Pearls, cultured pearls, and imitation pearls
Three kinds, three definitions, and the word that should come first.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change our guidance. Affiliate Disclosure
Three definitions
Section 23.19 defines a pearl as one formed inside certain mollusks without any human cause; a cultured pearl as the product made when a nucleus planted by humans inside a mollusk is coated with nacre by the mollusk; and an imitation pearl as a manufactured product that looks like a pearl or cultured pearl.
The word "pearl" alone
Section 23.20(a) says the unqualified word "pearl" should describe only a pearl as defined in section 23.19(a).
Cultured first
Section 23.20(b) says a cultured pearl should be described with "cultured" or "cultivated" immediately before the word pearl, with equal conspicuousness.
Freshwater, Akoya, and South Sea
The FTC says naming only the type, such as freshwater, South Sea, or Akoya, will not do. Its examples are "cultured freshwater pearls", "South Sea cultured pearls", and "Akoya cultured pearls". Section 23.21(g) ties "South Sea cultured pearl" to salt water mollusks of the Pacific Ocean South Sea Islands, Australia, or Southeast Asia.
Imitation pearls
Section 23.20(c) and (d) say an imitation pearl should carry "artificial", "imitation", or "simulated" immediately before the word, and that terms such as "faux pearl" and "fashion pearl" need the same qualifier.
Pearl treatments
The FTC lists bleaching, dyeing, and irradiation to change a pearl's color. Section 23.23 says when a treatment of a pearl or cultured pearl should be disclosed.
FAQ
General information only. We are not a jeweler, appraiser, or gemological lab, and we do not grade, appraise, or verify any stone or metal. Before you buy, read the seller's full description, including whether a diamond is mined or laboratory-grown, any treatment, the metal's karat or fineness, and the weight, and check any grading report with the lab that issued it.
Next: jewelry care
Ask for care instructions first.
