Jewellery has a purpose beyond ornament: It's a reflection of personality, taste and often an investment. In this guide, we're going to explore in detail two of the most enduring and elegant categories of jewellery, emerald jewellery and pearl jewellery, while assessing these pieces across all the important dimensions so you can determine when, and how, they might be best for you. We will consider not only appearance and style, but also symbolism and meaning, value, care, and suitability for different occasions.

Emerald and Pearl Jewellery: Introduction

Explore the ultimate gemstone showdown

What is Emerald Jewellery?

Emerald jewellery refers to an embellishment (a ring, necklace, earring or bracelet) that features emerald, the green-colored gemstone. Emerald is a variety of beryl that is colored green by trace amounts of chromium, or possibly vanadium. 

- Emerald has a Mohs hardness scale range of 7.5–8. 

- It has historically been prized by royalty and used in high-luxury jewellery. 

- In jewellery, emeralds either appear as the central gemstone in rings, necklaces and pendants, or as accent stones in earrings and bracelets.

What is Pearl Jewellery?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, pearl jewellery is an embellishment that employs the gem-organic object known as a Pearl. Pearls are not mineral crystals, but formed by mollusks (oysters or mussels) layering nacre (calcium carbonate + organic materials) around something that has become an irritant or bead. 

They are (very loosely) range in hardness, approximately between 2.5 -- 4, on the Mohs hardness. 

Pearl jewellery is associated with sophistication, timeless elegance and has an allure that is often softer in look than coloured gemstones.

Read more: May Birthstone Jewellery for a Timeless Elegance I GIVA Jewellery

Appearance & Aesthetic Qualities

Beauty behind Emerald Jewellery vs Pearl Jewellery

Colour, Luster and Visual Impact – Emeralds

Emeralds are valued most highly for their vibrant green colour. The ideal emerald has a deep, saturated green colour without extreme amounts of yellow or blue. 

Emeralds offer a strong visual presence because of their green colour,  they “pop” against yellow gold or white gold/platinum combination settings, and can serve as a focal element of jewellery. The transparent clarity of an emerald can also be a factor too: many emeralds have inclusions (some call this “jardin”) which can impact clarity and strength. The overall effect of emerald jewellery is bold, vibrant and royal.

Colour, Luster and Visual Impact – Pearls

In contrast, pearls have a more understated aesthetic. The gentle luster rather than the sparkle or clarity of the gem is its beauty. A pearl's beauty is found in its glow and surface quality; unlike the diamond where facets and transparency add beauty. 

Pearl colours come in shades of white, cream and pink, with some colours in black or gray. Each will have a soft luster. Because of their subdued beauty, pearl jewellery can offer a sophistication that is in contrast to bold stones. They will work exquisite in minimalist contemporary pieces but also in classic timeless design. They can be particularly flattering for formal occasions where understated sophistication is preferred.

Contrasting the Two Aesthetics  

When you view emerald jewellery and pearl jewellery side by side, the difference in aesthetics is obvious: emeralds convey strength and confidence; pearls offer quiet class. If you want jewellery to draw the eye, you may have your answer with emeralds. If you want the jewellery to seamlessly fit in with your look, pearls would probably be the avenue to avoid drawing attention in the first place. The contrast also shows in styling; emerald jewellery will look right with more sumptuous or formal wardrobe choices (rich fabrics, deeper colours), and pearl jewellery will upgrade  both formal wear and smart casual wear with ease.

Read more: Born in May? Here are 5 Show-stopping Emerald Jewellery Pieces

Symbolism, History & Meaning

Emeralds whisper in green, Pearls glow in silence

Emeralds – History and Symbolism

Emeralds have a long and storied history. They were treasured by ancient cultures, the Egyptians included, and they have often been associated with royalty, luxury and nature (because of their green colour). 

Symbolically, emeralds are often associated with renewal, growth, vision and mental clarity. Some thought they had healing or protection properties. 

