Pearl rings are a timeless option for an engagement ring. In fact, although diamond rings are now most typically associated with engagement rings, the tradition of proposing with pearl engagement rings has a much longer history.
Pearls have a soft lustre that enhances your skin’s natural glow, highlighting your unique features. As such, they make for exemplary engagement rings, transcending fashion trends as a timeless jewellery design for your special day and beyond.
We’re breaking down our top tips for choosing a pearl engagement ring, helping you to settle on a design that will make you feel beautifully confident in perfectly matched pearls.
What to consider when choosing a pearl engagement ring
Pearl engagement rings are currently having a moment in the spotlight thanks to the third season of Netflix series Bridgerton. In fact, since Nicola Coughlan’s character Penelope Featherington received an elegant pearl engagement ring on the show, searches for these distinctive gems have surged by a reported 500%.
Whether or not you’re inspired by Bridgerton, if you’re looking for a pearl engagement ring of your own, there are certain factors to consider before making the final decision.
Type of pearl
You’ll need to decide what type of pearl best suits your unique style and character.
There are two main types of pearl: natural and cultured. Natural pearls are formed without any human intervention. They’re therefore both exceptionally rare and more expensive.
Our rare white natural pearl and ruby cluster Georgian ring makes for an elegant natural pearl engagement ring. Six creamy white natural pearls surround a facetted ruby at the centre of the ring, which is set on an ornate carved yellow gold scroll base.
By contrast, cultured pearls are formed by human cultivation. Freshwater pearls are typically cultured, and come in bridal tones including white, cream, peach and light pink.
You’ll also find pearls differentiate based on whether they’re freshwater or saltwater gems.
Pearl colour
Decide on the colour and overtones that you’re looking for in your pearl engagement ring.
South Sea pearls are typically light shades, ranging from white and silver to pale pink and light gold, depending on the shell tone of the mollusc in which they’re produced. South Sea pearls are therefore classic bridal colours and are often the choice for pearl bridal jewellery.
Alternatively, Tahitian pearls are produced in black lipped oysters and are subsequently naturally dark. Tahitian pearl jewellery can have tones including grey and black, as well as peacock green and aubergine. A Tahitian pearl engagement ring would make for a distinctive and dramatic choice, as trailblazed by Babe Paley a US Socialite who felt diamonds were overdone as engagement rings.
Historical period and aesthetic
It can help to choose a pearl engagement ring based on your favourite historical period and aesthetic. Perhaps you’re a fan of the geometry of Art Deco designs, or maybe a Victorian ring is more to your taste.
Our white natural pearl diamond cluster Georgian ring is emblematic of the skilled workmanship and grace of the Georgian period. A large rose cut diamond is framed by six creamy white natural pearls, all of which sit on a delicate, carved 18 carat gold base, making an exquisite pearl engagement ring.
By comparison, our rare grey natural freshwater pearl, diamond and platinum Belle Époque halo ring typifies the femininity of Belle Époque styles of the early twentieth century. A button-shaped natural grey pearl sits at the centre of this design, surrounded by ten lively rose cut diamonds set on elegant platinum.
Pearl lustre
A pearl with high lustre will appear to glow from within, lighting up your features. The thicker a pearl’s nacre, the higher its lustre. Plus, pearls with a thicker layer of nacre last longer than others and are therefore more expensive.
Akoya pearl jewellery has exceptional lustre. Akoya pearls are famed for their crystalline surface, easily refracting and reflecting the light to give each gem a mirror-like or ‘ball-bearing’ lustre. They therefore make a superb choice for a pearl necklace to wear everyday instead of an engagement ring.
In essence the best kind of pearl engagement ring is one with a natural pearl, because it is rare and is made entirely of pearl nacre layers which gives it a deeper lustre and longevity.
Find the right jeweller!
Ensure that you’re purchasing your pearl engagement ring from a jeweller with designs that both suit your unique style and meet ethical standards.
Always assess the jeweller for craftsmanship, asking after the provenance of any pearl engagement ring design you might have your eye on.
If you’re looking for an antique design, it’s especially important to authenticate the provenance of the ring.
Pearl experts will be able to provide documentation to verify the origin and authenticity of any pearl engagement ring and can help you to choose a design that complements your features and style.
Caring for your pearl engagement ring
Remember to always take the best care of your pearl engagement ring to ensure that it remains looking its best through the years.
Pearls go yellow if they dehydrate, which can impact the overall look of a pearl engagement ring, as well as potentially causing significant damage to the integrity of the gem.
You can prevent your pearl engagement ring from yellowing if you properly care for it. Always store your ring in pearl jewellery storage bags, avoiding dry or air-tight environments. It’s also sensible to avoid storing your pearl engagement ring alongside harder gemstones that may cause scratching.
Pearls benefit from being worn, but you also want to avoid exposing your ring to chlorinated water or sweat, both of which will dehydrate the gem. Acids, alcohol and beauty products like self-tan will also eat away at your pearl’s nacre.
If you think your pearl engagement ring is looking a little tired, you can book into a consultation with Coleman Douglas Pearls. We’ll assess the jewellery and provide advice for restoring the gem.
Design your own pearl engagement ring
Create a pearl engagement ring that’s as unique as you are by booking in for a bespoke consultation.
We’ll bring over thirty years of experience to the process, ensuring you create a design that tells your story and allows you to invest with confidence.
