How to tell if freshwater pearls are real
With technology advancing each year, it can be difficult to tell whether jewellery is made from real freshwater pearls or fake man-made beads. Here's how to tell if freshwater pearls are real:
Temperature: Genuine pearls are instantly cool to the touch before they warm up to your skin. Fake pearls, on the other hand, tend to be room temperature or take a long time to warm up against your skin.
Uniqueness: Each genuine pearl is unique and will have its own indentations. A string of identical pearls is likely fake.
Colour: Genuine pearls have a depth of colour. Uniform colours indicate fake pearls.
Texture: Rub the pearls together gently. A gritty texture is a sign of genuine pearls.
Freshwater pearl colours
Pandora's freshwater cultured pearls are treated through bleaching or dyeing to enhance or change the colour. Once harvested, white pearls are bleached, while coloured ones are dyed. Both types undergo a lustre-enhancing treatment.
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The most classic pearl colour is white or ivory, but thanks to dyeing technology, we can wear pearls in an array of lustrous colours. Some pearls also display an iridescent colour phenomenon known as "orient."
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Our treated freshwater pearl jewellery
Searching for statement or everyday pearl pieces? Pandora treated freshwater pearl jewellery is here to take your looks to the next level.
As the birthstone for June, pearls also make a fitting birthday gift for friends or family.
Pearl necklaces
We love the look of Pandora pearl necklaces, whether you choose sterling silver or 14k gold-plated styles.
Pearl bracelets
Find thoughtfully designed pieces that speak to your individual style, from bangles with pearl charms to pearl chain bracelets.
Pearl earrings
A simple pair of pearl hoop earrings are the perfect finishing touch for any occasion. Style your way for a look as unique as you are.
How to care for freshwater pearls
Treated freshwater cultured pearls are quite soft, with a hardness level of 2.5-4 on the Mohs scale, used to rate gem hardness. Because of this, they're prone to scratching and damage from acids, solvents, ultrasonic cleaning and dehydration.
Some dyed pearls may fade or revert to their original colour when exposed to sunlight or strong light. Here are our tips to keep your freshwater pearl jewellery looking great:
Apply all cosmetics and perfumes before putting on your pearl jewellery.
Don't expose pearl jewellery to ultrasonic cleaning or high temperatures.
Avoid exposing dyed pearls to strong sunlight or display lighting for extended periods.
Never soak treated freshwater cultured pearls in water or rub them harshly. Instead, wipe them with a very soft cloth that has been dampened in clean lukewarm water, then pat dry.
Your skin's natural oils and moisture help prevent your pearls from drying out. Wearing pearls is one of the best ways to keep them looking their best.
Ready to embrace the everlasting elegance of pearls? Discover the latest designs in our jewellery collections.
Discover our other materials
Lacquered artificial pearl
Made to resemble the natural beauty of pearls, a lacquered artificial pearl is a laboratory-made glass ceramic with an innovative pearl-like coating.
Mother of pearl
Mother of pearl, or nacre, is the name given to the pearly inner layer inside certain mollusc shells. Learn more about this iridescent material used in Pandora jewellery.
Stones
Understand the difference between synthetic, man-made and natural stones, their unique properties and how we use them in our hand-finished Pandora jewellery.