Colored Pearls

Have you ever wondered how the different pearl colors are formed within the oysters? Despite the long tradition of using pearls as jewelry, it is still a big mystery for pearl farmers how the colors of these organic gems manifest themselves.

There are three species of saltwater mollusks that produce pearls: pinctada fucata, pinctada margaratifera, pinctada maxima, and all three produce various beautiful colored pearls. The famous Tahitian black pearls with multicolor overtones are produced from the black-lipped oyster, pinctada margaratifera. Pearl connoisseurs believe that pearl colors depend on the species of pearl-producing oyster, the climate, geography, and other environmental factors.

For instance, South Sea pearls produced in the warmer climates of the tropical region such as the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand typically have pink, cream, gold, silver, and off-white body tones with green, rose, and blue overtones. Rose colored pearls most usually are a produce from the famous South Seas and are larger in girth, which is why South Sea Pearls are regarded with exceptional value throughout the industry. The specie of oyster that produces the South Sea Pearls, pinctada maxima grows pearls in the wild, which makes its production limited - this accounts to their value and reputation as the "Rolls Royce" of pearls.

The Tahitian black pearls with multicolor overtones are one of the most sought-after and popular pearls today. These dark pearls, which come in reddish brown, reddish purple (aubergine), brown, gray, and dark red, typically have pink or green overtones. Naturally produced black multi colored pearl beads are also increasingly becoming a favorite among pearl aficionados.

Different styles of colored pearl jewelry are currently in vogue and are priced at high values. Colored pearls can be as expensive as $5,000 depending on how it is made into a fine piece of jewelry. Most colored pearls are sewn together using fine silk, and are ideally made into necklaces, bracelets, and anklets since they look better when snugged together, which allow them to display their multi-colors in band.

The multi-colors in pearls actually become prominent with the overtones that, sometimes, can display rainbow-like colors. Such is the case in Tahitian black pearls with multicolor overtones. The combination of colors makes necklaces made of Tahitian multi colored pearl beads very valuable, indeed. A necklace of this type can cost more than $4,000 – that constitutes beautiful colors of blue, peacock, gunmetal, pewter, aubergine (eggplant), and pistachio.

The color of a pearl does not necessarily affect its quality, although colored pearls present a different appeal to the beholder.

With the pearl fashion going into multicolored, it's difficult not to have imitations. Imitation colored pearls are usually dyed to resemble the natural pearls. You need to beware of these "hocus pocus" that's flooding the market and even on the Internet. One way you can do to avoid falling victim to fake pearl jewelry is to learn to distinguish the real from the fake.

Real And Fake Pearls

First of all, real pearls are classified according to size, luster, shape, color, and nacre thickness. As with all other gems, the most expensive pearls are the rarest of their kind. When choosing pearls, consider the following factors:

1. Pearls are organic gems, which means they can absorb other substances (and acidity can affect their luster). If you notice a large imperfection on a pearl's surface, immediately ask the jeweler if they can be removed.

2. Look for abrasions or indentation on the pearl that may be a cause of problems on your jewelry in the future.

3. Luster is one key factor of pearls. Pearls with high intensity luster should gleam when hit by a fluorescent light.

4. The nacre thickness is the determining factor on how long the pearl will retain its luster. The average nacre thickness is 0.8mm, and anything higher than that is highly valued. Do ask the jeweler about nacre thickness before making the purchase.

Pearls may not have the eternal characteristics of diamonds, but they will certainly touch the heart of every woman who possesses them.