Diamonds • Precious Gemstones • Jewelry • Gemology

Light refracting through prismatic crystals in a pearl's nacre separates into spectral colors, but the separation is more subtle than in a transparent gem.

While not affecting the quality of a pearl, color does subjectively influence the perceived beauty of pearls.

White, silver, and cream are the most common colors for pearls, and most will have subtle undertones.

Fancy or exotic colors are sometimes found. Examples include gold, champagne, rose, cognac, peach.

Popularity of colors vary geographically. White is generally preferred in the US while silver is popular in Asia. Price premiums for particular colors is common.

But time and fashion tends to influence what is sough after.