


Since pearls are organic material, they are more susceptible to damage than diamond rings. "Pearls should always be 'last on, first off' and gently wiped with a clean jewelry cloth and safely stored away from other jewelry items that could cause scratches." "The fine coating on the surface of a pearl, called nacre, is very thin and, once worn away, cannot be replaced or repaired," says Brantner. Akoya: Slightly more expensive than freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls are also quite common in fine jewelry.Freshwater: Typically the most affordable option-and the most commonly produced-these pearls are formed in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, and they come in a range of shapes and sizes.There are four types of cultured pearls commonly used in jewelry. South Sea: An even more luxurious option, South Sea pearls are mostly sourced from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines."They have a white base color with a subtle iridescent rose glow," describes Brantner. Tahitian: Tahitian pearls get their name from the French Polynesian island Tahiti, as they are primarily formed there."If you like the richness of an all-gold pearl, search for a South Sea," says Brantner. Sometimes referred to as "black pearls," they showcase "hypnotic and moody colors," according to Brantner. Ready to say "yes!" to a pearl engagement ring? Peruse our favorite pearl engagement rings in every style and budget.Engagement rings tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to marriage-related jewelry, but the wedding band shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, “this is the only part of the wedding that you’ll be looking at every day for a long, long time.” says Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich Street Jewelers, a downtown NYC family-owned retailer.
