This seemingly innocent question can be controversial. That’s because some pearls have natural colours whilst others are dyed or otherwise treated to give them their colour. Some argue that pearls which have been treated to give them a colour are not real in that respect though others would describe such views as nonsense!
Broadly speaking, many experts will consider pearls to come in the following colours:
- White
- Black
- Golden
- Pink
- Lavender
- Blue
- Chocolate
- and finally, multi-colour.
Skin tones
Most people would agree that white (or white with rose tint) and pink pearls tend to suit pale northern European type skin colours and tones.
Similarly, darker pearls including black, chocolate and lavender, may suit darker skin types usually found on African, Mediterranean or Asian skin tones types.
Having said all this, don’t get too hung up on the peal colour issue.
That’s because statistics show that irrespective of perceptions of skin tone matching, people around the globe tend to buy pearls by cultural preferences and not just perceptions of skin colour. For example, white pearls with a silver tone are very popular in parts of Asia whereas darker pearls are less so even though, in theory, they should be a better skin tone match.
Surroundings
Don’t forget too that one of the biggest attractions of pearls is how they absorb and reflect back the colours surrounding them.
What this means is that your pearls also need to be chosen against a backdrop of the environment you’ll be wearing them too, your clothes and if appropriate, your make-up. It isn’t necessarily a question of one colour pearl being right for every single occasion or skin tone!
Conclusion
Ultimately, you’ll probably have a certain self-image and ‘look’ of yourself in your mind.
Almost every element of your surroundings can vary including your skin tone. For example, if you have pale skin but it’s heavily tanned, should you choose your pearls based upon your natural or acquired tone?
In the final analysis, trust your instinct. Choose a pearl that seems right for you at a given time. The chances are, you won’t regret it!
