There are many different colours and types of pearls on the market today that even pearl connoisseurs get a little confused! Those that want to buy pearl earrings just don’t know where to start. That’s why this guide is designed to answer some very popular pearl questions for those who wish to know more.

Tell Me About Tahitian Pearls – Are They All Black?

This might surprise some, but Tahitian pearls aren’t grown in Tahiti and they’re also not black.   Although black is a popular choice for pearl fans, Tahitian pearls can also be bought in beautiful blues, browns, greens and greys. 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?

Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a parasite, makes its way into a pearl-producing animal such as an oyster or mollusc. The oyster or mollusc tries to protect itself and to do this it coats the intruder in a substance which then creates the 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.

Cultured pearls are formed in the same way as natural pearls, with one big difference: they get their start not by chance, but deliberately, when man intervenes with nature. Man’s input is such that he will place something inside the oyster which speeds up the pearl-making process. The outcome is some beautiful pearls, which make their way into the shops so you can buy pearl earrings.

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. Due to improvements in culturing techniques, freshwater pearl farmers are producing beautiful, round, lustrous pearls that are a vast improvement over the wrinkled, rice-krispie-shaped gems that typified the freshwater pearl crop of the not-so-distant past.

Freshwater cultured pearls come in many beautiful natural pastel colours including cream, white, yellow, orange, pink and lavender. Universally flattering lavender pearls are very popular right now. If you like white pearls, these are also popular. Black freshwater cultured pearls are treated with dye or heat to produce their inky colour.

At the end of the day, it is freshwater pearls that appeal most, and the fact they are more affordable helps make them a number 1 choice. You can buy pearl earrings in any colour you like, as long as you have the cash to splash.

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