Do Real Pearls Turn Yellow? (Answered)

Pearls can sometimes change their color.

White pearls especially can turn yellow as they age over time.

But should you be concerned about yellowed pearls?

Do Real Pearls Turn Yellow?

Yes, real pearls do turn yellow over a period of time, this is especially obvious if your pearl is originally white. These beautiful white pearls turn yellow as they age.

These iconic fashion accessories usually turn yellow as time passes because they dry out.

Yellowed pearls indicate that these pearls are real since artificial pearls are generally made from plastic or ceramic and don’t change color.

Yellowed pearls often look dull and dry compared to the fresh creamy white pearls which have a slight glow.

Yellow Pearls vs Yellowed Pearls

Yellow Pearls and Yellowed Pearls are two different types of pearls.

But do not confuse yellowed pearls with yellow pearls.

Yellow pearls are cultivated to become yellow or golden in color and have a fresh and lustrous look.

Yellowed pearls are pearls that are originally white that turn yellow as they age and dry. These pearls look dull and less attractive.

Why do real pearls turn yellow?

Pearls turn yellow over time because of the aging process. 

Pearls are very soft organic gemstones made by laying of nacre secreted by a mollusk.

As time pass, the chemical composition of the pearl changes. This change is usually due to the pearls drying out, which makes the pearl turn yellow.

Regardless of the quality of your pearl, this process cannot be avoided.

Nonetheless, there are ways to prolong the lustrous glow of your pearl.

How to prevent your pearl from turning yellow?

The simple way to prevent your pearl from turning yellow is by wearing it more.

As the pearl comes into contact with the moisture in the air, it will receive the hydration it required. 

The body oil that comes from your skin also acts like a moisturizer which helps to keep your pearl lustrous and beautiful.

Wearing your pearl jewelry once or twice per month is usually sufficient to keep their shine.

But if you sweat a lot, don’t forget to wipe your pearls dry with a soft cloth and remove any residual sweat or chemicals. 

Can you make your pearl white again?

It depends.

Depending on the damage you have on your pearl if your pearl has been drying for a long time, restoring your pearl back to its original lustrous glow will be difficult.

Once you’ve observed your pearl start flaking or chipping, then making it white again will be impossible.

What happens when your pearls turn yellow?

When your pearl turns yellow, it will lose its lustrous glow, look dull, and become more brittle.

This is due to the pearl drying out which causes microfractures on the nacre that make up the pearl.

Eventually, the pearl may start to flake, chip, or even crack.

How to protect your pearl from turning yellow?

Prevention is the best way to protect your pearl from turning yellow.

• Don’t allow your pearl to dry out.
• Don’t store your pearls in sealed plastic bags.
• Don’t keep your pearls in enclosed areas such as a sealed box or safes.
• Don’t put your pearls in places that are hot or lack air circulation.
• Know that your pearls are soft organic gemstones.

Protecting your pearl jewelry is as simple as wearing it often and avoid bringing your jewelry to places where there are a lot of physical activities.