You can never go wrong with a pair of classic pearl earrings, a necklace or even a bracelet! As Jackie Kennedy once said, “pearls are always appropriate.”

Whether you’re going out to a fancy dinner with your husband, purchasing a gift for someone or looking for something simple to go with your everyday outfits, pearls have endless options that will always keep you in style! It’s important to know that there is not one type; each is unique in its own way. Deciding which fits best with your personality can be a difficult decision, which is why we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out about the different types of this beautiful gemstone along with some not-so secret tips that can help you find your ‘pearl’fect match.

Pearls purchasing
A variety of pearl strands at Josephs Jewelers

AKOYA PEARLS

pearl & diamond stud earrings from Josephs JewelersAkoya is commonly worn by brides on their wedding days. Wearing this gemstone on your wedding day symbolizes purity and beauty. This is your classic white pearl with overtones of pink, cream and silver. Akoya pearls are grown in salt water making them different from freshwater pearls.

  • Size range: 5mm to 11mm
  • Shapes: round

FRESHWATER PEARLS

Pearls and 14k Yellow Gold Vintage-Inspired NecklaceFreshwater come in the widest range of pastel colors like purple, pink and white. They also have the largest selection of shapes to choose from. The softer glow of this affordable gem type makes it transition well between your day and night outfits.

  • Size range: 2mm to 18mm
  • Shapes: round (rare), button, baroque, near round

TAHITIAN PEARLS

tahitian pearl ring from Josephs JewelersTahitian are stunning darker pearls that are a great alternative to the traditional white pearl. They are mostly defined as “black pearls,” but there are actually several exotic tints like grey, blue, green and purple that shine through.

  • Size range: 9mm to 16mm
  • Shapes: round, baroque. near round

SOUTH SEA PEARLS

Sterling silver multi-south sea and akoya pearl bracelet with wax neoprene and silver bead dividers from Josephs JewelersSouth Sea happens to be the more expensive of the options, but they have a deep luster that makes them stand out from the crowd! The colors can range from creamy white to gold. These pearls tend to be more valuable than others because of how rare they are.

  • Size range: 9mm to 18mm
  • Shapes: round, baroque. near round

WHICH PEARL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

It really depends on your style and price range. Josephs would love to help you find pearl jewelry that you want, but we can also help you build the strand of your dreams! If you have a strand of white pearls, a Tahitian pearl is a great alternative that will keep your style unique. If you’re looking to purchase your first pearl jewelry, there are many pearl shades that can take your look to the next level for spring, fall and even summer!

IS MY PEARL NECKLACE REAL OR FAKE?

If you purchased your jewelry from Josephs, you can guarantee it’s the real deal. An Imitation pearl (fake pearls) is usually a glass coated bead, and telling the difference can be hard if you’re not sure what to look for.

  • How much light does it reflect? Real pearls reflect more light than imitation pearls.
  • What does it feel like? Real pearls have a gritty-like texture. If you glide it on the front of your teeth, you can tell if it’s real or not.
  • Does it have imperfections? It’s very rare to find a real pearl that has no imperfections or with a perfectly round shape.