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Top Questions and Answers About Pearl Jewelry
Visit our pearl jewelry FAQs for answers to your biggest questions on how to care for pearls, pearl cleaning tips, styling suggestions, and more.
Can you wear pearl jewelry every day?
If you’ve added pearl jewelry to your own collection or you’ve received jewelry with pearls as a gift, you may be wondering how frequently you can wear your jewels. Many people wear pearl jewelry daily, but extra considerations should be taken to keep these fragile gems at their best.
Pearls are among the softest gemstones, ranking at just a 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Diamonds, on the other hand, rank a 10 on the scale. Like many gemstones, pearls are quite sensitive to chemicals. When wearing pearl jewelry, it’s recommended to take some easy precautions like putting your pearls on last, to protect them from cosmetics and body care products, and taking them off first. Pearl earrings and pearl pendant necklaces are a particularly good choice for everyday wear as they don't experience much wear and tear.
How can you tell if a pearl is real?
Real pearls are formed by natural processes inside a living mollusk, which results in variations in the luster, color and size of each individual pearl. The surface of a real pearl also won't be perfectly even. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are typically made of glass or plastic, giving them a smoother and more uniform appearance. Buying from a trusted retailer, like us, will ensure that your pearl jewelry is as authentic as it is beautiful.
What are the different types of pearls?
There are many types of pearls made both naturally and as cultured pearls. The most popular pearls for fine jewelry pieces are Akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian.
Akoya cultured pearl jewelry has a gorgeous white color and high luster, giving it a classic look. Freshwater cultured pearl jewelry is a popular alternative as it has a similar appearance at a less expensive price, while South Sea cultured pearl jewelry is known for pearls of exceptional size and luminous white color. Tahitian cultured pearl jewelry is distinguished by its darker and more modern hues of green, black, blue, and purple.
There are many different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures for pearls used in jewelry. More rounded pearls are the most popular for all pearl types, but unique baroque pearls are also gaining popularity.
What is the best way to clean pearl jewelry?
To clean your pearls and pearl jewelry, a gentle approach is best. Regular cleaning can keep your pearl jewelry looking its best and preserve its longevity. You can clean pearl jewelry by wiping the pearls with a soft cloth after every wear to maintain luster. You should also clean your pearls periodically with a specialized gentle jewelry cleaner. Do not submerge strands of pearls in any liquids. Visit our gemstone care and cleaning guide for more tips on caring for pearl jewelry.
How can I tell real pearls from costume jewelry?
Touch is the quickest and easiest way to tell if a pearl is genuine. When you feel a genuine pearl, it should be cool to the touch and warm up when worn. Costume jewelry pearls typically feel warm and can even have a sticky texture.
Both cultured and natural pearls form in different shapes and sizes, while costume jewelry pearls look very uniform. Genuine pearls also reflect light, unlike their imitation counterparts.
Purchasing your pearls from a trusted retailer, like us, will ensure your jewelry is as authentic as it is beautiful.
How much do pearls cost?
Pearls are some of the most affordable genuine gemstones available for fine jewelry. They are typically set in sterling silver, gold or platinum. The precious metal, complexity of your jewelry design, rarity of the pearls, and any additional gems will determine the price of your pearl jewelry. At Blue Nile, we offer pearl jewelry for many budgets and styles at our jewelry stores and online.
Is pearl jewelry in style?
Pearl jewelry has been at the forefront of stylish jewelry trends for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek and Byzantine cultures. More recently, pearl jewelry such as pearl necklaces saw a popularity boom in the 1950s and 60s and following the release of Audrey Hepburn’s famous movie. That energy has continued today, with everyone from politicians to baseball players sporting pearls.
What do pearls symbolize?
The lustrous June birthstone often symbolizes purity, humility, modesty, and trust. They can also symbolize wisdom and are believed to bring positive energy to their wearer.
Does pearl jewelry make a good gift?
Yes, pearl jewelry is a wonderful gift for any occasion. Consider gifting pearls to the new mom of a June baby in your life. Pearls can also be given as gifts for graduations, anniversaries and any other occasion.
Are there any rules about wearing pearl jewelry?
When it comes to pearl jewels, the only imperative rules are ones regarding the protection of the gemstone. Follow the last on, first off rule when wearing pearl jewelry. This means putting on your pearls last and taking them off first when you’re done with the day. Following this rule will help protect your pearls from damage so they can look their best for years to come.
Can men wear pearls?
Yes, anyone can wear pearl jewelry! We offer men’s and women’s pearls for sale in all types of pieces fit for any style.
What metals are available for pearl jewelry?
Strand pearls for sale are often set along silk, while most other types of jewelry featuring pearls includes precious metals. We offer pearl jewelry in silver, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold.
How long does pearl jewelry last?
With the right care, real pearl jewelry can last lifetimes. These organic gems are especially durable when expertly-set into precious metals.
Why can’t pearls get wet?
Pearl strands are especially susceptible to damage if they are submerged. This is because the silk in pearl strands can get weakened by water. Other pearl jewelry without strands should also not be submerged to protect the jewelry settings and keep the pearls secure.
Is pearl jewelry expensive?
Real pearl jewelry is available for a variety of budgets and styles. Cultured pearls are the most affordable option, bringing the beauty of real pearls with affordable pricing.
Which pearls are the rarest?
South Sea pearls are some of the rarest pearl types available.
Are all pearls round?
While most pearls in jewelry are round, these gems come in a wide variety of shapes. Pearls and mother of pearl are natural gems, meaning they come in unique shapes and textures.
What chemicals are bad for pearls?
Common household chemicals like cosmetics, cleaners and chlorine are harmful to all pearls. As a rule of thumb, you should never put your pearl jewelry in contact with any chemicals aside from approved specialized gentle jewelry cleaners.
How should you store pearl jewelry?
Pearl jewelry should be stored in its original packaging or a jewelry box with soft lining. It should be stored flat and away from other jewelry that may scratch it. Pearl strand necklaces and bracelets should always be stored lying flat to keep their threading intact. Avoid storing pearls in plastic bags or in direct sunlight.
What’s the best way to wear pearl jewelry?
Jewelry with pearls can complement any outfit. For a touch of timeless class, choose a strand pearl necklace. You can also wear pearls as earrings, bracelets and rings. Choose matching pearl types and colors for seamless coordination or opt for a maximalist look by wearing multiple types of pearls together.