Pearl Jewelry: All About Pearls, Types, and Care

Pearl jewelry is one of the oldest and most enduring jewelry trends in human history. Pearls were worn as jewelry 6,000 years ago, loved by everyone from Cleopatra to Coco Chanel, and are now being reinterpreted by fashion houses and minimalist designers alike. In 2026, pearls are experiencing a massive revival – from classic necklaces to modern mixed-media designs. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about pearls: their origins, the different types, how to distinguish real pearls from fake ones, and how to care for pearl jewelry.

How are pearls formed?

A pearl forms when a foreign body – a grain of sand, a parasite, or an inserted nucleus – enters the shell of a mussel or oyster. As a protective reaction, the mussel encases the intruder with nacre (aragonite and organic conchiolin), layer by layer, over years. The result is a pearl – organic, unique, never perfectly round.

This process explains why pearls, unlike crystalline gemstones such as diamonds or rubies, are organic in origin – they are formed from living organisms.

The different types of pearls

Freshwater pearls

Cultivated in freshwater mussels, primarily in China. Freshwater pearls are the most commonly used pearls in the jewelry market. They come in a wide spectrum of colors (white, cream, pink, lavender) and various shapes (round, oval, teardrop, baroque). They are more affordable than saltwater pearls but are of very high quality. The Edison pearl – a new generation of Chinese freshwater pearls with exceptional luster – is particularly sought after.

Akoya pearls

The classic Japanese cultured pearl. Akoya pearls are cultivated in small marine mussels (Pinctada fucata) and are known for their perfect roundness, high luster, and characteristic white to cream tone. The classic white pearl necklace usually consists of Akoya pearls. Typical size: 6–9 mm.

Tahitian pearls (black pearls)

Cultivated in the black-lipped oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) in French Polynesia. Tahitian pearls are the only naturally dark-colored pearls – their colors range from dark grey to green-peacock to black with a peacock shimmer. They are considered extravagant and elegant. Size: 8–14 mm.

South Sea pearls

The largest and most valuable cultured pearls. Cultivated in the gold-lipped oyster (Pinctada maxima) in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Come in white-silver to warm gold, typical size 10–15 mm, top pearls up to 20 mm. South Sea pearls are pure luxury.

Baroque pearls

Irregularly shaped pearls – asymmetrical, lumpy, oval, or teardrop-shaped. Long considered inferior, baroque pearls are experiencing a strong revival in 2026. Their imperfect shape makes them characterful and unique. Each one is one-of-a-kind.

Keshi pearls

Small, natural by-products of pearl cultivation. They form when the oyster expels the inserted nucleus and still forms a small pearl. Keshi pearls have no nucleus, are made entirely of nacre, and therefore have an exceptionally high luster. Irregular, flat shapes in silver and white.

Mabe pearls / Half pearls

Pearls that grow on the inside of the mollusk shell – this creates half-round pearls with a flat back. Ideal for earrings and pendants where only one side is visible.

How do I identify real pearls?

There's a simple test: the tooth test. Gently rub the pearl against your front teeth:

• Real pearl: Feels slightly gritty or sandy (due to the nacre layers)
• Imitation pearl / Fake: Feels smooth like glass

Further clues: Real pearls are slightly irregular in shape and color. Perfect uniformity can indicate imitation pearls. The drill hole: For real pearls, the drill hole is smaller and the edges are sharper than for imitation pearls.

Evaluating pearl quality: Luster, shape, surface

The value of a pearl is determined by the following criteria:

• Luster: The most important quality characteristic. Pearls with high luster reflect light like a mirror and show deep, luminous reflections.
• Shape: Round > Oval > Baroque. Perfect roundness is rare and valuable.
• Surface: Flawless surface without blemishes, dents, or cracks is ideal. Minor imperfections are normal for natural pearls.
• Size: Larger pearls are rarer and more valuable (for the same quality).
• Color: Depends on personal preference and trend. Rarer colors (e.g., natural gold in South Sea pearls) increase value.

Pearl jewelry styles 2026

The classic pearl necklace – timeless elegance

A single-strand Akoya pearl necklace, 45–50 cm long, is an eternal classic. It suits business looks, wedding outfits, and modern minimalist styles equally well.

Baroque pearls in a modern mix

Irregular baroque pearls combined with gold links, stainless steel rings, or other gemstones. This look is modern, casual, and very on-trend.

Pearl layering

Several pearl necklaces of different lengths layered on top of each other – from a tight choker pearl necklace to a longer necklace with a single pearl pendant.

Pearls as statement earrings

Large South Sea pearls as drop earrings or baroque pearls in striking settings – pearl earrings are a real statement trend in 2026.

Caring for pearl jewelry – pearls are delicate!

Pearls are among the most delicate jewelry materials and require special care:

• Put them on last, take them off first: Perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics attack nacre. Always put on pearls after everything else has been applied.
• No ultrasound, no steam cleaner: These destroy the nacre layers.
• No chlorine, no saltwater: Always take them off before bathing.
• Wipe after wearing: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat and skin secretions.
• Do not store airtight: Pearls "breathe" – store them in a soft pouch, not in an airtight container.
• Have pearl necklaces restrung regularly: The thread wears out – have them restrung by a jeweler every 2–3 years.

Pearl jewelry at Corelune Jewellery

The beauty of a pearl lies in its imperfection and its organic origin. At Corelune Jewellery, you'll find modern pearl jewelry that combines tradition and contemporary style. Discover our pearl collection!