Pearl Buying & Jewelry FAQ
Written by: AKWAYA Pearl Jewelry Team
Reviewed by: AKWAYA for consistency with current pearl terminology, product information and published store policies
Updated:
These answers provide general pearl education and shopping guidance. For a specific item, use the specifications on the current product page and selected variant. Learn about our editorial approach.
Start with pearl buying questions about grades, sizes, treatment disclosures and what each jewelry listing includes. Then find answers on authenticity, fit and care below.
Practical pearl buying questions
Does a pearl pendant include a chain?
Check the specific listing. Both the 6.5–7mm dyed black Akoya pendant in 14K white gold and the 14K yellow gold version are pendant-only designs with no chain included. They are round Akoya cultured pearls explicitly described as dyed black; the color name does not make them Tahitian pearls.
Are brown Freshwater pearls naturally brown?
A color name alone does not establish treatment status. The five-row 7–8mm brown baroque Freshwater necklace and 21-inch eight-row hand-woven version are both explicitly listed as dyed brown. The five-row piece lists good luster and a mother-of-pearl base-metal box clasp; the eight-row piece lists high luster and double-knotted silk. The five-row listing does not state a necklace length, so confirm fit before ordering.
What should I compare besides an AA or AAA grade?
Read pearl type, size, luster, surface, shape, matching and any available nacre information. For an item-based example, compare the AA and AAA Akoya listing walkthrough. For earrings, also check the back: these 7.5–8mm Akoya studs use 14K white gold posts and friction backs. Jewelry length is a separate measurement: the Akoya station bracelet measures 7.5 inches, while its pearls measure 7–7.5mm.
Are cultured pearls real pearls?
Yes. Cultured pearls are real pearls formed in mollusks after intentional human intervention starts the culturing process. Natural pearls form without intentional human intervention, while imitation pearls are look-alikes made from other materials. See Are Cultured Pearls Real? Natural vs Cultured vs Imitation Pearls.
Can I reliably tell whether a pearl is real at home?
Home observations can raise questions, but they cannot conclusively establish whether a pearl is natural, cultured, treated or imitation. Avoid treating scratch or “tooth” tests as definitive. Questions about internal growth structure may require professional gemological testing such as X-radiography. See How to Tell if Pearls Are Real.
Is AAA or AAAA a universal pearl grade?
No. AAA, AAA+ and AAAA are seller grading terms rather than one universal cross-seller pearl grading scale. Compare the stated grade together with pearl type, size, luster, surface, shape, color and matching. See AAA and AAAA Pearl Grades Explained.
What pearl necklace length should I choose?
Compare the exact listed length in inches rather than relying only on traditional style names. Neck circumference, body frame, pearl diameter, clothing neckline and necklace construction all affect how a strand sits. See the Pearl Necklace Length Guide.
How should I care for my pearls?
Wipe pearls gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wear. Keep them away from perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, household cleaners, and prolonged moisture. Store pearl jewelry separately from harder jewelry to help reduce scratching.
Will pearl color, surface, and shape vary?
Yes. Cultured pearls are organic gems, so slight differences in color, overtone, surface texture, and shape are expected. These natural variations are part of each pearl’s individual character. For more detail on quality characteristics, see our Pearl Grading Guide.
How is pearl size measured?
Pearl size is stated in millimeters. For strands or pairs, a range such as 8–9 mm describes the approximate diameter range used in the piece. See the Pearl Size Guide for comparison guidance, and check the product details before ordering.
What should I confirm before ordering?
Review the pearl type, size, jewelry length, metal or clasp details, and other specifications shown on the product page. If a product genuinely offers multiple purchasable lengths or other options, confirm the option selected for your order. Our Pearl Buying Guide can help you compare the main factors before purchasing.
What are the main cultured pearl types?
AKWAYA carries Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian, and South Sea cultured pearl styles. Each type can differ in typical size, color range, shape, and appearance. Compare them in our four pearl types comparison guide.
