Pearls

Pearl jewelry is the only thing you own that was grown rather than cut. This collection uses freshwater pearls across necklaces, hoops, studs, tennis bracelets and paperclip chains — single drops, pavé circles, chunky and dainty. Set in 18K gold vermeil over solid sterling silver, or gold plated, in gold, silver and rose gold, from $25.

Pearl Jewelry Questions

Are pearls real, and are freshwater pearls worth anything?

Freshwater pearls are real pearls — grown by a mussel around an inserted nucleus, layer by layer, over two to six years. What they aren't is rare, which is why they cost what they do. Natural pearls formed without human help are the expensive ones, and they're essentially unavailable outside auction. Anyone selling you a $50 natural pearl is selling you a freshwater pearl.

Can pearls get wet?

Briefly, yes. Repeatedly, no. Pearls are nacre — an organic material, softer than any stone in this collection and porous enough to absorb what it sits in. Perfume, hairspray, chlorine and sweat are the things that dull them permanently. Last thing on, first thing off, and never an ultrasonic cleaner.

How do you clean pearl jewelry?

A soft damp cloth after wearing. That's it. No alcohol, no jewelry dip, no ultrasonic, no toothpaste — every one of those strips nacre, and once it's gone the pearl doesn't come back. If they've gone properly dull, a barely damp cloth and patience; anything more aggressive does harm.

Can pearls be different colours and shapes?

Naturally, yes. White and cream are most common, but freshwater pearls grow pink, peach, lavender and grey without treatment. Shapes range from round through oval to baroque — genuinely irregular, and increasingly the shape people choose deliberately. Blue and black pearls are usually dyed or treated, which is fine as long as it's disclosed.

Are pearls bad luck at a wedding?

There's an old superstition that pearls represent tears and bring sorrow to a marriage. There's an equally old tradition in which pearls signify purity and are the correct bridal jewel — which is why generations of brides have worn them. Both beliefs are real, neither is load-bearing, and pearls remain one of the most-worn things at weddings.

Can you scratch a pearl?

Easily. Pearls sit around 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, softer than a fingernail is hard against them and far softer than the gold beside them. Store them separately rather than in a box with chains and rings — that's how most pearl damage actually happens, not through wear.

By piece: pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl drop earrings and single pearl pendants. For a pearl set beside your initial, see initial necklaces.