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Jewellery Guides

A Guide to Pearls

Pearls in different shapes and sizes

Why Are Pearls Popular?  

The significance of pearls lies in their cultural and historical value, symbolising elegance, purity, and wealth since their discovery in 420 BC. Often called the ‘Queen of Gems,’ pearls are naturally formed when a mollusc secretes layers of nacre around an irritant, making each one a unique creation. They have been cherished by notable figures such as Anne Boleyn, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel, and more recently, Carrie Bradshaw. From Anne Boleyn’s pearl initial necklace to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic four-strand necklace, pearls have consistently represented luxury and sophistication.

Are there different types of pearls? How do they vary?

There are several types of pearls, each distinct in origin, appearance, and value.

  • Freshwater pearls, produced in freshwater mussels, can be a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are often more irregular and less lustrous than their saltwater counterparts, making them more affordable.
  • Saltwater pearls, which include Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea varieties, are generally higher in value.
  • Akoya pearls from Japan and China are known for their perfectly round shape and high lustre, typically in white or cream with pink or silver overtones.
  • Tahitian pearls, cultivated in black-lipped oysters in French Polynesia, are celebrated for their dark, exotic colours like black, grey, and deep purple.
  • South Sea pearls, grown in the waters around Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are some of the largest and most valuable, admired for their white, silver, or golden tones with a soft, satiny lustre.

The size, shape, colour, and lustre of each pearl contributes to its unique beauty and appeal.

Are all pearls natural?

In essence, yes. All pearls are made through the same process of a mollusc covering a fragment of debris with their shell material, but there are two distinct ways in which this occurs:

1. Natural pearls: these are pearls that form without human intervention, typically when an irritant, like a piece of sand, gets trapped inside a mollusc, triggering the nacre secretion process. These pearls are very rare and often have irregular shapes.

2. Cultured pearls: These pearls are produced by deliberately inserting a bead or nucleus into the mollusc, resulting in more uniform pearls thanks to the controlled conditions. While cultured pearls are more common than natural pearls, they are still highly valuable.

How can you tell the quality of a pearl?

To assess the overall quality of a pearl, you should consider these key characteristics:
1. Lustre and surface quality: High-quality pearls have a deep, radiant lustre that gives them a glowing appearance.
2. Shape and size: Genuine pearls typically have an even shape and consistent size.
3. Nacre thickness: The nacre, the material that forms around the pearl's nucleus, should be thick, indicating a high-quality pearl.
4. Weight and density: Authentic pearls are denser and heavier compared to artificial ones.

How can you tell if a pearl is real?

To distinguish a real pearl from a imitation of a pearl, gently rub it against your teeth. Real pearls, whether natural or cultured, will have a slightly rough texture due to their nacre layers. In contrast, fake pearls, often made of plastic, will have a completely smooth surface.

How Can I Style My Pearls In A Modern Way?

Layering pearls with contemporary jewellery can enhance their timeless charm and give it a modern twist. For instance, pair pearl stud earrings with a gemstone pendant necklace, or style a classic pearl necklace with a casual outfit to showcase the pearls' boldness. Incorporating pearls into a gold or silver chain necklace is another way to modernise their look, as the addition of gold or silver creates a stylish contrast.

When should you gift pearls?

Traditionally, pearls are gifted to brides and bridesmaids on their wedding day or to commemorate thirty years of marriage as an anniversary gift. They are also perfect for celebrating milestone birthdays, such as the 18th and 21st, and is a personal gift for those born in June to mark their birthstone.

Explore our curated pearl gift guides below.

How can you care for your pearls?

To ensure your pearls remain beautiful and in good condition, follow these guidelines:

1. Keep pearls away from chemicals, including perfumes and heavily scented moisturisers, as these can damage their surface. Also, protect them from drastic temperature changes.

2. Don't get them wet. Always take off your pearls before showering or swimming, as chlorinated water can harm them.

3. Re-string your pearls regularly to maintain the integrity of pearl necklaces. If there is space between the knots on the silk thread, it's time to have your pearls restrung.

4. Store your pearls separately. Since pearls are relatively soft and prone to scratching, store them in separate pouches away from other jewellery to prevent damage.

If you need any further advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team who will be happy to help.

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