Answers to Common Questions About Pearls

Pearls are a staple in a jewelry wardrobe.

For centuries they have been a symbol of style, and elegance. While often associated with major milestones, like weddings or graduations, they style well for every day wear as well. Pearls are also the birthstone for June.

Knowing which pearl to buy can be confusing. Here are some common questions we often receive.

What is a Natural Pearl?

A natural pearl forms without any human intervention. The pearl forms in the body of a mollusk around a microscopic irritant.

What is a Cultured Pearl?

A cultured pearl forms with the help of humans.

The process begins with a skilled technician, who takes tissue from a mollusk and a natural piece of shell, and inserts both into a different host mollusk. That mollusk is fed and housed in a controlled area. Layers of nacre are secreted onto the small piece of shell, forming the pearl.

How do you Know if Pearls are Real?

Rubbing a pearl on your tooth is a fairly accurate way to tell if a pearl is real. When you rub the pearl against the tooth you should feel a slight natural texture. If the pearl was not genuine, it would feel slick and smooth.

What is an Akoya Cultured Pearl?

Akoya cultured pearls are the most common type of pearl in the United States. Known for their white or cream color, it’s what most people associate with the image of a pearl. These are grown in saltwater, after a technician starts the growth process. It typically takes 6 months to 2 years for an Akoya to form.

What is a South Sea Pearl?

South Sea pearls are large and thick, in part because of their longer growing period. They often appear white, silver, or golden, and are produced around Southeast Asia over the course of about 2 years.

What is a Tahitian Pearl?

Tahitian pearls are often known as “black pearls” because of their grey, black, or brown color. These typically come from the islands around French Polynesia, and take 1.5-2 years to form.

What is a Freshwater Pearl?

Freshwater pearls are the most commonly produced variety of pearl. They range in size, color, and shape, and are generally more affordable because of their increased availability. Each oyster can produce several pearls. These are typically grown in lakes or ponds over the course of 1-6 years.

What is Nacre?

Nacre consists of different layers of natural materials that stick together, forming a pearl. These layers can create different colors. This is one way to assess the quality of a pearl, but it can be hard to analyze with the naked eye.

What is Luster?

Luster is an easier way to assess the quality of pearls. It refers to the way pearls handle light. A high luster pearl will reflect images, almost like a mirror. A low luster pearl will look dull.

What are the Standard Pearl Strand Lengths?

A strand of pearls from 12-13” is referred to as a collar. A choker is typically 14-16”. A princess refers to a strand 17-19” in length. An opera length is 28-34”, and a rope is 45”.

How do you Care for Pearls?

Pearls should be treated with care. “Last on, first off” is a good rule to follow. Put your pearls on last, after you have applied all sprays, make-up, and perfumes. Then remove your pearls before pulling clothing over your head or washing your face. It’s best to not hang your pearls, for storage, as that can stretch a strand. Your pearl strand will stretch over time, through normal wear, so it’s also a good idea to have your strands restrung. That is a service we can provide at Hingham Jewelers.