Knowing the Difference Matters

Pearls fall into three main categories:

• Natural Pearls
  Natural pearls form without human intervention and are extremely rare. Because of their scarcity, they are most often found in antique jewelry, estate collections, and auctions.

• Cultured Pearls
  Cultured pearls are created when a pearl farmer introduces a nucleus into a mollusk, which then forms layers of nacre around it. These are the pearls most commonly used in fine jewelry today.

• Imitation Pearls
  Imitation pearls are man-made and do not have the same structure, value, or durability as natural or cultured pearls.

Tom helps clients understand these differences and can assist with identification when origin or quality is uncertain.

Beauty You Can See

Pearls are judged by several visible quality factors, all of which work together to affect value and appearance.

• Nacre Thickness
  The thickness of nacre is one of the most important indicators of quality. Pearls with stronger nacre generally have richer glow, better durability, and longer-lasting beauty.

• Luster
  Luster refers to the way light reflects from and within the pearl. Fine pearls have a bright, lively glow that gives them depth and elegance.

• Shape
  Pearls may be round, symmetrical, or baroque. Perfectly round pearls are generally the most valuable, though many other shapes can be beautiful and desirable.

• Color & Overtone
  Pearls appear in a variety of body colors and can also display overtone colors that float above the surface. These subtle variations play an important role in the pearl’s overall beauty.

• Surface Quality
  Most pearls have some natural surface characteristics. The fewer and less noticeable they are, the higher the quality.

• Matching
  In a strand or pair, pearls should match closely in size, luster, color, shape, and surface quality.

A World of Different Pearl Styles

Pearls are cultivated in different parts of the world, each with their own look and character.

• Akoya Pearls
  Classic white cultured pearls known for their round shape and crisp luster. These are the traditional pearls most people think of when imagining a strand necklace.

• South Sea Pearls
  Larger pearls known for their size, satiny glow, and luxurious appearance. They are often found in white, silver, and golden tones.

• Tahitian Pearls
  Dark pearls with body colors ranging from gray to black, often showing beautiful overtones.

• Freshwater Pearls
  Available in many shapes, colors, and price points, freshwater pearls offer a wide range of looks from classic to fashion-forward.

• Mabe Pearls
  Domed cultured pearls often used in earrings, rings, and other jewelry designs.

Fine Pearls Age Beautifully

Because every quality characteristic of a pearl is visible, this is one gem where it often makes sense to purchase the finest quality your budget allows. Pearls with strong nacre and beautiful luster tend to retain their beauty over time, while lower-quality pearls may lose their glow more quickly.



Tom works with clients to compare pearls side by side so they can clearly see the difference in luster, color, size, and overall quality. This makes it easier to invest confidently in pearls that will remain beautiful for years to come.

Protecting Your Pearls Over Time

Pearls are softer than most gemstones and benefit from proper care. Perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, and body oils can gradually affect their surface, so they should be worn with care and cleaned gently after use.



Pearl strands should be professionally restrung every few years, especially if worn regularly. Knotted stringing helps protect the pearls and reduces the risk of loss if the strand breaks.

Tom Tivol offers pearl restringing and can evaluate strands for wear, condition, and ongoing care needs.

Clear Guidance Beyond the Paperwork

Laboratory grading reports can be helpful, but they do not tell the whole story. Tom works with clients to review grading reports carefully, explain what they mean, and identify what they may not fully communicate about a diamond’s beauty or value.



For clients seeking additional reassurance, Tom recommends reports from the most respected independent laboratories in the industry and helps interpret those findings in a practical, understandable way.