Genuine pink pearls are extremely rare. They are so rare that generally only thirty market quality pink pearls are pulled from the Caribbean every year. This is partly because the species who make pink pearls are becoming endangered. It is also partly because the mass majority of pearls found, pink or otherwise, are not suitable for jewelry. They may not be round, or the coloring may be off. So, if you are looking for pink pearl earrings, it is very likely that you will be getting a dyed, cultured pearl.

A cultured pearl is pretty standard. Most pearls that are found are cultured pearls. usually, an irritant is placed into the stomach of the mollusk. The mollusk then secretes nacre, which protects it from the irritant. Anywhere from one to seven years later, the pearl is pulled out and the process begins again. Generally, one in five of these pearls are high enough quality to be used in jewelry. Many are not round, and others are off in color or luster.

Some of these pearls will come out with a natural color. They are not all white. The most common color is pink. If there is a little bit of pink in the pearl, it will go through a pinking process. Pinking is a chemical process of dying to bring out more color in the pearl.

As much as we would like naturally made pink pearl earrings, two pink pearls that are made the old fashioned way will likely not match. They will not be the same size, shape, luster or hue. They will not be suitable as earrings, although you may be able to find them as a rare necklace. If you were looking forward to wearing pink pearls with your womens purple plaid skirt anytime soon, it will be easier to find the cultured and dyed variety.

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