When it comes to striking elegance, both pearls and diamonds reign supreme, gracing the collections of jewelers, artists, and jewelry aficionados alike. Whether as a cherished heirloom or a stunning engagement ring, both choices can serve as the ideal focal point. The hardest part? Deciding between the two.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you understand the differences between diamonds and pearls.
Let’s explore their history, physical differences, and pros and cons. We’ll provide a comprehensive perspective, ensuring your next purchase exceeds your expectations. When comparing pearls vs. diamonds, it ultimately comes down to your taste and preferences, so read on to learn everything you need to choose the perfect gemstone for you.
Where Do Pearls and Diamonds Come From?
The origins of diamonds and pearls are strikingly different. While both are treasured and long-adored jewels, you’ll find that they each have unique histories:
Pearls:
From ancient Greece to the pharaohs of Egypt, pearls have a rich history spanning centuries in cultures across the globe. References to pearl jewelry can be found in several ancient texts – they’ve even been noted in Chinese historical documents dating back thousands of years.
While sparkling gems and shimmering stones are typically formed geologically, pearls are instead produced by mollusks, including:
- Freshwater Mussels: Found in rivers, lakes, and ponds, freshwater mussels are the most common source for pearls from inland water sources.
- Saltwater Oysters: Saltwater oysters can be found in sandy beaches, brackish water marshes, or rocky coastlines.
Pearls originate as a defensive mechanism against irritants. When a parasite or grain of sand enters their shells, some mussels or oysters will release nacre, a shiny, iridescent substance used to combat the intruder. This process can take years to complete – making natural pearl sourcing an increasingly difficult process.
In the late 19th century, Japanese entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto cultivated the first pearl. Replicating the natural process, Mikimoto was able to produce pearls on demand. In the decades that followed, hundreds of pearl farms were established across Japan, which decreased pearl prices and ignited a sea change across the pearl industry.
The key benefits to farmed pearl production include:
- Indistinguishable From “Natural” Pearls: Farmed pearls are “natural” in every sense of the word. Mollusks undergo the same natural process to develop farmed pearls, resulting in indistinguishable physical traits between farmed pearls and those found in the wild.
- Significantly Cheaper: For centuries, pearls fetched sky-high prices. Prior to the invention of pearl farming, only the wealthy nobles, royals, and aristocrats could afford them. Mikimoto’s advancements gradually brought pearls to millions of people, and by the mid-20th century, pearls were a worldwide, accessible luxury.
- Found Worldwide: Today, pearls are farmed and discovered in numerous countries, with many specifically cultivating certain varieties. Whether uniquely shaped or vibrant in color, pearls remain one of the world’s most beautiful gemstones, and they continue to be beloved throughout the world.
While farmed pearls are natural pearls, they can sometimes be confused with imitations/fake pearls, making it difficult to determine how to tell if a pearl is real.
Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds:
Diamonds have been a symbol of value and wealth for nearly two millennia. Historians estimate diamonds were first traded as far back as 4 B.C., initially becoming popular in India where the shimmering stones were discovered along major rivers.
Diamonds are naturally formed by the Earth over millennia and exist in natural mineral deposits deep below the surface. Mining these natural diamonds to the surface requires large-scale operations, which De Beers began pioneering in South Africa during the late 19th century.
Consumers have new options when buying diamonds these days. Thanks to innovative technology, you can find several high-quality, ethically sourced diamonds and alternatives to mined diamonds, including:
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Chemically identical to mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are a marvel of modern science. Through highly sophisticated scientific processes, diamond labs can recreate the natural processes of diamond formation, resulting in a carbon-accurate diamond that is gorgeous.
- Diamond Simulants: Pursuit of perfection has never been easier. Diamond simulants today look and feel identical to traditional diamonds, using man-made materials that nearly replicate every aspect of natural diamonds.
For consumers looking for high-quality options without perpetuating the fraught history of the diamond industry, lab-grown diamonds, diamond simulants, or moissanite may be the perfect choice for their next jewelry purchase. These alternatives can eliminate the heavy environmental and ethical costs of mining natural diamonds, while retaining the beauty and elegance of these beloved gemstones.
