What are pearls?

Pearls are organic gemstones that develop inside mollusks, such as oysters. When an irritant, like a grain of sand or a small piece of debris, infiltrates the mollusk's soft tissue, the mollusk responds by secreting nacre. This substance coats the irritant in successive layers, ultimately creating a pearl.

Where do pearls come from?

Pearls are produced by oysters, mussels, and other mollusks. Saltwater pearls, typically harvested from oysters, include well-known types such as Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. Freshwater pearls are grown in mussels found in rivers and lakes, offering a wide variety of colors and shapes.

Formation of Pearls

Pearls are formed within the soft tissues of mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. The process begins when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the mollusk's shell. In response, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre, a combination of aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) and conchiolin (an organic protein), around the irritant. Over time, these layers build up to form a pearl.

Types of Pearls


01

Natural Pearls

Formed without human intervention, these pearls are exceptionally rare and valuable. Natural pearls tend to have irregular shapes and are increasingly scarce today due to overfishing and environmental changes.

02

Cultured Pearls

Most pearls available today are cultured. This process involves deliberately placing an irritant into a mollusk to induce pearl formation. Cultured pearls are classified into various types:


Akoya Pearls: Known for their classic white color and high luster, Akoya pearls are typically round and come from saltwater oysters in Japan and China.

South Sea Pearls: South Sea Pearls are known for their large size and high value, featuring a smooth luster and colors that range from white to gold. They are mainly cultivated in the waters surrounding Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Tahitian Pearls: Tahitian Pearls, cultivated in French Polynesia, are distinguished by their dark hues, which can range from black to gray with hints of green, blue, and purple.

Freshwater Pearls: Cultured in freshwater rivers and lakes, primarily in China, freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes and colors, often more affordable than their saltwater counterparts.

03

Imitation Pearls

Imitation pearls, also referred to as simulated or faux pearls, are artificially created using materials such as coral, mother of pearl, plastic, or glass to replicate the look of genuine pearls.

Pearl Properties


01

Hardness

2.5 to 4.0 

02

Mineral

Pearls are mainly composed of calcium carbonate in the crystalline form of aragonite, which contributes to their distinctive structure and luminous iridescent sheen.

03

Refractive Index

The refractive index of pearls typically falls between 1.52 and 1.69, contributing to their characteristic luster and shimmering appearance.


Luster

The quality of a pearl's surface shine is known as its luster. Pearls with high luster exhibit crisp, bright reflections, whereas those with low luster appear more dull.

Surface Quality

The presence of blemishes or imperfections on a pearl's surface. Fewer blemishes indicate a higher quality pearl.

Shape

While perfectly round pearls are the most valuable, pearls can come in various shapes, including oval, teardrop (drop), and baroque (irregular).

Color

Pearls are available in a spectrum of colors, including white, cream, and black, with undertones such as pink, green, or blue. The appeal of a particular color is influenced by individual taste and current market trends.

Size

Larger pearls are generally more valuable, especially if they maintain high quality in other grading factors.

Matching

For pearl jewelry like necklaces and earrings, the uniformity of pearls in size, color, and luster is important. Well-matched pearls in a strand or set are more valuable.


Pearl Cleaning & Care

With a hardness ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale, pearls are relatively soft and susceptible to scratches and damage from chemicals found in cosmetics and perfumes. To safeguard your pearls, refrain from wearing them right after applying personal care products and remove them before activities such as cleaning, exercising, or showering. Store pearls in a soft pouch to prevent scratches from other jewelry. For cleaning, avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners; instead, gently wash them with warm, soapy water when necessary.

Facts About Pearls

Pearls are distinct in that they are created by living organisms, unlike other gemstones. They are sensitive to external factors such as high temperatures, chemicals, and acids, which requires careful handling and upkeep. Pearls are traditionally linked with the third and thirtieth wedding anniversaries.

Pearl FAQ's

What are pearls?

Pearls are organic gemstones created within mollusks, like oysters and mussels, when an irritant such as a grain of sand enters their shell. In response, the mollusk deposits layers of nacre, a mix of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, around the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.

Why do pearls come in different colors?

The color of pearls is affected by the mollusk species, the water environment, and the natural pigments present in the nacre. Typical colors include white, cream, pink, silver, gold, and black, with some pearls displaying additional overtones or secondary hues.

Are cultured pearls real pearls?

Yes, cultured pearls are real pearls. The only difference is that the irritant is manually placed inside the mollusk by a pearl farmer, while natural pearls form without human intervention.

How long do pearls last?

With proper maintenance, pearls can endure for generations. Nevertheless, being organic, they are more delicate than other gemstones and necessitate careful handling to avoid damage.

Can pearls be dyed?

Yes, some pearls can be dyed to enhance or change their color. However, naturally colored pearls are generally more valuable.

Are pearls considered gemstones?

Indeed, pearls are classified as organic gemstones because they are created by living organisms, in contrast to minerals that form within the earth.