Learn about Pearls

What is a Pearl?

Pearls are organic gemstones formed inside the soft tissue of mollusks, primarily oysters and mussels. Unlike other gemstones that are mined from the earth, pearls are created by living creatures as a natural defense against irritants. Their luminous, satiny glow — called orient — has made them one of the most treasured gems across cultures for thousands of years.

Where do Pearls Come From?

Natural pearls are extremely rare and historically found in places like the Persian Gulf and the waters of Sri Lanka. Today, most pearls are cultured, primarily in Japan, China, Australia, Indonesia, and French Polynesia. Different regions produce different types of pearls, from the classic white Akoya to the exotic dark tones of Tahitian pearls.

Nature's Own
Unlike diamonds or rubies, pearls are the only gems born from living organisms, making them truly one-of-a-kind creations of nature.

Types of Pearls

At Golden Eiffel, we curate our pearl selection by luster, surface quality, shape, and color. Here are some of the most iconic types:

Akoya Pearls
Classic, round, and highly lustrous, Akoya pearls are mostly cultured in Japan and are prized for their elegant white color with subtle overtones of rose or silver.

South Sea Pearls
The largest and among the most valuable pearls, South Sea pearls come in luxurious white, cream, or golden hues. Cultured in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, they are known for their thick nacre and soft, satiny luster.

Tahitian Pearls
Cultured around French Polynesia, these naturally dark pearls come in shades of black, gray, green, and peacock. They offer a striking, bold alternative to traditional white pearls.

Freshwater Pearls
Typically cultivated in lakes and rivers, primarily in China. Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of shapes and pastel colors and offer an affordable yet beautiful choice for everyday jewelry.

Born from a Grain of Sand
A single tiny irritant — often a grain of sand or a parasite — can set off the creation of a pearl inside a mollusk, transforming a simple speck into a thing of immense beauty over time.

The Hallmark of Fine Pearls

Luster
Luster is the single most important factor in judging a pearl's beauty. It refers to the sharpness and intensity of reflections on the pearl's surface. A high-quality pearl will have bright, crisp reflections and a deep glow from within.

Color and Overtone
Pearls come in a beautiful array of natural colors, including white, cream, gold, silver, black, and even blue or pink. Many also exhibit overtones — subtle layers of secondary color that add depth and richness.

Surface
Because pearls are natural creations, minor surface blemishes are common and accepted. However, the fewer the blemishes, the more valuable the pearl. At Golden Eiffel, we select pearls with minimal surface imperfections to enhance their elegance.

Size
Pearls range from just a few millimeters to over 20 millimeters for South Sea varieties. Larger pearls are rarer and more valuable, especially when paired with excellent luster and surface quality.

Shape
While perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most prized, other shapes like oval, drop, and baroque (free-form) are equally charming and often used to create distinctive jewelry.

The Jewel of Queens, Emperors, and Legends
Cleopatra famously bet that she could host the most expensive dinner in history by dissolving a priceless pearl in vinegar and drinking it. From ancient Egypt to the courts of Europe, pearls have always been a symbol of power, wealth, and eternal beauty.

Why Pearls?

Timelessness

Pearls have been worn by royalty, celebrities, and icons for thousands of years. Their graceful beauty transcends fleeting fashion trends, making them an eternal symbol of refinement and elegance. Whether passed down as heirlooms or worn daily, pearls never lose their quiet power to captivate.

Versatility

Pearls adapt to every style and occasion. From a simple strand worn at a wedding to a bold baroque pearl earring that elevates a casual look, their soft glow complements all skin tones and outfits. Pearls are equally at home in the boardroom, at a gala, or during a casual brunch.

Symbolism

Pearls have long represented purity, wisdom, serenity, and transformation. Throughout history, they have been treasured as tokens of love and status. Today, they continue to symbolize new beginnings, making them meaningful gifts for engagements, graduations, anniversaries, and other milestones.

Personal Signature

No two pearls are ever exactly alike, which means every piece carries its own personality. Wearing pearls lets you showcase your unique character—whether you choose classic or free-form shapes, their gentle luster becomes your personal signature.

Are pearls real gemstones?

Pearls are considered organic gemstones, formed naturally inside living mollusks rather than being mined from rock.

Are cultured pearls real?

Absolutely. Cultured pearls are real pearls — the only difference is that the process is helped along by humans inserting a small bead or tissue into the mollusk to start the pearl's formation.

Can pearls be worn daily?

Yes, but they are softer than most gemstones and need extra care. Always put pearls on last when getting ready and avoid harsh chemicals like perfumes or hairspray.

How do I clean pearl jewelry?

Gently wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Avoid soaking them in water or using detergents — if needed, have them professionally cleaned.

Can I wear pearls in water?

It’s better to avoid. Pearls can absorb chemicals from pools, hot tubs, and even sweat, which can dull their surface.

Google Sites

Report abuse