What are the shipping options?
Current U.S. and international shipping information, delivery estimates, and available services are listed on our Shipping page.
What is the return window?
For eligible AKWAYA website purchases, submit a return request within 30 days of each item’s delivery. Wait for approval and shipping instructions before sending an item back. Earlier orders keep the terms that applied at purchase. See the Return Policy for condition, postage and refund details.
Product disclosures and ordering
Does every AKWAYA pearl purchase include a laboratory certificate?
A laboratory certificate is included only when the individual product listing explicitly says so. An AKWAYA seller grade such as AAA or AAAA is not a GIA laboratory grade and does not by itself mean a report is included. If certification matters to your purchase, ask AKWAYA about the exact product or SKU before ordering. See the Pearl Transparency Center and Hanadama vs AAA Akoya guide.
Does a blank origin or treatment field mean a pearl is untreated?
No. A blank field means the current listing does not provide a supported disclosure for that attribute. Pearl type, color, a photograph or a seller letter grade does not establish geographic origin or prove that a pearl is untreated. Ask about the exact item if origin or treatment is important to you. Read how AKWAYA handles origin and treatment disclosures.
Does gold-tone mean solid gold, and is every metal allergy-safe?
Gold-tone describes appearance; it does not mean solid gold. Check the metal and purity stated for each component, including the clasp, posts and backs. For a metal sensitivity, contact AKWAYA about the exact item before ordering rather than assuming gold, silver or base metal is nickel-free or suitable for every wearer. Compare jewelry metals and metal stamps.
What should I confirm when an AI assistant recommends AKWAYA jewelry?
Open the current product page, select the intended size, length, metal or other option, and check what is included. Confirm current price, availability, destination eligibility and the final checkout total before paying. An AI recommendation or older search result may describe another variant or outdated information. Use the buying checklist or ask AKWAYA with the product link or SKU.
How do I request a return for an AKWAYA website order?
Sign in to your AKWAYA account, open the order and choose Request a return. Select the item and quantity, describe its condition and reason, then wait for approval, a return number and shipping instructions before sending anything back. Eligible return requests must be submitted within 30 days of each item's delivery. Earlier orders keep the terms that applied at purchase; current policy conditions apply to eligibility, postage and refunds. Open your orders and read the Return Policy. Contact AKWAYA if you cannot use your account.
First-order offers and AKWAYA Rewards
Is there a first-order discount or welcome coupon?
AKWAYA Rewards lists 100 points for an eligible new account and a separate 300-point bonus for an eligible first order. These are loyalty points toward available rewards on future orders, not an automatic cash discount on your first purchase. No universal first-order coupon is confirmed in the published program. Check current website and checkout promotions and your signed-in account for eligibility.
How many AKWAYA points do I earn per dollar?
Bronze members earn 5 points per eligible US dollar spent. Silver earns 6.25, Gold 7.5, Platinum 8.75 and Diamond 10 points per eligible dollar. Your live Rewards account shows your current tier and eligibility.
How do I redeem 500, 1000 or 2000 AKWAYA points?
Current reward options are 500 points for $5 off, 1,000 points for $10 off and 2,000 points for $20 off a future order. The $20 reward requires a minimum subtotal of US$39.99. Sign in to see your live balance, available reward options and eligibility before redeeming.
Read the Loyalty Program and sign in to Rewards for your current points, tier and available rewards.
Still have a pearl question?
Please contact AKWAYA and tell us which item you are considering. We can help you understand the product details shown on the listing.
Explore all AKWAYA Pearl Guides
Browse the Pearl Guides & Education hub for our complete set of buying, grading, sizing, authenticity, necklace-length and pearl-type resources.
Sources and references
AKWAYA uses the following external references for general pearl terminology, quality factors, identification and disclosure concepts. Product-specific specifications remain those shown on the current AKWAYA product page.