Most people would expect cultured pearls to be white.  It’s true many of the pearls out there now are white with different hue variations.  But too much white can be boring.  Luckily during the cultivation process all sorts of colors are created.  Usually the type of pearl you buy will come in many different shades and the colors will be natural and not artificially colored.  Artificially colored pearls are usually associated with the cheaper quality.

The reason we buy pearls is because they look beautiful and have interesting overtones.  If a pearl was flat and dull  it would not be interesting to look at  all.  Hence this is why pearls are so popular, because they have a complex array of colors overtones and Hues.  One thing to look for in the color the pearl is overtone color.  Basically if you look closely in a pearl, for example let’s take the Akoya pearl. You should be able to see a slight pink, blue, green or  silver color.  This is what’s called an overtone.  And the more overtones you see the better the quality.  Sometimes these overtones can present themselves in a subtle rainbow color of pink, blue, green, silver.  This overtone rainbow of colors is referred to as iridescence. Freshwater pearls in AAA quality tend to have high luster.

When you buy top quality pearls they tend to be very colorful.  For example in a light pink pearl you’ll easily be able to see blue and pink overtones.  And as you move the pearls they appear to change color due to iridescence. You do need to see the pearls against a white background under strong direct light to determine the various lighting qualities of the pearl.

High quality pearls will have the various different types of overtone colors.  When deciding  what color pearls to buy you will need to try on the bracelet or necklace and see how they look on you.  Light pink pearls will tend to be the highest priced.  White pearls will be a little bit cheaper than radiant pink to pearls.  Then you have light cream color, then cream color, then dark cream mix with yellow.  Oftentimes you may be confused because jewelry dealers will not have a standardized method for naming the color of their pearls, it’s really up to the individual.

Pearls with blue and pink overtones are considered top quality.  And can sometimes be referred to as Hanadama quality.  Keep in mind we’re only talking about Akoya pearls.  Other types of pearls such as Tahitian and south sea pearls  will have their own range of colors, hues and iridescence .  As of yet there is no general standardized method of measuring pearl colors and hues within pearl jewelry dealers.

To examine a pearl for color place it against a white background that is not reflective.  Also view the pearl in different shades of light such as inside light, outside light and fluorescent light.  If you have a pearl necklace , bring it with you and always use that as a comparison to the pearl necklace you’re looking at.  View the color of pearls in the most neutral white lights you can typically this would be at the middle of the day.  This type of light ads the least amount of artificial color.  Keep this in consideration when you shop for pearls as the lighting can be off and not right for viewing pearls.