FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General 

Genuine pearls feel slightly gritty when gently rubbed against your front teeth, whilst glass or plastic imitations feel smooth. Natural surface irregularities are another possible indicator of authenticity, as factory-made beads appear too perfect. With some experience, it becomes possible to recognise subtle characteristics of a pearl’s drill hole that can help identify whether it is freshwater, seawater, or imitation. Every piece at Timeless Pearls is made with genuine freshwater or seawater pearls.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), pearls have seven value factors. These include:

  1. Size (usually a range in millimetres),
  2. Shape (for example, round, oval or baroque),
  3. Colour (bodycolour, overtone, and orient)
  4. Lustre (how brightly it reflects light),
  5. Surface (evaluated by presence and visibility of blemishes or irregularities),
  6. Nacre (thickness and quality), and
  7. Matching (uniformity of appearance).

High-lustre, rounder, and cleaner-surfaced pearls are generally more valuable.

The Princess length, measuring between 43cm and 48cm, is widely considered the most versatile choice for a classic pearl necklace. This length rests gracefully on the collarbone and suits a wide variety of necklines, from professional attire to evening gowns. If you prefer a more tailored look for open-collar shirts, a 40cm choker length is an excellent alternative for a closer fit. 

Yes, bespoke length adjustments are a core part of our service to ensure your necklace sits beautifully on you. Because each classic pearl necklace is handcrafted by Renata, you can request a specific measurement that deviates from standard sizes. This personal touch ensures your pearls sit exactly where you find them most flattering, whether you require a slightly longer matinee or a shorter choker. For custom length enquiries, please reach out to us at renata@timelesspearls.co.za.

While they’re a classic choice for weddings and formal events, pearls are also versatile enough for everyday wear and can dress up a simple outfit beautifully. Pearls are meant to be worn, as they benefit from the natural oils and moisture of your skin to maintain their radiant lustre. However, it’s vital to follow the “last on, first off” rule to protect them. Always put your necklace on after applying perfume, lotion, and hairspray, and remove it before exercising, showering or sleeping to ensure the delicate nacre isn’t damaged by chemicals.

Freshwater and seawater (or saltwater) pearls differ primarily in where and how they’re formed. Freshwater pearls are cultivated in mussels living in lakes, ponds, and rivers, mainly in China, and each mussel can produce multiple pearls at once, making them more abundant, affordable, and available in a wider range of shapes and colours. 

Seawater pearls – including Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian varieties – are grown in oysters in the ocean, with each oyster typically yielding only one pearl per cycle. This lower yield, combined with more demanding farming conditions, makes seawater pearls generally rarer and more expensive. Seawater pearls also tend to have a more uniformly round shape and a higher, more mirror-like lustre, while freshwater pearls often display a softer glow and more organic, sometimes irregular, shapes – though high-quality freshwater pearls today can rival their seawater counterparts in both roundness and shine.

Modern freshwater pearls are often superior in durability because they are composed almost entirely of solid nacre. Saltwater pearls typically contain a bead at the centre, which can sometimes result in a thinner outer layer that’s prone to wear. For many South African collectors, high-grade freshwater pearls offer the best combination of a rich, deep glow and long-term resilience for frequent wear.

Natural pearls form entirely by chance in the wild and are extremely rare today. Cultured pearls are grown with human assistance – a small irritant is placed inside a mollusc, which then forms a pearl around it – but the pearl itself is 100% real and grown by the mollusc, just as nature intended. Nearly all pearls sold today, including ours, are cultured.

Colour depends on the type of mollusc, the water it grows in, and sometimes the specific farm or region – this is what gives white, cream, pink, silver, and even black pearls their natural variation. However, pearls are routinely enhanced to improve their appearance, which may not be detectable using standard gemological equipment and testing.

Caring for your pearls

Clean your pearls by gently wiping them with a damp, soft cloth to remove perspiration and oils. Never use harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or anything abrasive, as these can permanently damage the pearl’s delicate nacre, diminishing its natural lustre. Pearls are soft compared to other gemstones and can scratch or dull easily. Store them flat or gently coiled in a soft pouch or a separate compartment of your jewellery box, away from other jewellery that can scratch and damage their nacre. Avoid airtight plastic bags, as pearls need a small amount of humidity to stay lustrous.

It’s best to avoid it. Water – especially chlorinated or salt water – can weaken the silk thread they’re strung on and dull their lustre over time. Put your pearls on last, after getting dressed and applying perfume or hairspray, and take them off first when you get home.

Restringing

You should generally have your pearls restrung once a year if you wear them on a regular basis. If you notice the silk thread has become discoloured, frayed, or if there are visible gaps between the pearls and the knots, it’s time for professional maintenance. This simple service ensures the strand remains secure and prevents the pearls from rubbing against one another.

Hand-knotting involves tying a small, precise knot between every individual pearl on the strand. This traditional technique prevents the pearls from touching and scratching each other, which is essential for preserving their mirror-like finish. It also acts as a vital safety measure; if the thread ever breaks, only one pearl will be lost instead of the entire strand scattering.

Look out for visible gaps between pearls, thread that looks stretched or discoloured, knots that appear fuzzy or frayed (especially near the clasp), or a strand that feels loose or stretchy when you put it on. If in doubt, bring it in for a quick check.

We offer a professional pearl restringing service for when your beloved strand needs to be brought to life again.

Timeless Pearls restringing prices (hand knotted, single strand):

  • Bracelets: R140/bracelet
  • Necklaces up to 45cm: R260/strand
  • Necklaces 45.5cm to 54cm: R300/strand
  • Necklaces 54.5cm to 60cm: R340/strand

We will quote on longer or more complicated pieces, for very tiny pearls, or for adding beads or pearls to an existing client piece.

We have a variety of sterling silver, magnetic and 9KT Yellow Gold clasps at our Hout Bay Home Studio.

Ordering & Appointments

Timeless Pearls operates by appointment only from our home studio in Hout Bay, Cape Town. The easiest way to get in touch is via WhatsApp (Renata – 082 686 9783) or email (renata@timelesspearls.co.za).  

Timing depends on the availability of the specific pearls needed, as well as our current workload – but we’re happy to give you an estimated timeframe once we discuss your piece. We do have a wide variety of pieces in stock on our website. If one of these catch your eye, please reach out to us via email (renata@timelesspearls.co.za).

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