Gold earrings with pearls symbolise timeless, elegant style that never goes out of style. These stunning pieces of jewellery combine the luxury of gold with the natural beauty of pearls, creating the perfect combination for both everyday wear and special occasions.
But not all pearls are the same, and knowing their types is an essential part of choosing such an investment - whether it's a wedding accent or a lasting family heirloom.
Pearl types fall into two main categories: natural and cultured. Natural pearls are formed completely without human intervention, when a foreign object accidentally enters the shell of a mollusc. Cultured pearls, which now make up the majority of pearls on the market, are formed in a similar way, but with human intervention, whereby a foreign object is inserted into the mollusc around which the pearl is formed.
In this article, you will learn about the different types of pearls, their properties, how to choose them for your gold earrings and how to take good care of your precious jewellery to keep it beautiful for years to come.
Understanding pearl types in gold earrings
The types of pearls differ primarily in their place of origin - marine and freshwater pearls have different characteristics that affect their appearance and value. Sea pearls tend to have a higher lustre and a more uniform shape, while freshwater pearls often come in a wider variety of shapes and cost less.
When choosing pearl earrings, it is important to understand these differences, as they determine not only the aesthetic appearance, but also the long-term value of the piece. Gold earrings with a quality pearl can not only be a beautiful accessory but also a valuable investment.
Jewellery experts point out that around 99% of the pearls on the market today are cultured, and it is the type and quality of the pearls that are the main indicators of their value in modern pearl jewellery.
Natural and cultured pearls
Natural pearls are extremely rare and extremely expensive today. Because they are formed without human intervention, the likelihood of finding them is very low. For this reason, almost all modern gold earrings are made with cultured pearls.
Cultured pearls fall into several main types: Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls. Each of these types has its own unique characteristics, colour spectrum and value. For example, Akoya pearls are distinguished by their special lustre and rounded shape, while South Sea pearls are known for their size and white or golden colour.
The cultural shift towards cultured pearls began at the beginning of the 20th century when Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan perfected the technology of pearl cultivation. Today, this practice produces high-quality pearls that are visually comparable to natural pearls, but are much more affordable.
The main types of pearls used in jewellery
To choose the perfect pearl earrings, you need to understand the characteristics of different types of pearls. Here are the four main types of pearls commonly used in gold jewellery:
Akoya pearls
Origin: Akoya pearls are cultivated in Japan and China, mainly in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea.
Size: Usually smaller, between 2 and 9 mm in diameter, but usually 6-7 mm.
Colour: Classic white with pink, silver or cream undertones.
Distinctive features: Akoya pearls have an exceptional lustre and an almost perfect round shape. They are considered to be classic pearls and go well with any type of gold, especially white gold.
Price: medium to high, depending on quality.
South Sea pearls
Origin: Cultivated in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and other South Pacific countries.
Size: The largest of the cultured pearls, from 8 to 20 mm.
Colour: White with silver tint (Australia) or gold/champagne tint (Philippines, Indonesia).
Distinctive features: South Sea pearls have a thicker layer of nacre, making them more durable. Because of their large size and their natural lustre, they are considered a symbol of luxury.
Price: One of the most expensive types of pearl.
Gems of Tahiti
Origin: Cultivated in French Polynesia, on the islands of Tahiti.
Size: Medium size, usually between 8 and 14 mm.
Colour: Naturally dark - black, grey, blue, green with various shades, often with an iridescent effect.
Exclusive features: the Tahitian pearls are the only naturally dark pearls in the world. Their exotic colour creates a dramatic contrast, especially with yellow gold earrings.
Price: high, especially for larger and brighter coloured pearls.
Freshwater pearls
Origin: Mainly cultivated in China in freshwater bodies.
Size: small (2-3 mm) to quite large (7-13 mm).
Colour: Wide spectrum from white, cream, pink to purple and orange.
Distinguishing features: freshwater pearls are often more varied, less regular in shape. Modern cultivation techniques also produce perfectly shaped, high-quality freshwater pearls.
Price: The most economical type of pearl, but high-quality freshwater pearls can be comparable to more expensive types.
Criteria for classifying pearls
The quality of pearls is assessed according to five main criteria:
- Shape - the rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is. However, baroque (irregular) pearls are also valued for their uniqueness.
- Sparkle - a high-quality pearl reflects images like a mirror.
- Surface - fewer scratches, dents or imperfections means higher quality.
