Pearl Necklace

Can you tell if a pearl necklace is real?

Arguably, one of the biggest draws to pearl jewellery is its natural beauty. Therefore, it's important to know whether you have a real one, and luckily, there are some easy ways to tell.

If the pearl looks too perfect, it's likely because it's fake. Real pearls have little flaws here and there, which aren't noticeable unless you look very closely. These minor scratches or discolouration add to their charm and honestly look better than their synthetic counterparts.

Real pearls feel cool when you touch them before gradually warming up as you wear them throughout the day. You can also try the tooth test, which involves very carefully rubbing the pearl against your tooth. A gritty surface means the pearl is real; if it's too smooth, the pearl is fake.

Elevate your NZ jewellery collection with our beautiful Mini Pearl Stacking Bracelet.

How can you tell if a pearl necklace is good quality?

The perfect pearl necklace will be a combination of real pearls and precious metals.

Sterling silver and gold are the go-to materials that pin-point a good quality necklace as they are durable and hypoallergenic. This combination also looks stunning, capturing the essence of elegance.

Camile & Stone's pearl earrings are a great example of combining high-quality materials to make your new favourite accessory.

Pearls don't necessarily have to be uniform in size and shape as long as they are real to be deemed as good quality. In fact, baroque pearls found here in New Zealand are favoured for their distinguished, irregular shapes.

Keep in mind that most freshwater pearls on the market today are cultured, meaning that they are grown by oysters on a farm with human intervention to increase production levels. They are still real pearls, but they are a lot more accessible than natural pearls found, which are very rare.

Are single pearl necklaces in style?

Of course they are!

Our Classic Freshwater Pearl Necklace is an excellent example. 

Even though we are all familiar with classic pearl necklaces and bracelets that consist of nothing but pearls, the single pearl necklace deserves just as much attention.

Not only is it an affordable option, especially if you want a natural one, but single pearl necklaces are also the perfect accessory for modern occasions. It adds a refreshing twist to the classic pieces we all know and love while paying homage to the gemstone.

By having just one pearl, it remains at the forefront of the bracelet or pendant, allowing it to stand out instead of blending in with the others around it.

Are freshwater pearl necklaces worth anything?

The worth varies depending on whether the freshwater pearl jewellery is cultured or natural. Freshwater pearl necklaces are generally very affordable and easy to get if they are cultured.

Natural freshwater pearls are more valuable as they are extremely rare and are bad for the environment. Without human intervention, natural pearls can have irregular shapes and colours, which is another big draw to them, thus increasing the purchase price.

How long do cultured pearls last as necklaces?

Both natural and cultured pearls have the same durability, which is quite impressive when properly cared for.

Maintaining the pearl's layers of nacre and ensuring protection against harsh environmental elements, your cultured pearl jewellery can last decades, maybe even more!

Pearls need to be cleaned regularly with warm water and mild soap and dried completely before wearing them again. Keep the pearl away from perfume and moisture from sweat or water.

To guarantee the colour pearls keep their natural vibrancy, try to refrain from wearing or storing them in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Store the pearl necklace separately from other pieces in a jewellery box or pouch to prevent scratches.