All about pearls and their colors
The pearls are one of the most versatile gems used in jewelry. There is a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
We can find a wide range of pearl colors both for saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls. Although the most common color is white, we can find them in cream, gray, pink, gold, or even black shades. There are many factors that can influence the color of the pearl, such as:
- The type of mollusk: The colors of the pearls are mainly influenced by the color of the mollusk's lip. If the shell has dark tones on the outside, the pearl will have those same tones.
- The thickness of the mother-of-pearlMother-of-pearl is the substance with which the mollusk creates the pearl. In general, the thicker the mother-of-pearl, the deeper and richer the color of the pearl.
- Human actionThere are various cultivation techniques that can be used to influence the color of pearls.
- Dye the pearl: there are natural colored pearls, but they can also be dyed. Next, we will look at the natural colors in which you can find each type of pearl, so you can also identify which ones have been treated.
AKOYA PEARLS
The Akoya pearls are characterized by having neutral colors and shades. Most of the colored pearls we can find are white or gray with pink, green, or silver undertones. We can also find them in bluish tones with silver undertones, but these colors are very rare and difficult to obtain.
In many cases, Akoya pearls undergo a process called "pinking." It is such a common process in Akoya pearls that it is not even mentioned in reports.
The freshly harvested Akoya pearls are known in Japan as "hamage". They usually display a not very attractive greenish tone.
Akoya pearls are sent to processing plants to undergo the Japanese process known as "Maeshori," which involves washing the pearls to remove oyster residues and stains.
Then, the pearls undergo a whitening and pinking process, which enhances the color, warmth, and luster of the Akoya pearl. This gives them the subtle pink hue that is so popular in Japan.
Akoya pearls are not naturally black, so if you see black Akoya pearls, you should know that they have undergone a treatment of radiation or organic dye. Approximately 20% of the pearls from a harvest are of natural gray color, and the less attractive ones are usually the ones selected to be dyed black.
Discover the Akoya Pearls from Secret & You
FRESHWATER PEARLS
Once again, the most common color is white, but in addition, the freshwater pearls they present a wide range of natural colors, they are the only pearls you can find in pastel shades of pink/peach, white, lavender, or multicolor. Edison freshwater pearls can also be found in amazing metallic tones, deep purples, light golds, and greens.
We can also find them in dark and gray tones, but not naturally; these have undergone a color treatment, usually with gamma radiation or dyeing. The treatment is permanent; once a pearl is treated, it retains that color.
TAHITIAN BLACK PEARLS
The Pinctada Margaritifera, commonly known as the black-lipped oyster, produces one of the most exotic pearls that can be found, the Tahitian pearls, we often refer to them as black pearls, but in reality, these pearls can be found in a wide range of dark tones, magentas, greenish, bluish, gray, and black.
Unlike other types of pearls, these are characterized by having the pearl color naturally dark, this makes them one of the most coveted and valuable pearls in the world. Due to their wide range of colors, creating a necklace with the same shades is a very difficult task.
View Tahitian Black Pearl collection
Black pearls are the most common, but Tahitian pearls showcase a wide range of shades; the more exotic the color of the pearls, the more valuable they tend to be. Among the most valued are those known as "peacock," as they display a range of colors from greenish, magenta, to black, reminiscent of the colors of a peacock's feathers. Other highly sought after are the pistachio-colored, cherry-colored, and finally the chocolate-colored pearls; however, the latter are truly rare and difficult to find untreated.
SOUTH SEA PEARLS
The South Sea pearls known in Spain as Australian, in addition to being famous for their large size, they are characterized by their natural golden and silver tones.
In addition to Australia, they are cultivated in Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and other regions. In each region, the pearls obtained tend to be more abundant in one tone or another.
There is a small but notable distinction between the different shades of white of the pearls according to their origin:
- The "cool" white tones with pink undertones are characteristic of the white pearls from the South Sea of Australia. These are the rarest hues that can be found in this type of pearl.
- The "warm" white tones or cream color are found in the white pearls from the South Sea cultivated in the Philippines. They have a slight yellowish hue.
- The grayish-white or silvery tones of the white pearls from the South Sea mainly come from Australia and Indonesia. They are the most common shades.
You can also find these pearls in golden tones natural. The main producers of golden pearls are the Filipinos. Within the golden variety, one can find pearls ranging from a light cream color, through a champagne tone, to a deep gold. The deeper the gold, the higher the value of the pearl. Like white pearls, these have different shades of silver, pink, or bronze, but these tend to be less visible because the main body color is very intense.
As you can see, the natural colors of the pearls or pendientes de perlas and its possibilities are practically endless, so all that is left to do is choose your favorites. At Secret & You, we offer a wide range of designs with pearls in different colors.
Finally, remember that in case of doubt, the natural option is always better.
