earrings Posts

With all the different pearl colours and types out there, it can be difficult to know just what you’re looking at when you want to buy pearl earrings. That’s why this guide is designed to answer some very popular pearl questions for those who wish to know more.

Are All Tahitian Pearls Black?

This might surprise some, but Tahitian pearls aren’t grown in Tahiti and they’re also not black. Called “black” because of their exotic dark colours, Tahitian cultured pearls can also be grey, blue, green and brown. And they’re grown in the lagoons of small islands that are part of a group known as French Polynesia.

Tell Me The Difference In Cultured And Natural Pearl Earrings.

If there is an oyster or mollusc on the seabed and something makes its way inside, like a parasite, then this is how natural pearls are formed. The oyster or mollusc tries to protect itself and to do this it coats the intruder in a substance which then creates the mother of pearl. Over time, the layers of nacre build up around the intruder and eventually form the organic gem we all know as the pearl.

The difference between cultured and natural is that the two are formed in slightly different ways, with cultured pearls having man’s input in the formation process. A technician will place the irritant in the oyster and then place it back into the water. The outcome is some beautiful pearls, which make their way into the shops so you can buy pearl earrings.

Should I Buy Saltwater Or Freshwater Pearls?

It depends on who you ask, but many pearl experts today agree that freshwater cultured pearls can rival the beauty of their saltwater cousins. Not so long ago, cultured pearls didn’t have the same quality and lustre that they have today, but thanks to improved culturing techniques, these pearls are now stunning items to buy and treasure.

If you’re a pearl fan, you can buy freshwater coloured pearls in many different variations and these can vary from cream to pink. Universally flattering lavender pearls are very popular right now. For others, it is the appeal of white pearls which makes them purchase. Bold black pearls are actually treated with dye to produce their colour, and yet these remain a very popular choice for jewellery buyers.

Overall, freshwater pearls are more plentiful than other pearl types, thus they are generally more affordable. You can buy pearl earrings in any colour you like, as long as you have the cash to splash.

There are many different colours and types of pearls on the market today that even pearl connoisseurs get a little confused! Those that want to buy pearl earrings just don’t know where to start. For those interested in buying pearls, or for gem enthusiasts who wish to learn more, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about pearls.

Tell Me About Tahitian Pearls – Are They All Black?

This might surprise some, but Tahitian pearls aren’t grown in Tahiti and they’re also not black. Called “black” because of their exotic dark colours, Tahitian cultured pearls can also be grey, blue, green and brown. This type of pearl comes from a group of islands known as the French Polynesian range.

Cultured Vs Natural Pearl Earrings

Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a parasite, makes its way into a pearl-producing animal such as an oyster or mollusc. To protect itself, the animal coats the irritant in nacre – a combination of organic substances that also makes up what we call mother of pearl. People are often surprised to learn that this process takes a very long time – sometimes years – and that’s why your natural pearl jewellery is so special.

When it comes to cultured pearls, they are formed in the same way, but with man’s input rather than nature’s. A technician will place the irritant in the oyster and then place it back into the water. Once this is completed, pearls will then get made into jewellery and people like you and I can buy pearl earrings.

Are Saltwater Pearls Better Than Freshwater Pearls?

Many people would say that the quality of cultured freshwater pearls are better value than the saltwater versions. Not so long ago, cultured pearls didn’t have the same quality and lustre that they have today, but thanks to improved culturing techniques, these pearls are now stunning items to buy and treasure.

Freshwater cultured pearls come in many beautiful natural pastel colours including cream, white, yellow, orange, pink and lavender. Universally flattering lavender pearls are very popular right now. For others, it is the appeal of white pearls which makes them purchase. Bold black pearls are actually treated with dye to produce their colour, and yet these remain a very popular choice for jewellery buyers.

At the end of the day, it is freshwater pearls that appeal most, and the fact they are more affordable helps make them a number 1 choice. So, for all the pearl fans out there, there has never been a better time to buy pearl earrings.