White, cream or gray are the most frequent colors for pearls, although they may also be found in hues such as purple, black, pink, green, champagne, chocolate, blue and lavender. Pearls with overtones that display a variety of colors are seen occasionally.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the various pearl colors and discover why these colors exist.
Pearl Colors And Their Meanings
Did you know that the color of your Pearl can convey what you are feeling? Every gem is unique, and Pearl certainly reflects that aspect in its appearance! Its distinctive silvery-white complexion with rose undertones has long been associated with royalty.
Each color your Pearl displays will send a different message to others!
White Pearls
Pearls come in a wide range of colors, and white pearls are no exception. Wedding ring jewelry has always been popular with the color white. It’s easy to understand why the symbolism and appearance of these gems are appropriate for a bride-to-be. They represent innocence, purity, and beauty. White also implies peace and honesty.
When you are feeling fresh, clean, and new, White Pearl embodies that spirit. White is the color of purity which makes it an excellent choice for those who need reassurance or are embarking on a new journey. White Pearl really shines during times of stress, so if you feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, this might be just the gem for you!
Pink Pearls
Do you love being a ray of sunshine? With its bright hue and energetic color, Pink Pearl will have others smiling from ear to ear. This gem is perfect for those who want to feel happy and positive about life.
Pink Pearl also represents gratitude which makes it an excellent choice if you’re thinking of saying Thank You. Its fun and playful tones make it a great choice if you want to show the world how much you appreciate your friends, family, or significant other!
Pink can also be an eye-catching accessory that will garner lots of attention from admirers. However you choose to wear them, Pink Pearls are a win for everyone involved!
Purple Pearls
Purple Pearl is a stunning color with deep, rich tones that are sure to impress. It represents wisdom and spirituality, so it’s the perfect choice for those looking to get in touch with their inner self.
It also represents creativity and innovation which makes it excellent for designers and artists who want to make a bold statement. Purple is always associated with luxury and royalty which means it should be treated with respect. In addition, Purple Pearl is a color that elicits passion from others – just think about the last time you saw someone wearing a stunning purple outfit!
Brown Pearls
A cool color that is often associated with the earth, Brown Pearl comes in a wide range of hues. It can be dark or light so you might find it varies from off-white to taupe. This gem represents calmness and gratitude which makes it perfect for those who need to feel more grounded during difficult times.
Brown is also symbolic of endurance and stability which makes it a wonderful choice if you want to keep a low profile. However you wear them, Brown Pearls are an excellent choice for anyone in need of support or guidance!
Black Pearls
Black Pearl is a stunning gem that makes a bold, powerful statement. The color black might be known as the absence of color but it’s anything but that! It represents control and power. Black Pearl has been associated with superheroes because it gives you the strength to take charge and get things done. Its deep undertones also make it mysterious which is often exciting.
Black Pearl also symbolizes protection, so it’s an excellent choice if you are always looking out for your friends, family, or community members! No matter where you go with Black Pearl around your neck, you will feel safe and secure.
Blue Pearls
The hue blue has long been associated with peace, calm, truth, and courage. Blue pearls are quite uncommon and have a lovely iridescence about them. They’re generally regarded as an excellent gift for someone going through a hard time and needing bravery and power.
Blue Pearl wards off negative energy and can help those who are feeling blue to feel more positive. If you’ve had a bad day, this gem will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face!
Gold Pearls
If you want to feel like a queen or king, Gold Pearl is a perfect choice! This regal color is associated with royalty and it makes an unapologetic statement. If you’re looking for something that easily stands out from the crowd, gold pearl jewelry will turn heads everywhere you go.
Gold Pearl is also associated with wisdom which is why it’s a great choice if you’re thinking of applying for a new job or starting a new endeavor.
It also makes a beautiful gift to show someone you love them from the bottom of your heart or thank them from the depths of your soul. When you want to feel like royalty, there is no better way than with Gold Pearl!
The color of your Pearl is only the beginning of what makes it unique! Although each of these gems has its own color, they also have unique striations which you will see when you get up close and personal with them! No two Pearls are exactly alike, just like people.
So the next time someone compliments your jewelry, feel free to tell them about all of its special qualities including the color of your Pearl.
What Influences The Color Of Pearls?
Human Activities
Occasionally, pearl producers may have an impact on the color of a pearl by using various cultivation processes. One primary method is to mix tissue from a second oyster with the host oyster’s nucleus.
Oyster Species
The specific species of mollusk used to make the pearl also influences the color. “Pinctada margaritifera” oysters are known for producing black pearls, while “Pinctada maxima” produces cream-colored pearls, and “Hyriopsis cumingii” usually produces light green or gray pearls.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as heat and light exposure play a role in the color of pearls. Since these typically affect algae growth in the layers of tissue covering the nucleus, they can also impact the color of nacre in pearls.
Age of Oysters in an Area
The time in which an oyster has lived and the age of the mollusk at the time it is harvested for pearls affect its nacre.
The Nacre’s Thickness
The thickness of the nacre layers affects the color of pearls. A thin layer will produce an iridescent sheen, while a thicker or more solid substance will create a duller pearl.
The Impact of Pearl Colors On Their Value
While there are other factors such as quality, luster, and size among others that determine the price of pearls, their colors influence this aspect significantly. A flawless, uniform pearl hue adds to the value of the stone. Also, pearls with deep body hues and attractive overtone hues are costlier than duller stones.
The rarity of a pearl will also contribute to its price in the market. For instance, gold, blue, and pink pearls are highly-priced because they are rare to find.
Natural black pearls were formerly extremely pricey, but because they have been cultured, they are now more affordable. Also, a natural white pearl would be more expensive than cultured color pearls, regardless of the kind. At the moment, the costlier pearls on the market are South Sea versions, which come in white and gold hues.
How to Enhance a Pearl’s Color?
If you have a pearl necklace that is no longer as shiny as it used to be then you might be wondering how to enhance the color of your pearl.
You may even be thinking about buying another pearl necklace to replace your dull one. Before you do that, why not try to enhance the color of your pearl necklace?
Dye Your Pearls
One way to do this is to dye your pearl necklace in different colors. There are a number of kits you can buy at the store that allows you to dye your pearls red, purple, pink, and many other colors.
Bleaching and Polishing Your Pearls
Even though pearls are usually white, there is a chance that they might be yellow. If this is the case with your pearl necklace then you may want to purchase a pearl whitener and some jeweler’s rouge.
You will need to soak your pearls in the whitening solution and then polish them with the jeweler’s rouge. Ensure that you put a little elbow grease into this process because it could take some time.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are many different factors that determine the color of pearls. Different types of mollusks, environmental factors, and oysters themselves all play a role in what color pearls will be produced.
Moreover, these colors end up having a major impact on the value of pearls because they are so rare. With that being said, you should now have a better idea as to what color your pearl necklace is and how you can go about enhancing its color so it looks more attractive than before.