Pearl FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Pearls
Pearls have been treasured for thousands of years and remain one of the world's most beloved gems. Unlike most gemstones, pearls are created by living creatures rather than formed deep within the earth. Their natural luster, soft glow, and timeless beauty make them a favorite for everything from everyday jewelry to heirloom pieces.
Whether you're shopping for a freshwater pearl necklace, pearl earrings, or simply curious about these fascinating gems, our Pearl FAQ answers some of the most common questions about pearls.
What Is a Pearl?
A pearl is an organic gemstone formed inside a mollusk, such as an oyster or freshwater mussel. When an irritant or other material enters the mollusk, it responds by depositing layers of a crystalline substance called nacre around it.
Over time, layer upon layer of nacre builds up, eventually creating a pearl.
Unlike gemstones such as amethyst or sapphire, which form through geological processes, pearls are created by living organisms.
Are Pearls Natural or Cultured?
Pearls can be either natural or cultured.
Natural pearls form without intentional human intervention and are extremely rare. Cultured pearls are created with human assistance, with a nucleus or tissue introduced into the mollusk to begin the pearl-forming process.
The mollusk still does the work of producing the nacre and creating the pearl.
Today, virtually all pearls sold commercially for jewelry are cultured pearls.
What Are Freshwater Pearls?
Freshwater pearls are cultured pearls that form inside freshwater mussels, rather than saltwater oysters.
They are primarily produced in freshwater environments and are especially popular because they can occur in a wonderful variety of natural shapes, sizes, and colors.
Freshwater pearls are commonly found in:
- White
- Cream
- Pink
- Peach
- Lavender
- Rose
- Soft gray
Because each pearl develops differently, freshwater pearls can have an organic shape and character that makes every piece of jewelry unique.
Are Freshwater Pearls Real Pearls?
Yes!
Freshwater pearls are genuine pearls. They are formed by living freshwater mussels and consist primarily of layers of natural nacre.
The term "cultured" does not mean imitation. It simply means that humans have helped initiate the pearl-forming process.
What Is Nacre?
Nacre is the iridescent material that gives pearls their beautiful luster.
It is composed primarily of microscopic layers of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, held together by organic proteins.
As light passes through and reflects from these incredibly thin layers, it creates the soft, glowing appearance associated with pearls.
Why Aren't All Pearls Perfectly Round?
Pearls come in many shapes, and perfectly round pearls are relatively uncommon.
Freshwater pearls can be:
- Round
- Near-round
- Oval
- Button
- Drop
- Baroque
- Coin-shaped
- Irregular or free-form
The natural shape of a pearl is part of its character. Baroque pearls, for example, are prized for their unusual and completely individual shapes.
What Are Baroque Pearls?
Baroque pearls are pearls with an irregular, non-symmetrical shape.
Rather than being perfectly round, they may have organic curves, ripples, dimples, or unusual forms. No two are exactly alike, which makes baroque pearls especially appealing for artisan jewelry.
Their individuality is part of their beauty.
What Is the Difference Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?
The biggest difference is where they form and the type of mollusk that produces them.
Freshwater pearls form in freshwater mussels, while saltwater pearls form in oysters living in marine environments.
Saltwater pearl varieties include:
- Akoya
- Tahitian
- South Sea
Freshwater pearls can also differ from saltwater pearls in their shapes, colors, production methods, and appearance.
Neither is inherently "better"—they simply have different characteristics.
What Are Akoya Pearls?
Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls traditionally associated with Japan and other regions of Asia.
They are known for their classic round shapes, beautiful luster, and elegant white to cream colors, sometimes with pink or silver overtones.
Akoya pearls are especially popular in traditional pearl strands and classic pearl jewelry.
What Are Tahitian Pearls?
Tahitian pearls are saltwater cultured pearls famous for their naturally dark colors.
They can display shades of:
- Peacock
- Gray
- Green
- Blue
- Silver
- Black
Despite commonly being called "black pearls," Tahitian pearls can actually display a remarkable range of dark and colorful overtones.
What Are South Sea Pearls?
South Sea pearls are among the largest cultured pearls and are produced by large saltwater oysters in regions including Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
They are prized for their impressive size, beautiful luster, and natural white, cream, or golden colors.
Why Do Pearls Have Different Colors?
Pearl color can be influenced by the type of mollusk, the environment in which the pearl develops, and the layers of nacre that form around it.
Freshwater pearls naturally occur in shades such as white, cream, peach, pink, and lavender.
Some pearls are also treated or dyed to achieve colors that don't naturally occur.
What Makes a Pearl Valuable?
Pearl value is influenced by several characteristics, including:
- Luster – how beautifully light reflects from the surface
- Size – larger pearls are generally rarer
- Shape – perfectly round pearls are particularly prized
- Surface quality – fewer blemishes can increase value
- Color – certain colors and overtones may be especially desirable
- Nacre quality – the thickness and quality of the nacre contribute to appearance and durability
For many artisan jewelry pieces, however, the appeal of a pearl isn't simply determined by traditional grading standards. An unusual shape, beautiful color, or distinctive natural characteristic can make a pearl especially interesting.
Are Pearls Durable?
Pearls are beautiful but relatively delicate compared with many traditional gemstones.
Pearls rank around 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, depending on the material and structure. This means they can scratch more easily than gemstones such as sapphire, quartz, or topaz.
With proper care, however, pearl jewelry can be enjoyed for many years.
How Should I Care for Pearl Jewelry?
Pearls should be treated gently.
We recommend:
- Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after wearing.
- Store them separately from harder jewelry to prevent scratching.
- Avoid perfumes, hairspray, lotions, and harsh chemicals.
- Remove pearl jewelry before swimming or bathing.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
- Don't use commercial silver dips or jewelry cleaning solutions on pearls.
A good rule is:
Pearls should be one of the last things you put on and one of the first things you take off.
Can I Wear Pearls Every Day?
Absolutely! Pearls can be worn regularly as long as they're treated with care.
Because they are softer than many other gemstones, avoid wearing pearl jewelry during activities where it could be scratched, exposed to chemicals, or subjected to impact.
A freshwater pearl necklace can be an elegant everyday accessory when properly cared for.
Why Are Pearls Often Associated With Weddings?
Pearls have long been associated with elegance, purity, and timeless beauty, making them a popular choice for brides and wedding jewelry.
Their soft luster complements both traditional and contemporary bridal styles, and pearl jewelry is often passed down as an heirloom after the wedding.
Are Pearls a Birthstone?
Yes. Pearl is one of the traditional birthstones for June.
June is particularly interesting because it is associated with more than one birthstone tradition. Pearls are the classic choice, while moonstone and alexandrite are also commonly associated with June.
Pearl jewelry makes a particularly meaningful birthday gift for someone born in June.
Why Are No Two Pearls Exactly Alike?
Even when pearls come from the same mollusk, they can develop differently.
Small variations in the mollusk, water conditions, growth period, nacre formation, and other natural factors influence the final appearance.
This means every genuine pearl has its own personality.
That individuality is especially beautiful in artisan jewelry.
Why We Love Pearls
There is something timeless about pearls. They aren't mined from the earth or cut from a crystal—they are created by living creatures, one delicate layer at a time.
From classic freshwater pearls to dramatic Tahitian pearls and luminous South Sea pearls, each variety has its own character and history.
Whether you're choosing pearl jewelry to celebrate a June birthday, commemorate a special occasion, or simply enjoy their timeless beauty, pearls are a gemstone that never truly goes out of style.
Explore Our Pearl Jewelry Collection
Ready to discover the beauty of pearls for yourself? Explore our Pearl Jewelry Collection to discover genuine freshwater pearls and other beautiful pearl designs in unique, artisan-crafted jewelry.
Whether you're looking for a classic pearl necklace, elegant earrings, or a meaningful June birthstone gift, our collection offers beautiful pieces to enjoy for years to come.