What are the Physical Differences Between Pearls and Diamonds?
Unsure of the physical properties and appearance of the gemstones? Consider the following aspects of pearl and diamond appearances:
Pearls:
Whether found in the ocean or farmed in fresh water, pearls can typically be identified by these characteristics:
- Iridescence: The shimmering luster of pearls, known as iridescence, is likely the first quality you will notice. Natural nacre refracts light to create rainbow-like sheens.
- Opacity: Don’t expect to see through a pearl; these gemstones are completely opaque and don’t transmit light.
- Color: Pearls are often prized for their dazzling colors. While the standard white pearl color remains popular, there are several other pearl colors to explore – from yellow to blue. Colorful pearls are generally rarer and more highly sought after than the standard colors.
- Shape: Perfectly spherical pearls are highly sought after, undoubtedly making a gorgeous addition to rings, bracelets, or necklaces. That being said, irregularly shaped pearls – known as “Baroque Pearls” – have begun to surge in popularity, which some consumers and jewelry designers may consider more unique or interesting.
Diamonds:
Diamonds are known for being impeccably sparkly, glittery, and highly reflective. While the beauty of diamonds shines through, exploring the 4Cs – the four main ways of defining a diamond’s appearance – might be worth a look:
- Cut: Depending on the manufacturing process, a diamond may be cut too shallow or too deep for wearable use. The highest quality diamonds are considered to have an ideal cut, meaning that they possess an appropriate shape. In addition, it’s important to remember that there are several diamond cut styles, including emerald, round, and oval.
- Color: The standard diamond color is perfect translucence – like glass or ice, two common nicknames for the stones. High-quality diamonds are colorless, whereas less-perfect diamonds may possess a yellow-ish tint.
- Carat: Diamonds are measured in carats. One carat refers to 1/5 of a gram, meaning the higher a diamond’s carats are, the heavier and larger the diamond.
- Clarity: A diamond’s clarity is determined by the presence (or absence) of blemishes and imperfections. Gemologists commonly rank diamonds on a scale from flawless (no imperfections) to included (obvious imperfections when magnified), among others.
Engagement Rings: The Pros and Cons of Pearls and Diamonds
If you’re about to propose, you might be considering whether diamonds or pearls are appropriate for the occasion.
There’s no doubt that both pearl rings and diamond rings make excellent adornments. However, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
Pearls:
Pearl jewelry can come in a variety of styles, from pearl necklaces to earrings and even engagement rings. For most, pearls are not a common choice as an engagement ring and this doesn’t mean that they are not suited for couples looking for an unconventional jewelry option. Pearl ring symbolism includes embodying virtues of trust and loyalty, making it a beautiful symbol for those interested in proposing with pearls. Pearls also embody elegance, being a timeless piece of jewelry.
Here’s what to note when considering a pearl engagement ring:
- Pearls are significantly less expensive than diamonds, providing a more budget-friendly option for couples on a budget.
- As stated earlier, pearls come in all sorts of colors and shapes. Due to the diversity in styles, they can make unique, eye-catching engagement rings.
- The luster of pearls is a big part of their appeal. However, their shiny exterior can fade over time, and they may require more upkeep to maintain their original shine.
- Pearls are better together. A pearl engagement ring can serve as an accent to other pearl jewelry, such as heirloom pearl necklaces or everyday pearl studs.
Diamonds:
Diamonds symbolize commitment, passion, and enduring love. They remain one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world and can be crafted into various pieces of jewelry, including pendants, earrings, and of course, engagement rings. Not to mention that diamonds are extremely durable, if not the most durable gemstone with a score of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. That being said, you can rest assured that your diamond ring will stand the test of time.
If you lean more toward tradition, then a diamond ring is an iconic piece of wedding jewelry. Whether lab-grown, simulant, or traditionally mined, diamond rings remain one of the top choices for couples looking to get married and express their loyalty with an unparalleled piece of jewelry.
