blue pearl

Types of Blue Pearl

There are several types of blue pearls, each distinguished by colour, shape, type of mollusk, and origin. Here’s a rundown on some of the most common blue pearls available in the jewellery market:

• Anafi Blue Pearls

  Anafi blue pearls are cultivated, round or near-round freshwater pearls in shades of light blue to teal. Anafi blue pearls are renowned for their lustre and can be found at any local freshwater pearl shop. They are a result of pearl cultivation processes aimed at enhancing the desired colour and shape.

• Tahitian Blue Pearls

  Tahitian blue pearls are saltwater pearls formed in black-lipped nacre oysters in the waters around Tahiti and other islands in French Polynesia. While the most common colours are grey and black, some Tahitian pearls feature blue overtones or hues, particularly those influenced by the oysters’ iridescent inner shell. These blue pearls tend to be large, with the colour often complemented by a smooth lustrous surface.

• South Sea Blue Pearls

  South Sea blue pearls are produced by the rare blue-lipped gold pearl oyster. They tend to be exceptionally large due to the slower growth rate of the oysters that produce them. The pearls range from pale blue to deep blue and usually have a high-quality shine due to the oyster’s thick nacre layers.

• Chinese Blue Freshwater Pearls

  Chinese blue freshwater pearls are a result of dyeing or natural genetic pearls. They are produced in freshwater mussels in China, often featuring a range of shapes, including round, baroque, and semi-round. These blue pearls are more affordable and commonly found in necklaces, earrings, and bracelet sets.

• Blue Mabe Pearls

  Blue mabe pearls are semi-pearls not fully formed like traditional pearls. They are cultured in the waters of the Pacific and feature a blue or bluish-grey nacre layer. Mabe pearls are typically larger and more affordable compared to blue-blue pearls, often used in earrings and other statement jewellery.

Design of Blue Pearl

Blue pearls provide a calm touch to any form of outfit. They are therefore very popular in blue pearl jewellery designs. Here’s a breakdown of some popular designs:

• Classic Blue Pearl Necklace

  A classic blue pearl necklace features a single or multiple blue pearls strung together in a simple yet elegant design and can be worn on any occasion. The 4 to 8 mm pearls in such necklaces are often complemented by gold or silver clasps.

• Blue Pearl Earrings

  Blue pearl earrings come in various designs, from simple studs to dangles or drop earrings. The studs feature a blue pearl mounted on metal studs to provide a simple and elegant look. Drop and dangle earrings showcase blue pearls hanging from hooks or wires that swing freely, adding movement and flair. Blue mabe pearl earrings, which are larger, semi-spherical pearls, offer a more bold statement with a unique and eye-catching shape.

• Blue Pearl Bracelets

  Blue pearl bracelets are crafted by restraining blue pearls on flexible strands or metal chains. Such designs range from simple pearl strands to more intricate patterns with blue pearls interspersed with other beads or charms. Tennis-style blue pearl bracelets feature a line of blue pearls separated by small metal spacers in a bezel setting for an elegant, sparkling look. Cuffs or bangles incorporate blue pearls into rigid metal designs, offering a more modern, bolder appeal.

• Pendants and Lockets

  Pendants with blue pearls offer a focus piece that hangs elegantly along a pearl or metal-lined pendant. Halo settings surround the blue pearl with smaller diamonds or gemstones, enhancing its beauty and often used in rings and necklaces. Blue pearl lockets feature a blue pearl on the front or inside, which allows for personalisation by adding a photo or small memento.

• Blue Pearl Rings

  Blue pearl rings come in various styles, from simple solitaires with a single blue pearl to more elaborate designs that incorporate other gemstones. Halo rings surround a blue pearl with smaller diamonds or other gemstones set in a sparkling halo that adds extra flair. Blue pearl cocktail rings are bold statement pieces set in large, ornate settings with intricate designs, often featuring additional jewels or metalwork.

Fashion Suggestions for Blue Pearls

The soft hue of blue pearls gives them great versatility for numerous fashion applications. Here are some fashion suggestions for incorporating blue pearls into outfits:

• Blue Pearl Necklace with Office Attire

  A blue pearl necklace, whether classic or modern, works great with work blouses, tailored blazers, pencil skirts, and slacks in neutral or pastel shades. A blue pearl pendant adds a focal point to collared shirts and work dresses, maintaining professionalism while adding a touch of elegance. For corporate environments, a blue pearl choker or strand looks great with solid colours like navy, grey, black, or white, enhancing the outfit without being too flashy.

