinum or silver.

How to Know Real Pearls from Fake Pearls?

There are a few signs you can use to distinguish real pearls from fake synthetic ones:

Surface and Sheen:

If a pearl has a bright, smooth surface (sheen), they are likely real. On the other hand, fake pearls appear too perfect.

Microscopic features

If you use a microscope to look at real pearls, you can find the thin layers of nacre secretion, but you won’t find them on the fake ones.

Temperature

Real pearls feel cold to the touch, but fake synthetic pearls feel warm.

Weight

Real pearls are heavier than synthetic pearls.

Lack of certification

Fake pearls don’t have certification of origin.

Types of pearls by water source

Generally, there are two types of pearls based on water source:

Saltwater Source pearls:

These pearls originate in ocean oysters and are generally produced only one at a time. Saltwater pearls are usually round and spherical, ranging from 2mm to 15mm.

They are known for their exceptionally smooth surfaces, high sheen, and iridescence. Typically, these highly lustrous pearls come in white or cream colours, but they can also be found in gold, silver, or pink.

Saltwater pearls are classified into different varieties, such as South Sea, Akoya, and Tahitian pearls, which we’ll discuss below.

Freshwater source pearls:

These pearls are formed inside mussels living in freshwater bodies of water like ponds, rivers, and lakes. They have unique shapes and are slightly textured. Usually, there are multiple pearls per shell.

Freshwater pearls are typically known to be white, but you can also find them in black, pink, peach, and lavender pastel. Compared to saltwater pearls, they are less shiny and reflective.

Freshwater pearls are predominantly produced in Eastern Asian countries, specifically China.

Now that you can understand the similarities and differences between various pearls by their water source let’s explore the world of pearls in more geographical detail:

South Sea Pearls

These typically large (9mm to 20mm) highly lustrous pearls come from the Pinctada maxima oysters commonly found in the warm waters of regions such as Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. South Sea pearls have creamy white or gold colours. They are among the most luxurious pearls available because of their exceptionally large size and high quality of thick nacre.

Tahitian Pearls

These cultured pearls are from the black-lipped oysters of the French Polynesian islands. Their well-known exotic dark colours range from deep black to grey, green, and peacock, with potential vibrant secondary blue or green hues.

Akoya Pearls

These elegant and highly lustrous pearls are typically cultivated in regions like Japan and China. They vary in size (5mm to 10 mm), but they are popular for their perfectly round shapes and smooth surfaces. The classic beauty of Akoya pearls comes from their white or cream colours, which are usually accompanied by subtle silver or pink overtones.

Persian Gulf Pearls

These natural pearls are known to be the oldest types of found and are currently significantly rare and precious.

Popular Pearl Jewelry Designs

Pearls are incredibly popular among all tastes in fashion and jewelry. The following shows the versatility of pearls in various jewelry designs:

Necklaces

Pearl necklaces are a classic choice in many collections. Whether alone or layered with other jewelry pieces, they are timeless accessories.

Earrings

Pearl earrings amplify elegance in any style, whether stud or drop style! Pairing pearl earrings with different metals is also a wise fashion choice.

Bracelets

Pearl bracelets can be worn alone or next to other bands for a charming, trendy look.

Rings

Unlike Diamond rings, pearl rings are much more affordable. They are also easy to use in different vintage and modern styles.

How to Care for Your Pearl Jewelry

Pearls require careful maintenance to remain lustrous and shiny. Here are some tips for taking good care of your pearl jewelry:

Avoid damage

Try to avoid scratches and handle with care. Always wait after using cosmetics to wear your pearl jewelry.

Cleaning

Use a soft cloth to clean pearl jewelry after wearing them. Avoid detergents, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

Storage

Use proper jewelry boxes or soft pouches to store your pearl jewelry. Avoid airtight containers, as pearls need moisture to maintain sheen and lustre.

Pearl Enhancement and Treatments

Some common treatments can help revitalize the lustre and glow of your pearls:

  • Bleaching: You can enhance the colour and lustre of pearls through bleaching.
  • Dyeing: If you want vibrant shades, dyeing can alter the colour of your pearls.
  • Irradiation: Radiation exposure can retreat or change the colour of your pearls.
  • Coating: The smoothness of your pearl can be largely enhanced with a new coating.
  • Polishing: The surface appearance of your pearl jewelry pieces can be refined through polishing.

