Explore the field guide
Pearl guides for real decisions
Choose the question you need to answer: what your pearls are, which necklace to buy, how it should fit or what to do with an inherited strand.
15 guides to explore
Identify pearls and read claims
Understand what you have and what the evidence can establish.
How to tell if pearls are real
Check pearl drill holes, surfaces and paperwork without scratching them. Learn why teeth, knots and photos cannot prove natural origin or value.
Discover the guidePearl terminologyNatural vs cultured vs imitation pearls
Cultured pearls are real. Compare pearl formation, bead nuclei, shell imitations and the evidence needed to support a natural-pearl claim.
Discover the guideBlack pearl buying guideDyed black pearls vs Tahitian pearls
Compare dyed freshwater and Tahitian black pearls. Understand drill-hole color clues, misleading labels and what photos cannot establish.
Discover the guideUnderstand qualityPearl grading: what does AAA mean?
AAA and AAAA pearl grades are seller-specific. Learn the seven quality factors and how to compare luster, surface, nacre and matching across listings.
Discover the guideGrowing regions and trade namesWhere do pearls come from?
Map the main pearl types to their growing regions. Understand why Japan, Tahiti or Biwa in a listing is an origin claim rather than a quality grade.
Discover the guideChoose, buy and find the right fit
Compare your options before paying for a first strand or a gift.
How to choose your first pearl necklace
Choose a first pearl necklace by luster, style, size and fit. Compare freshwater and Akoya without relying on AAA labels or a seller's certificate.
Discover the guideBefore you payBuying pearls online: a practical checklist
A copyable seller checklist for pearl type, treatments, exact-strand video, size, grading and returns. Spot gaps that stock photos and certificates leave.
Discover the guideDiameter, not necklace lengthPearl size chart in millimeters
Compare 6–7, 7–8, 8–9 and 10 mm pearls. Read diameter ranges, measure irregular pearls and avoid mistaking an uncalibrated screen for actual size.
Discover the guideFind your fitPearl necklace length guide
Compare choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope pearl necklaces in inches and centimeters. Measure for your neckline instead of relying on a model.
Discover the guideUnderstand the outlinePearl shapes explained
Learn common pearl shape names and how shape affects jewelry fit. Understand why baroque is a shape and keshi describes formation.
Discover the guideWear and fitPearl necklaces and bracelets for men
Choose a men's pearl necklace or bracelet by fit, color, pearl size and clasp. Compare white freshwater, dark Tahitian and treated-color options.
Discover the guideCare for an heirloom or everyday strand
Check condition and decide what professional help is useful.
Inherited pearls: keep, repair or appraise?
Work out the next step for grandmother's pearls. Compare identification, insurance appraisal, resale offers and restringing before paying for a report.
Discover the guideClean · Wear · StoreHow to clean pearls and when to restring
Safe pearl cleaning steps, storage advice and restringing signs. Learn what to do with old silk, yellowed heirlooms, mabe and glued pearl jewelry.
Discover the guideMeaning and gifts
Keep cultural traditions separate from material and quality claims.
Pearl meaning, symbolism and color
Explore pearl symbolism, June birthstone and wedding traditions. Separate personal color meanings from pearl type, treatment, quality and health claims.
Discover the guideA gift they will wearChoosing pearls for an anniversary
Choose an anniversary pearl gift by the recipient's style, fit and care needs. Compare a first strand, pendant and earrings with useful exchange terms.
Discover the guide