Natural Colors of Pearls

There is wide variety of natural colors in Pearls; this diversity of colors is also known as “Palette of colors”. Pearls have different colors from white, yellow, shades of pink, blue and black. Pearls are available in almost all shades of colors in between White to Black.

The color of Pearl is specifically referred to as body color and this color constitutes the fundamental color of the pearl. Most common colors of pearls are cream, silver and white. Black is most rare color.

Pearl color is due to combination of several factors like Body color, Overtones and iridescent colors. Body color of pearl can be anything from white, silver, cream, green, golden and Black. Body color of pearls depends upon the type of oyster or mollusk as certain type of oyster produces specific colored pearls. Other factors affecting color of pearls are condition of water, temperature of water and type of nucleus.

Translucent color which appears over top of the main color of Pearl is known as Overtones. Overtones somewhat changes the body color of Pearl They also add depth and glow to the existing color of Pearl. But it is not necessary that every pearl should have some overtone.

Third factor responsible for the natural color of Pearl is termed as Orient. Orient is shimmering; iridescent color which glitters and appears to move when pearl is turned. Cause of this orient is the way in which light is reflected through thin layer of nacre of pearl.

It should be noted that color of pearls does not affect quality of pearls. While choosing pearls for jewelry choose color on the basis of skin tones. Pearls with rose overtones are well suited for fair or light colored skin tones. Black or cream overtones look great on dark or tan skin. Selection of colors is completely based on personal choice person who will wear that pearls. For more information on colored pearls visit www.orientalpearls.net/colors_pearls.php