Pearl Enhancement and Treatments

Some common treatments can help revitalize the lustre and glow of your pearls:

Bleaching

You can enhance the colour and lustre of pearls through bleaching.

Dyeing

If you want vibrant shades, dyeing can alter the colour of your pearls.

Irradiation

Radiation exposure can retreat or change the colour of your pearls.

Coating

The smoothness of your pearl can be largely enhanced with a new coating.

Polishing

The surface appearance of your pearl jewelry pieces can be refined through polishing.

Key Factors in the Price of Pearls

The price of pearls depends significantly on several key factors that are discussed below:

1. Type of Pearls

The price of a pearl can be measured on the type of pearl, which we discussed earlier in the article. For instance, South Sea pearls are generally more expensive, rarer and larger than freshwater pearls.

2. Lustre

Naturally, pearls with high lustre are more valuable than those with dull finishes that don’t reflect light beautifully.

3. Size

Typically, larger pearls are more expensive. The large size of a pearl points out the time and resources needed to cultivate it, especially in saltwater varieties of pearl.

3. Size

Typically, larger pearls are more expensive. The large size of a pearl points out the time and resources needed to cultivate it, especially in saltwater varieties of pearl.

5. Colour

Rare pearl colours, such as natural gold or vibrant blue, are more in demand and command a higher price.

In conclusion, personalized, meaningful ring engravings are unique expressions of love for your significant other.

Consider all the options for materials, engraving ideas, and prices outlined in this complete guide before making a decision to ensure your ring remains a treasured symbol of your journey together for the years to come.

4 Things to Know About Ring Engraving

The following is the most important information to know about pearls:

Summary of Important Tips on Pearls

Natural pearls are extremely rare, as they are formed without any human intervention. Conversely, cultured pearls are produced with human assistance. They are cheaper than natural ones.

2. Pearls Come in Different Colours

Pearls can be a wide array of colours, from white to deep dark. They can also be pastel colours with different shades and vibrant overtones.

3. Lustre Defines Quality

The key factor in the overall value of pearls is their lustrous and reflective quality.

4. Pearls Are Delicate

Pearls need proper care and avoidance of chemicals. They are durable but are sensitive to excessive wear.

In conclusion, personalized, meaningful ring engravings are unique expressions of love for your significant other.

Consider all the options for materials, engraving ideas, and prices outlined in this complete guide before making a decision to ensure your ring remains a treasured symbol of your journey together for the years to come.

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I’m extremely disappointed with my experience with DiamondNet and their so-called "personalized" wedding band service.We initially ordered a custom-designed ring with the assurance that we could exchange or return it if we weren’t satisfied. Unfortunately, the design they delivered the first time wasn’t what we had envisioned, so we exchanged it, hoping they would get it right on the second attempt.To our dismay, the second ring still wasn’t what we expected. When I reached out to ask for the first ring back (since it was better than the second), they suddenly changed their tune and refused to exchange it, citing a policy against returns or exchanges for personalized designs. This was despite the fact that they had already accepted an exchange for the first ring because they acknowledged it didn’t match our design.When I pointed out this inconsistency and provided pictures of the design I had worked on with their designer, clearly showing that they understood what we wanted but failed to execute it, they still refused to accommodate us. To make matters worse, their tone was not respectful throughout the entire process, and they outright refused to speak to me over the phone, making the situation even more frustrating. Instead, they tried to penalize me with extra charges for exchanging the ring again, knowing that I preferred the first one over the second.If you’re looking for a company to create a personalized design, I strongly advise against choosing DiamondNet. They couldn’t deliver what we wanted, and their customer service was not only unprofessional but also disrespectful. Save yourself the headache and go elsewhere.
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FAQ

How can you tell a good pearl?

High-quality pearls are lustrous, with vibrant colors and smooth surfaces.

Which colour pearl is the most valuable?

Inherently, gold pearls are among the most valuable pearls and are highly sought after.

What colours can pearls be naturally?

Natural and cultured pearls are available in various colours, including white, black, blue, green, and pink.

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