◂ BACK TO GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
Pearl
Perfect shining spheres. Lustrous baroque forms. Seductive strands, warm to the touch. Pearls are simply and purely organic.
See Gem As
Tools
Research
Pearl Journey
Perfect shining spheres. Lustrous baroque forms. Seductive strands, warm to the touch. Pearls are simply and purely organic
Pearl Species and Localities
Learn more about pearl species, localities, and growth, along with definitions for the 7 Pearl Value Factors™ and terminology GIA uses to describe your pearl.
Pearls: Forever Fashionable
The exciting array of pearl choices available today can be overwhelming. Before you set off to buy pearl jewelry, be sure to understand the basics.
Fashioned Queen Conch Shell Bead
A Queen conch shell bead is submitted for pearl identification to the Mumbai laboratory.
Metallic Core in a Natural Freshwater Pearl
Examination of a natural freshwater pearl reveals a metallic core and suggests environmental contamination during the pearl’s formation.
Natural Pearl Necklace from Baja California Sur, Mexico
The Carlsbad laboratory reports on a recently submitted necklace containing 63 pearls of various colors, shapes, sizes, and mollusk species, reportedly from Mexico.
An Unusual Saltwater Bead Cultured Pearl
A look at an unusual saltwater bead cultured pearl consisting of two parts.
International Jewellery Kobe 2024
An overview of one of the premier international jewelry trade shows in western Japan.
Pearls Marketed as “Venezuelan Pearls”
GIA’s Mumbai laboratory reports on a study of 988 reportedly “Venezuelan pearls.”
A Non-Nacreous Pearl Reportedly from Telescopium telescopium
An examination of the first natural pearl reportedly discovered in a Telescopium species.
Survey of Colored Stone Preferences Among Younger Generations
An online survey assesses current colored stone preferences in consumers under 35.
