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. These cultured pearls are grown in a region called 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. In order to shield itself, the oyster will over the parasite in an organic substance called nacre, which then creates the mother of pearl we know today. 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. Once this is completed, pearls will then get made into jewellery and people like you and I can buy pearl earrings.
Saltwater Pearls Vs 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. Over the years, improved pearl culturing processes have meant that freshwater pearls are now being produced that are large, rounded and stunningly beautiful.
Freshwater cultured pearls come in many beautiful natural pastel colours including cream, white, yellow, orange, pink and lavender. Lavender is an on-trend colour option for pearl fans at the moment. For others, it is the appeal of white pearls which makes them purchase. Stunning black pearls, which are treated with dye, are rising up the style stakes too, and many people like the fact they are a little out of the ordinary.
You definitely get more value for money with freshwater pearls. You can buy pearl earrings in any colour you like, as long as you have the cash to splash.
