Cleopatra. Jackie Kennedy. Audrey Hepburn. What do these famous figures have in common? They're all known for wearing pearls. Belonging to a small group of precious, natural stones classified as organic gems, pearls have fascinated us for centuries with their mysterious beauty. Their enduring appeal makes them shine in a wide array of jewellery styles, from elegant classics to fresh, modern pieces.
Eyeing a new pearl piece for your jewellery collection, or looking for an extra-special gift? Our complete pearl guide is here to help. We'll talk you through the different pearl types, jewellery options and how to care for pearls.

Pandora natural pearl jewellery is either made from mother of pearl or treated freshwater cultured pearls. We also use lacquered artificial pearls in some jewellery styles -- a laboratory-made glass ceramic that comes with a pearl-like coating.
Let's take a closer look at what makes our natural pearl materials so special.

Mother of pearl (or nacre) is not an actual pearl, but the pearly inner layer found within certain mollusc shells.

Freshwater cultured pearls are organic stones that are formed in the pearl sac of a mollusc, with a helping hand from humans. The pearls Pandora uses are treated after harvesting to enhance their colour by bleaching or dying, then perfected with a lustre-enhancing treatment.

The versatility of pearl jewellery means there's a way to style them for any occasion. Whether you need an everyday jewellery combination or you're heading to a wedding, pearls are the answer. Here are our favourite pearl styling tips:

Pandora pearl jewellery is crafted with care, creating timeless pieces you'll wear on repeat. Treat yourself to pearl drop earrings or surprise that special someone with a pearl necklace.
Whether mother of pearl or freshwater, find pearl jewellery that matches your personal style. Create a fresh, cool-toned look with sterling silver, or choose 14k gold-plated pieces for a warm, sophisticated glow.

As a natural stone, pearls deserve to be treated with care. Never soak your pearls in water or rub them harshly, as this could damage the nacre. Instead, clean them with a soft cloth dampened in clean, lukewarm water, then pat dry.

Keep your pearls away from acids, solvents, ultrasonic cleaning, high temperatures or prolonged direct light, as these can damage them.