A Guide to Choosing the Right Pearl Earrings
Are you shopping for a new pair of pearl earrings? Can’t decide which style suits you best, or what colour you should get? There are numerous factors to consider when choosing. In this guide, you can find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about pearls and the important characteristics to consider before buying a pair of pearl earrings.
What Are Pearls?
Pearls are hard, shiny objects that are made in the soft tissue of various living molluscs and other animals. They are made of the same material, calcium carbonate, as the shell of the molluscs they are found in. The finest, roundest, and biggest pearls have been a symbol of luxury for generations. Since their incorporation into jewellery, pearls have symbolised beauty and elegance, becoming a highly valued gemstone in the process.
There are 2 main ways of pearl formation:
- Natural
The formation of a pearl is triggered accidentally when a microscopic parasite intrudes into a mollusc, or when one is injured. To protect themselves, molluscs form a pearl sac using the same materials as their shell to cover the irritant. They repeat this process many times, which results in the formation of a pearl from the high quantity of calcium carbonate secretion. Natural pearls are extremely rare and expensive. They are hardly found in a perfect round shape and take anywhere from 6 months to 10 years to form.
- Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are made by humans on specialised farms. To form a pearl, humans transplant cells from a donor animal into an animal of different species. The donor cells are treated as parasites because they belong to the different species, which triggers the mollusc’s immune system and the pearl formation process. Cultured pearls are significantly cheaper and are found in a perfect, round shape because they are grown in a controlled environment.
What Are the Main Pearl Characteristics To Look For?
Once you have your mind set on purchasing a pearl earring, here are some characteristics you should pay close attention to:
- Lustre: The term lustre is used to describe the natural sheen of the pearl. The more light a pearl reflects, or the more ‘glowing’ it is, the more value it holds.
- Shape: The perfectly round pearl has long been considered the staple of elegance, but there is also an incredibly large variety of pearl shapes, based on what you are looking for. Depending on which way a pearl was formed, there are also off-round, oval, drop-shaped, and many more forms of pearls.
- Colour: Pearls come in every shade of the rainbow, the most popular being the classic milk-white. The colour of a pearl consists of the bodycolor, which is the fundamental base colour and overtones, which is the translucent aura that appears to float on the pearl’s surface. The pearls’ main colour depends on the combination of the two.
- Size: The size of the pearl you choose plays an important role in the earrings’ practicality and statement. For subtle elegance, you should go for a pearl that is between 5-7mm. If you want to make a bold impression, you can choose pieces that are above 10mm. However, the best size for an everyday earring falls within the 7-8mm range.
How to Choose the Right Type
1. Akoya Pearls
This style of pearl is known for its perfectly round shape, with a bright, mirror-like surface. They have a naturally white colour that is perfect for wedding accessories. This form of pearls can also be found dyed-black, popular for its midnight blue colour.
2. Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are one of the most exotic gemstones in the world. They are famous for their dark black or grey body colour and vibrant peacock, green, cherry, or blue overtone, which makes them look majestic.
3. Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls come in a variety of beautiful natural colours and a wide range of sizes. From all 4 styles of pearls, these start at the cheapest price.
4. South Sea Pearls
South Sea Pearls are the most luxurious style of all cultured pearls. They are characterized by their natural golden and white colours that shimmer in the sun. These pearls are often referred to as “Queen of Pearls” because of their glamorous look.
How to Choose the Right Earring Design
Once you have chosen which type, style and size you want your pearls to be, it’s time to select the design of earring with which you’d like to pair them with
Here are some more general earring designs suggestions:
- Stud Earrings: Are a simple, timeless jewellery design. Studs feature a decorative element, in this case a pearl, attached to an earring post and secured with a backing to the ear lobe. This choice is great if you want to showcase your pearls without additional elements taking away from their beauty.
- Dangle Earrings: Are the most universal and customisable style of earrings. They are a type of jewellery that is attached to the ear lobe with a hook and hangs below it. Unlike studs, dangle earrings are eye-catching and draw attention by their dynamic movements.
- Hoop Earrings: Are a popular style of jewellery characterised by their circular shape. Attaching a pearl to the hoop is a great way to combine the modern with the classic, resulting in a one-of-a-kind look.
Selecting the material that the pearl is attached to is entirely up to you. The options and the colour combinations are endless, you can pair anything from a white pearl with a golden hoop to a deep blue gem with a silver stud.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, pearls are a timeless gemstone perfectly suited for every kind of jewellery. They pair well with every outfit, whether it’s a casual everyday business chic or a dress gown for a fancy event. You can never go wrong with a pearl earring.
