If you’re thinking of buying some beautiful pearl jewellery, whether it’s a pearl necklace or you want to buy pearl earrings, chances are you’ll find it hard to know where to begin due to the vast pearl ranges out there. 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?

Not only are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they’re also not grown in Tahiti. 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.

What’s The Difference Between Cultured Pearl Earrings And Natural Pearl Earrings?

To start with, natural pearls are formed when a foreign object gets into an oyster. 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. Over time, the layers of nacre build up around the intruder and eventually form the organic gem we all know as the pearl.

When it comes to cultured pearls, they are formed in the same way, but with man’s input rather than nature’s. It is someone skilled who will go in and place something in the oyster so make sure the pearl formation happens. At the end of it all, you have some beautiful cultured pearls that end up in the shops for you to buy pearl earrings or pearl necklaces etc.

Are Saltwater Pearls Better Than Freshwater Pearls?

Although both are beautiful, many people feel that the cultured freshwater pearls are just as good as saltwater pearls, and they are of course more affordable too. Over the years, improved pearl culturing processes have meant that freshwater pearls are now being produced that are large, rounded and stunningly beautiful.

If you’re a pearl fan, you can buy freshwater coloured pearls in many different variations and these can vary from cream to pink. One of the most popular pearl options at the moment is lavender. If you like white pearls, these are also popular. 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.

Overall, freshwater pearls are more plentiful than other pearl types, thus they are generally more affordable. So, for all the pearl fans out there, there has never been a better time to buy pearl earrings.