- Size - larger pearls are usually more expensive.
- Colour - the value depends less on the colour than on its intensity and evenness.
Pearls are usually graded according to the A-AAA system, where AAA indicates the highest quality pearls. Additional classifications are also used according to shape (round, semi-round, baroque, etc.).
How to choose the best type of pearls for your gold earrings
When choosing pearls for gold earrings, it is important to consider a few key aspects that will help you make the right decision and ensure that your jewellery will last for years to come.
The first thing to do is to assess your face shape and skin tone. For those with a rounder face, pearls with a more elongated shape are better suited to visually elongate the face. Cooler skin tones are better suited to white or silver pearls, while warmer skin tones are better suited to pearls in cream or golden tones.
Secondly, it is important to think about the occasions for which the jewellery will be worn. The classic Akoya pearl earrings in white gold are perfect for formal styles and everyday wear, while the bolder Tahitian pearl earrings can be the highlight of an evening outfit.
Price and value
Budget is often the deciding factor when choosing pearls. If you are looking for an economical but beautiful option, freshwater pearls are a great choice. They can look spectacular, especially if you choose quality specimens.
If you want to invest in an exquisite piece of jewellery, consider South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which retain their value over time. This type of jewellery often becomes a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.
Combination with gold
Different types of gold reveal different shades of pearls:
- Yellow gold is the perfect complement to pearls with a warmer hue, such as creamy, golden South Sea pearls or freshwater pearls with a pink undertone.
- White gold is ideally paired with classic white Akoya pearls or dark Tahitian pearls to create elegant contrasts.
- Rose gold beautifully highlights pink freshwater pearls or creates a subtle contrast with white pearls.
Professional jewellers advise you to always buy pearl jewellery from reputable sources that can provide certificates or guarantees on the quality of the pearls. It is also important to physically inspect the pearls before purchase, as even the highest quality photographs cannot capture the true lustre and colour nuances of a pearl.
Maintenance of pearl and gold earrings
Pearls are organic and require special care, unlike other precious stones. Proper pearl care will ensure that your gold pearl earrings stay beautiful for a long time.
South Sea pearls are more durable than other types of pearls due to their thicker mother-of-pearl layer, but even they require special care. Freshwater pearls tend to have a thinner nacre layer and are therefore more susceptible to damage.
Here are some essential tips for caring for pearls:
- Wear your pearls last and take them off first to avoid contact with cosmetics, perfume or hair care products.
- After wearing, wipe the pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove residual sweat and body oils.
- Avoid any contact with chemicals, including household cleaning products, cosmetics and perfumes.
- Do not store pearls in plastic boxes or airtight containers - pearls need to "breathe".
- Keep pearls separate from other jewellery to avoid scratches.
- Check the earring fasteners regularly to make sure the pearl is securely attached.
- It is not recommended to sleep with pearl jewellery as this can damage both the pearls and the earrings.
Professional cleaning of earrings is recommended once a year, depending on the frequency of wear. This is especially true if you wear pearl and gold earrings every day.
Conclusions
Gold earrings with pearls are a classic symbol of elegance that never goes out of style. Understanding the different types of pearls - from the classic white Akoya to the exotic Tahitian and the luxurious South Sea - allows you to choose the perfect combination to suit your style, needs and budget.
When choosing pearl earrings, it is important to consider not only the type of pearls, but also their quality, colour, size and matching to the gold you choose. Good quality pearl earrings can be passed down from generation to generation as a precious family heirloom if properly cared for.
Remember that the best pearl jewellery comes from reputable sources that can verify the origin and quality of the pearls. An investment in quality pearl and gold jewellery will always pay off, as it will be a beautiful and elegant accessory for many years.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of pearls used in gold earrings?
Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls are the most common pearls used in gold earrings. Each type has its own colours, sizes and lustre.
Are cultured pearls real pearls?
Yes, cultured pearls are real - they form naturally - but the process is due to human intervention. These are the pearls used in modern jewellery.
How to recognise a real pearl?
Genuine pearls have a natural surface texture and feel cool to the touch, and trusted sellers provide certificates of quality or authenticity.
Which type of pearl is the most valuable?
South Sea pearls and large natural pearls are usually the most valuable, but quality factors (size, lustre, shape) also play an important role in determining value.
How do I look after my pearl earrings?
After wearing, wipe gently with a soft cloth, avoid contact with chemicals and store separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches.