Pearl Jewelry Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Your Complete Guide to Buying Pearl Jewelry

Every woman should have pearl jewelry among her jewelry collection. Pearl quality is dependent on its source, how it was formed and other quality factors. When shopping for pearl jewelry, your search should lead you to a professional jeweler who has the expertise to make sure you get the best quality pearl jewelry for your budget.

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Nature's Beautiful Magic

Real pearls are examples of nature's beautiful magic. They are formed when a mollusk (oyster, clam, mussel) has an irritant enter its shell; in defense, the mollusk produces layers of fluid (known as nacre, pronounced NAY-kur) around the irritant. The process takes between 5-10 years, and the result is the beautiful luminous gems we cherish as pearls.

Types of Pearls

Let's review the three types of pearls you may consider when shopping for pearl jewelry:

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Natural Pearls

Natural pearls, those that form organically in nature, are extremely rare - very few are in the market today. The best source for natural pearls was the Persian Gulf, but when oil was discovered around the 1930s the Gulf waters could no longer produce pearls. Today, traditional fishing for natural pearls is still practiced in India - but the pearls harvested are often small and expensive.

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Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls make up the majority of pearls on the market today. The "culturing" process dates back to the late 19th century. Cultured pearls are formed in the same way as natural pearls, and are considered real pearls. In cultured pearls, an irritant is surgically placed into the mollusk and protected in "pearl farms" while the pearl develops. Of the pearls created after a five-to-ten year farming cycle, only 5% are of the high quality required for fine jewelry.

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Imitation Pearls

Imitation pearls are the third type and have no connection to the natural pearl making process. They are made from glass beads that are dipped into a solution made from fish scales. While most have a high luster, it may eventually fade. Professional jewelers can easily spot imitation pearls and will not sell you imitation marked as real.

How to Tell Real Pearls from Imitation

Professional jewelers can spot an imitation pearl from cultured pearls, and will not sell you imitation marked as real. Trust your pearl jewelry purchase with a jewelry store known for its educated staff and ethical standards, like Malani Jewelers.

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The Tooth Test: Gently rub the pearl against your teeth. Real pearls feel gritty due to layers of nacre, while imitation pearls feel smooth.
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Luster Quality: Real pearls have deep, lustrous shine with subtle variations. Fake pearls often have uniform, overly bright surfaces.
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Surface Inspection: Real pearls may have minor imperfections and natural variations, while fake pearls appear perfectly uniform.
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Temperature Test: Real pearls feel cool to the touch initially, then warm to your body temperature.

Pearl Quality Factors

Pearls are classified by origin, then graded by size, shape, nacre thickness, color, luster, surface clarity and how they match. Here are the key quality factors to consider:

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Luster

The combination of surface brilliance and deep-seated glow. Good-quality cultured pearls should be bright, not dull. Your reflection should be clearly visible on the surface.

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Shape

Perfectly round pearls are most valuable, but baroque (irregular) shapes can be equally beautiful and more affordable while still maintaining excellent quality.

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Size

Measured by diameter in millimeters. Average cultured pearls are 7-7.5mm. Generally, larger pearls are more valuable, but quality factors matter more than size alone.

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Surface

Refers to the absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks. Clean surfaces have higher value, though minor imperfections are natural and acceptable.

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Color

Ranges from rosé to black. Rosé or silver/white pearls suit fair skin tones, while cream and gold-tone pearls flatter darker complexions.

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Matching

In pearl strands, how well pearls complement each other in size, shape, color, and luster. Well-matched strands are more valuable and visually appealing.

Quality Pearl Strands

When evaluating pearl strands, look for these quality indicators:

  • Pearls should not bunch or twist when laid flat
  • Knots should be shaped uniformly and pushed snugly against both sides of every pearl
  • Silk cord should match the pearl color as closely as possible
  • Each pearl should be individually knotted to prevent loss if the string breaks
  • The clasp should be secure and complement the pearl quality

How to Clean & Store Pearls

Proper care ensures your pearls maintain their beauty and luster for generations:

Daily Care

  • Apply cosmetics, hair sprays and perfume before putting on pearl jewelry
  • Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing to remove traces of cosmetics
  • Put pearls on last, take them off first
  • Avoid contact with chemicals and abrasives

Cleaning

  • Wash with mild soap and water when needed
  • Never use chemicals, abrasives or solvents
  • Use only soft, damp cloth for cleaning
  • Allow to air dry completely before storing

Storage

  • Always lay pearl strands flat to dry - never hang them
  • Store in chamois bag or wrap in tissue
  • Keep separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching
  • Avoid tossing carelessly into purses or jewelry boxes

Maintenance

  • Restring pearls annually to prevent thread weakening
  • Ensure pearls are knotted between each pearl
  • Have clasps checked regularly for security
  • Consult professional jewelers for repairs

Find Your Perfect Pearl Jewelry

Trust Malani Jewelers for authentic, high-quality pearl jewelry. Our expert staff will help you select the perfect pearls for your style and budget.

Shop Pearl Jewelry Schedule Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Cultured pearls are grown in controlled environments with human intervention, while natural pearls form spontaneously in the wild. Cultured pearls are more abundant and affordable, offering a wide range of colors and sizes. Natural pearls are extremely rare and command higher prices due to their scarcity. Both types are genuine pearls with beautiful luster.

At Malani Jewelry, we pride ourselves on authentic pearls. Real pearls have a subtle luster and may have slight imperfections. They feel slightly cool to the touch and gritty when rubbed against your teeth. Fake pearls often have a perfect, uniform look and feel smooth. For expert guidance, visit our store or consult our jewelry experts.

Determining pearl quality can be tricky. At Malani Jewelry, we prioritize high-quality pearls with exceptional luster, color, and shape. Look for pearls with a bright, iridescent shine and minimal imperfections. Our experts can guide you in selecting the perfect piece. Visit our store or explore our online collection to discover the beauty of genuine pearl jewelry.

Pearl jewelry should be restrung once a year. Cosmetics, perspiration, oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the threads on which pearls are strung. Make certain the pearls are strung with a knot between each pearl to prevent loss if the string should break.

Pearl size is measured by diameter in millimeters. The average cultured pearls sold today are between 7 and 7.5 millimeters. Generally, larger pearls are more valuable, but the best choice depends on your personal style, budget, and the occasion for which you'll wear the pearls.

While color preference is personal, rosé or silver/white pearls tend to look best on fair skin tones, while cream and gold-tone cultured pearls are flattering to darker complexions. However, the most important factor is choosing pearls that make you feel confident and beautiful.

Yes, many cultured pearls undergo treatments to enhance their luster or alter their color, and this does not make them any less real. A professional jeweler is trained to understand and explain these treatments, especially because they can affect the pearl jewelry value.