Which metal for pearl jewellery: gold, silver, gold-plated, vermeil

Pearl pendants on yellow gold, white gold and rose gold

The pearl is the centrepiece, but the metal changes everything: character, price, durability.

Pearl pendants on yellow gold, white gold and rose gold: choosing the right metal

Yellow gold: the classic

18k (750/1000): European quality standard, used for all Pearls & Colors pieces. 9k (375/1000): more affordable, less intense colour.

18k yellow gold clasp on an Akoya pearl necklace

White gold: discreet modernity

Rhodium-plated alloy. Pairs perfectly with white pearls and Tahitian pearls.

Rose gold: lasting trend

Gold-copper alloy. Pairs well with warm-toned pearls: pink freshwater, golden South Sea.

Rose gold and pink freshwater pearl ring — contemporary elegance

Sterling silver 925

Affordable quality. Pairs well with freshwater and Tahitian. Drawback: tarnishes.

The right metal for each pearl

Pearl Yellow gold White gold Rose gold Silver 925
White/pink Akoya ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
Dark Tahitian ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆
White South Sea ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
Golden South Sea ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆
Pink/lavender freshwater ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆

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