Pearl: 10 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy

Posted on July 12th, 2025 11:32 AM

Pearls, also known as Moti, are incredible gemstones, beautiful and elegant. These gems are symbols of purity, luxury, innocence and wisdom. Whether you are drawn to their glow, or luster or to their historical symbolism and meaning, their history makes them valuable and apparently the gems of fashion and styling too.  

But before you invest in buying the pearls, invest a little bit of your time in making sure that you purchase your perfect gem. Here are 10 things you absolutely need to know before you buy Moti stone that can help you make the correct choice.   

Choose the right type of gem according to your style and budget. 

Know - What to know before buying pearls? Keep these things in your mind:

1. Natural vs. Cultured Pearls: Know the Difference

Pearls are naturally formed in nature over many, many years. They are formed in mollusks, which are found in water. When an irritant enters the mollusc, it secretes layers of nacre on that irritant, which forms into a pearl.   

These gems are formed without any human intervention and take years of time, which is why they are rare and expensive.   

On the other hand, to make pearls more available to people, now the gems are cultured in labs, and these are called cultured pearls. They are grown with human assistance and now make up the majority of the market. These gems are real and are nurtured with care, so they have the same beauty but are less costly. 

2. Types of Pearls: Choose What Resonates With You

There are many types of pearls to choose from, so you must know about them before you purchase one:

  • Akoya Pearls : These are white pearls, classic gems which are very lustrous and are mostly round in shape. 
  • Freshwater Pearls : These gems are more affordable and versatile, as they are available in various shapes and colors.
  • Tahitian Pearls : These types of pearls are exotic and often found in naturally dark overtones like green, blue and purple.
  • South Sea Pearls : South Sea Moti stones are large in size, and are often golden or silvery white. 

Depending on your style, occasion and budget, make a choice, but more importantly, the gems are an extension of your energy, so choose the one that aligns with your vibe. 

Also Read - Different Types of Pearls You Must Know About

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3. Real vs Fake: Spot the Authenticity

Real pearl stone have subtle imperfections; they are not always very glossy or perfectly round. Fake ones will look perfect and will be lighter in weight as well, indeed, they have a plastic-like shine. 

Quick authenticity checks :

  • Rub gently against your teeth—real pearls feel gritty.
  • Look for slight variations in shape and luster.
  • Check for natural flaws or unevenness.

But the best way is to buy it from a renowned seller who provides you with lab certification from a reputable lab. The lab report will prove the authenticity of the gem. 

Read More - A Guide on How to Identify Genuine Pearl Stones

4. The Soul of a Pearl - Its Luster

The lustre of the gemstone makes it more beautiful; it makes the gem feel alive. It's the way the light reflects off the surface of the pearl. It makes it shinier, so while buying the gem, see if the gem you are buying has natural lustre or is polished. A polished one will lose its shine over time.   

5. Pearl Quality 

The Moti stones , which are natural, have blemishes, so they are divided into grades to showcase their quality.

Pearl Grading Scale:

Grade

Luster

Surface Quality

Shape

Nacre Thickness

Matching (for strands)

AAAA

Excellent, mirror-like

95–99% blemish-free

Perfectly round or near-round

Thick

Excellent consistency

AAA

Very high

90–95% clean surface

Near-round

Medium to thick

Very good

AA

High

70–80% clean surface

Slightly off-round

Medium

Good

A

Moderate

Noticeable blemishes

Off-round or irregular

Thin

Fair

Further Reading - Pearl Grading Factors and its Value

Pearl Grading Scale

6. Pearl Size Matters—But So Does Intention

The size of the Moti stones is measured in millimetres or MM. The larger gemstones are rare, hence they are more expensive. Smaller ones are elegant and best for traditional jewelry. 

Choose the gemstone according to the style or design of your jewelry

Everyday wear: 6–8 mm

Statement pieces: 9 mm and above

7. Color & Overtone: Find Your Signature Shade

The Moti stones come in a spectrum of colors - each one shows their uniqueness and has their own overtone or a secondary hue that adds depth to the gem. 

You should choose a colour that flatters your skin tone, or you get attracted to it or carry a feeling for it, whether it is white, golden, black, lavender, pink, blue, green, etc. 

Discover More - Which is the Best Pearl in astrology: Black, Golden or White

8. Where You Buy Matters?

You should always buy the gemstone from a trusted seller, like Navratan, an online gem bazaar, which specialises in gemstones. Look for transparency when you are buying the gem, look for the grading, certification and make sure there is a return and exchange policy. 

Buy from Navratan, where you can get advice from the best gemologists. We do not sell pearls, but trust. 

9. Occasion & Intention: Let Your Purpose Guide You

Why are you buying the gem, for which purpose or with which intention - it is important to take that into consideration as well. It is for your wedding, a gift for a loved one, for astrological purposes or personal empowerment? 

Your choice will reflect the moments you are honouring - you can choose freshwater pearls for casual wear or gifting, South Sea for formal occasions or Tahitian ones for expressive styling.  

Know More - Latest Pearl Jewelry - Know The Trend!

10. Care & Longevity: Treat Them Like Treasures

Pearls or Moti stones are very delicate; they have a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on Mohs hardness, which means they can get scratched easily and so need gentle care. Here are some tips to follow:- 

  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Avoid getting them in contact with perfumes and hairspray, or cosmetics as well. 
  • Wipe the pearls with a soft cloth after wearing. 
  • Store the gems in a soft pouch, separately from your other jewelry.

FAQS

Ques. Which is better, AA or AAA pearls?

Ans. AAA pearls are better in quality as they have good lustre and fewer flaws than AA.  

Ques. What to Look for When Buying Pearls?

Ans. Look for the surface quality, lustre, shape, thickness, color overtone and dimensions as well as authenticity.   

Ques. How to identify a good quality pearl?

Ans. A good quality Moti stone will have minimal blemishes, strong lustre, a balanced shape and will feel gritty when rubbed against the teeth. 

Wrapping Up 

Pearls or Moti stones are beautiful and delicate. If you are looking forward to buying these gorgeous gems for yourself or your loved ones, keep the above points in mind. 
Purchase the gemstone now from Navratan, an online gem bazaar, where you will get authentic and lab-certified gems at the best price.

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