• Casual Outfits

  Blue pearl earrings and bracelets are best styled with denim and light, casual tops, providing a relaxed look that’s still stylish. Drop or dangle earrings complement simple t-shirts, blouses, or light knitwear, adding a feminine touch. Blue pearl studs and casual dresses, like sundresses or midi styles, create a laid-back yet put-together appearance. For more versatility, blue pearl jewellery can also be paired with chinos or leggings, maintaining comfort without losing style.

• Blue Pearls for Special Occasions

  Event dresses featuring blue pearls are ideal to complement elegant gowns for weddings, galas, or formal dinners, particularly those in pastel, navy, or neutral shades. Consider wearing dramatic drop or chandelier blue pearl earrings with an updo to create a statement for formal events. A blue pearl bracelet or blue pearl ring can be added to complete the look without overdoing it. Blue pearls work great with formal wear, especially with classic styles like the little navy blue dress, tailored suits, or evening gowns in simple designs, allowing the pearls to stand out.

• Layering and Mixing Styles

  Blue pearls are ideal for experimenting with various styles and layering, especially with casual or bohemian looks. Consider layering a blue pearl choker with other pearl or gemstone necklaces for the trendy multi-strand effect over deep necklines or sundress tops. Mixing blue pearls with gold or silver bangles or cuffs in bracelet stacks adds depth to the overall appearance. Blue pearl earrings are simple to pair with other statement accessories, such as straw hats or scarves, for an incredibly styled, carefree look.

How to Choose Blue Pearls

When choosing blue pearls, there are important factors that one must consider in order to get the best value for their money. Unfortunately, not all blue pearls are genuine. Some are dyed and are baroque pearls. Here are some tips on how to choose blue pearls:

• Consider the type of oyster

  Saltwater oysters produce blue pearls of better quality than blue freshwater pearls because they are rarer. Always go for blue pearls that come with information and are certified. They should be labelled. If you cannot find a certificate or label, then don’t bother buying them.

• Check the nacre

  Blue pearls that come from the highly prized blue-lipped oyster have a thicker nacre layer, which makes them more valuable. When choosing such pearls, look for signs of iridescence or a deep, rich colour. The nacre of any genuine pearl is formed by layers of aragonite and conchiolin instead of perfectly smooth shine.

• Assess the colour

  Natural blue pearls come in shades of blue, ranging from light to deep, but they are very rare, which is why they cost more. Dyed blue pearls, which are blue but come at a more affordable price, a colour that is consistent throughout the pearl and may not always be as vibrant. Check the colour to ensure it is authentic and ask for the dyeing process used.

• Examine the shape and size

  Blue pearls come in various shapes and sizes. Round blue pearls are more valuable. If they are baroque, then they can take irregular, unique shapes. Generally, a larger blue pearl is more valuable because it is harder to find any such pearl that is larger than 8mm in size.

• Look for lustre

  A genuine blue pearl has a high shine because of the considerable amount of nacre that has been etched over it by the oyster. To see whether it is genuine or not, hold the pearl up to a light and check to see if it has depth and shine. Avoid pearls that are excessively shiny because they could be artificial pearls coated in silicone or plastic.

• Determine the origin

  Blue pearls that are formed in the ocean by oysters such as blue Australian silver-lipped pearls are highly prized. Pearls that undergo treatment to enhance their colour for a long time are treated for baroque or freshwater pearls. A blue pearl with a known origin generally provides intrinsic value.

Q and A

Are blue pearls natural or cultured?

Blue pearls can be natural, but they are mostly cultured, meaning they are intentionally produced by inserting an irritant into a mollusk to stimulate the formation of a pearl. Blue freshwater pearls, in most cases, are cultured by inserting a piece of tissue into a mussel to form a pearl. Blue saltwater pearls are cultured by inserting a piece of tissue into an oyster to form a pearl.

How rare are blue pearls?

Blue pearls are quite rare, particularly those that are natural and not the result of dyeing or bleaching. A natural blue pearl is highly sought after and quite rare and expensive. Dyed blue pearls are actually more affordable because they are easy to replicate. Baroque blue pearls are also more affordable because they are unique and unmatched. Blue freshwater pearls are the most affordable because they are not dyed.

What do blue pearls symbolise?

Blue pearls are believed to symbolise tranquillity, wisdom, and emotional stability. They are also believed to represent purity, integrity, and new beginnings. In some cultures, blue pearls are prized for bringing good luck and fortune.

What is the value of a blue pearl?

The value of a blue pearl depends on various factors, such as whether the pearl is natural or cultured, the type of mollusk, the size, shape, luster, quality of nacre, and the craftsmanship of the jewellery where the pearl is set. Blue pearls of larger size and better lustre that are natural have more value. Dyed blue pearls are relatively cheaper.