Pearls have been a symbol of beauty and luxury for centuries. From classic pearl necklaces to modern earrings, pearls have conquered a place in the world of fashion. But not all pearls are created equal – there are huge differences in price, quality and origin. In this blog, we delve deeper into the fascinating world of pearls, and provide useful tips to discover whether your pearl is real or fake.
What is a pearl?
A pearl is formed in the shell of a mollusk when a foreign object, such as a parasite or a piece of shell, enters the shell. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk produces layers of nacre that form around the object, eventually creating a pearl. This process can take years, which is why real pearls are so rare and valuable.
For centuries, pearls were harvested from the deep seas at great risk to their own lives. Divers searched for oysters without oxygen tanks in the hope of finding a glistening pearl—a rarity that symbolized wealth, status, and beauty. These natural pearls were so valuable that only the elite could afford them. But overfishing and environmental damage made the hunting of wild pearls not only ethically irresponsible, but also illegal in many areas.
Today, most pearls are cultured — and that’s a good thing. Because even though they’re not found “in the wild,” high-quality cultured pearls are virtually indistinguishable from natural pearls. And they’re more accessible than ever. But how do you recognize a real pearl? And what determines its value?
The Keuringsdienst van waarde also did research on the pearl and showed this in a broadcast on KRO NCRV in March this year. Watch their video about the cultivation of pearls in China here:
Different types of pearls
There are many types of pearls, each with their own characteristics and value.
Below are the most well-known types:
Saltwater pearls
Saltwater pearls grow – you guessed it – in the sea. They usually have a more intense shine, a perfectly round shape and are often rarer and more valuable than freshwater pearls. The pearl grows around an implanted nucleus in an oyster, often for years.
The three most famous saltwater pearls are:
- Akoya pearls – classic white, elegantly round and with a beautiful soft luster. They are mainly grown in Japan and are the epitome of timeless class.
- Tahitian pearls – mysterious pearls with dark hues such as aubergine, green and black. They radiate power and allure.
- South Sea pearls – the largest and most luxurious pearls, in white or gold. They grow slowly and are extremely rare. Think champagne-coloured dream pearls.
Freshwater pearls
Freshwater pearls are cultivated in lakes, mainly in China. They are often more playful in shape and colour. Because a shell can produce multiple pearls at the same time, they are more accessible in price – but that does not make them any less special.
The best known types are:
- Freshwater pearls – in white, soft pink or peach. Each pearl is unique, with character and charm. Perfect for jewelry that radiates softness and elegance.
- Edison pearls – the pearl revolution! Large, round and with a shine reminiscent of saltwater pearls. In vibrant colours such as plum, gold or metallic pink.
Baroque pearls
Baroque pearls are pearls with an irregular, organic shape . Rather than being perfectly round, they are uniquely shaped – a little jagged, a little wild and chunky, but always full of character. Think sinuous silhouettes, soft asymmetry, and surprising sparkles in every corner.
The name “baroque” comes from the Portuguese word barroco , meaning “irregularly shaped pearl.” In art, “baroque” connotes excess, drama, and expression—which is exactly what these pearls exude.
Characteristics of baroque pearls:
- No two are the same – each piece is literally one of a kind.
- They can come from both freshwater and saltwater oysters .
- They often have a beautiful, deep shine and a lively surface that catches the light in a playful way.
- Perfect for jewelry with an organic, artistic or bohemian look.
Baroque pearls break through the idea of “perfection”. They are an ode to individuality – ideal for those who love jewellery with a story, where imperfection is beauty. In the Donna Dorée world, baroque pearls represent feminine power in all its forms : unique, free and inimitable.
Imitation pearls
Often made of glass or plastic and covered with a layer of mother-of-pearl, imitation pearls are a cheaper option, but they lack the unique look of real pearls.
Donna's tip:
Saltwater pearls are rarer and more formal, ideal for iconic statements. Freshwater pearls are playful, full of character and perfect for celebrating your style every day. And Edison? They are somewhere in between – extravagant and modern. Want a luxurious look with a story? Choose what suits your style, your moment – or combine both worlds.
How do you recognize a real pearl?
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish a real pearl from a fake one. Fortunately, there are a few simple methods to do this:
1. The teeth test: One of the simplest methods is to run the pearl along your teeth. Real pearls feel rough, while fake pearls often feel smooth, almost oily.
2. The weight: Real pearls are heavier than imitation pearls, especially if they are made of plastic. If your pearl feels unexpectedly light, chances are it is fake.
3. The shine: Real pearls have a soft, matte sheen, while fake pearls often have a bright, reflective surface.
4. Temperature: Real pearls feel colder than fake ones, even at room temperature. This is due to the natural properties of the pearl.
5. Look at the irregularity: Real pearls have an irregular surface, while imitation pearls are often perfectly round and smooth.
Why are some pearls so expensive?
The price of pearls varies greatly, and this has to do with a number of factors, such as the origin, size, color, and the time it takes to culture a pearl. Saltwater pearls, for example, are more expensive because they take longer to grow and are harder to find. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, have become much more accessible due to the rise of culture methods.
In addition, the quality of the pearl can also affect the price. For example, Tahitian pearls are known for their unique colors and texture, which often earns them a premium price.
The impact of imitation
The market is flooded with imitation pearls that look like real pearls but are significantly less valuable. These are often made of plastic or glass and are covered with a nacreous layer. These imitation pearls can sometimes be very convincing, but they lack the depth and complexity of real pearls. They can also be less durable, especially if they are not cared for properly.
Care and maintenance of real pearls
Real pearls require care and attention to maintain their beauty and luster. Store pearls separately from other jewelry, as they are sensitive to scratches. Clean your pearls regularly with a soft cloth and avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and cleaning agents. Pearls can lose their luster due to prolonged exposure to chemicals.
Conclusion
Pearls remain one of the most iconic and timeless pieces of jewelry in the world. Whether you choose real pearls or a beautiful imitation, it is important to be well-informed about the differences so that you can make the best choice. Do you want to be sure that your pearl is real? Then it is advisable to go to an expert for advice.
At Donna Dorée you will find pearl jewelry every now and then in our vintage collection . And have you already taken a good look at the Donna brooch/pendant ? Donna has a pearl of precious metal in her ear... 🖤 