I know that many people love pearls but everyone needs a little variety. Choosing a different color may be just what you need to spice things up, and there are more available colors than you may think! Brown is just one example of a color that has recently come into fashion. In this article I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about brown pearls.
Why the fuss about brown? I don't like brown so why do you think it's a good choice?
I know that brown isn't the most popular color out there. However, many women look great in brown! It is also a neutral color, so that means you can wear your pearls with almost anything. It is also a wonderful choice for fall, when earth tones and darker colors come into style. Try it and see what you think.
Where do brown pearls come from anyway?
The most common type of brown pearl right now is the "chocolate" Tahitian. You will not find this type of brown naturally though. Chocolate brown is created by stripping and heat-treating a black Tahitian pearl. Given that Tahitians are generally very high quality with great luster, this process changes the color without compromising on quality.
Beware though - there are also dyed Tahitians on the market. Demand for brown pearls has skyrocketed over the last few years and many retailers are ordering dyed pearls to fill their orders. Dye is not necessarily bad, in and of itself - what makes many people upset is the fact that Tahitians are being dyed. This is because that type of pearl is known for its rainbow-like overtones, high quality, and integrity. Dye flattens the color.
Are brown pearls always dyed or heat-treated?
Truly brown (and only brown with no additional overtone) pearls just don't naturally exist. However, you may very rarely see Tahitians that are brown with red or pink overtones. Think chocolate raspberry instead of just chocolate and you will have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about.
Are Tahitians the only type of pearl I can get?
No, not at all! You can also find freshwater brown pearls. These are always dyed, but you may like them better than dyed Tahitians because they will look less "flat." They also have the advantage of being equally as durable as Tahitians because of their high nacre content.
