A Brief Guide to Different Types of Pearls

A Brief Guide to Different Types of Pearls

So, which piece of jewelry you and your grandma have in common?

Yeah, it has to be those sophisticated yet glamorous pearl necklaces or stunning pearl earrings.

After all, pearls are timeless and evergreen pieces of jewelry.

Pearls have been the epitome of subtle elegance and versatility for ages.

No longer meant for special occasions or your grandma’s jewelry box, this vibrant gemstone has come a long way over the ages, consistently updating and adapting to complement the latest jewelry trends.

The wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors have made pearls one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry today. Here we will walk through the type of pearls.

But first of all, let’s dive into this brief yet the interesting history of pearl.

The Fascinating History of Pearl Jewellery

Dubbed as the world’s oldest gemstone, pearl jewelry was found in the Persian princess’ casket dating back to 420.

They were so precious that once Julius Caesar restricted their use only to the ruling class in the first century.

Pearls have also remained as the most valuable stone in ancient Greece.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, pearl jewelry was popular among European aristocrats following the discovery of pearls in Central and South America.

It wasn’t until Kockicho Mikimoto from Japan discovered how to make cultured or framed pearls in 1893 that the stone become accessible to the masses.

However, peals continued to be the eminent status symbol even in modern history. Coco Chanel can be seen wearing multiple strands of pearls in her iconic portrait.

And who can forget the unforgettable ensemble of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s which also included the multi-strand pearl necklace?

After a huge dip in the popularity of pearl jewelry in recent decades, the pearl was revived on the runways in innovative and dramatic ways in 2013.

Since then, pearls have been in vogue and introduced in more inventive and artistic ways.

Pearl jewelry is still as elegant and classy as it was in the past, enhanced by trendy designs that appeal to fashion-forward people.

Understanding the Types of Pearl

Pearls are not always white.

They come in a wonderful array of colors such as black, silver, gold and even deep lavender to even blue. Many factors impact the color of the pearl, from the environment of their shell to the human interventions.

While natural pearls are rare to find, cultured pearls are processed in the farm where the mollusks are raised under they are capable to accept the bead nucleus. Almost all forms of peals have to go through certain treatments to achieve the desired shade.

White Pearls:

White pearls are the most classic and widely preferred variety of pearls. Considered as the symbol of purity and peace, they can be worn on occasions like weddings and casual outfits.

Black Pearls:

Black pearls are attractive and mysterious. They are unconventional pearls and represent strength, sophistication, and independence. They are rarer than white pearls.

Golden Pearls:

Luxurious, opulent, and above all, naturally colored, golden pears are also counted among the rarest cultured pearls in the world.

Available in pale Champagne to 24k golden hues, these cultured pearls are obtained from the tropical lagoons of Australia and the Philippine Islands.

Pink and Peach Pearls:

Naturally colored pink pearls are processed in freshwater ponds in China.

Which Pearl Color is the Best?

Well, it largely depends on your preferences and budget. Some people consider their skin tone while buying pearl jewelry.

This is because certain pearl shades look amazing against certain skin tones can be quite flattering. Generally, white and cream pearls complement all skin tones. Again, it is purely a matter of choice as well as determined by your budget.

How to Take Care of Your Pearl Jewelry

• Wear them regularly as the natural oil from the skin keeps them dewy and hydrated.
• Protect them from water while swimming or washing the dishes.
• Make sure to wipe your pearls after wearing them.
• Avoiding handing them as it might stretch the silk string.
• Store them in their own compartment in the jewelry box.
• Avoid storing them in airtight bags.

 I hope that you have enjoyed this brief excursion into the amazing world of pearls. At Maison Mirath, you can explore a wide range of pearl earrings and other pieces of jewelry at great prices.