In contemporary jewellery, wearing an emerald is often associated with confidence, ambition and a sense of stunning taste.

Pearls – History and Symbolism

Pearls also have a long history. Simply put, they are created by nature, their rarity (particularly in natural pearls) and their lustre make them symbols of purity, elegance and understated femininity. 

Because they are a product of the sea, and molluscs in particular, they are also associated with calmness, intuition and emotional balance/poise. When selecting pearl jewellery, you are often selecting a piece that embodies softness, grace and a sense of timelessness.

Cultural and Romantic Association

In many cultures, emerald jewellery was chosen for momentous occasions, and heirloom pieces indicating wealth and/or status. Pearls have often been chosen for bridal jewellery, mother-of-pearl sets, or those searching for a true classic. Depending on the personal meaning — birth months, anniversaries, family heirlooms, factors might also dictate which to choose, or if you choose both (as an example — May represents emerald, and June represents pearl). 

The underlying meaning can be helpful in determining what you might choose to wear, and even style when you combine them.

Evaluating Worth, Uniqueness, and Investment Aspects

Discover whether Emerald or Pearl suits your style best

Emerald Jewellery Value Factors

As the same colour, clarity, cut and carat weight are value factors for any precious gemstone, the value of emerald jewellery is hugely dependent on all of these specific characteristics of the emerald, significantly, green hue and translucence.  Most emeralds have inclusions and consequently there is a premium when you find a very high-quality emerald that is translucent, or 'eye-clean'.

Emeralds are often surface or fracture treated as are many gemstones to increase clarity or colour, something that is important to understand when assessing quality.

Emeralds have a Mohs rating of 7.5-8 and while decent hardness, are more susceptible than diamonds to fracturing.

Emeralds may also carry value based upon their region of origin (ex. Colombian emeralds have a tradition of carrying greater value).

Pricing Factors for Pearl Jewellery

The pricing for pearl jewellery differs. The main factors that will contribute to the value of the jewellery include type of pearl (natural versus cultured), size, shape, surface quality, luster, nacre thickness, and source. 

Pearls are extremely rare and may command exceptionally high prices. Cultured pearls are more common and therefore make pearl jewellery more affordable. The softness of pearls, organic origin and more subtle value transition, suggest pearls are usually thought of as elegant jewellery pieces instead of higher risk investments (though exceptional pearls certainly can be investment grade).

Comparing Rarity and Investment Potential

Emeralds have a fairly high demand for top-quality material and consequently more potential for investment (in certain premium segments) than many pearls; in fact, some sources refer to emeralds as rarer, and in some classifications of rarity even harder to find than diamonds! 

That being said, pearls have a rare story of their own with collectible pearls, historic sets, and in-fashion extremely high-lustre large pearls, just to name a few. But in general, if looking from the angle of wardrobe selection to fully enjoy, pearls for wearability/flexibility may maintain the lead despite the sometimes more modest price point. If investment value is being put firmly on the table, emeralds tend to be ahead in the realm of precious gemstone jewelry. Again, if it is still a key part of wardrobe selection, one just needs to keep in mind the qualities and origin and treatments of emeralds which may involve greater inquiry when making a recommendation or selecting where the higher quality levels with investment value are found.

Suitability for Events and Style Suggestions

Let your jewellery tell your story 

Emerald Jewellery Styling

Emerald jewellery is stunning when you want to create a focal point. Due to its strong colour and presence, it works with formal, evening, or cultural events: weddings, galas, or festive occasions. If you wear an outfit in rich jewel tones (deep red, blue, black, emerald green, gold), emerald jewellery will coordinate or contrast in a powerful way. Emeralds work particularly well with diamonds or other white stones to highlight the green or with yellow gold for a warmer feeling. You might find that emerald earrings or a pendant can uplift a minimalist outfit in an understated way and act as an emphasis point. On the other hand, if emeralds are more of a statement piece to you, you may want your outfit pieces and other accessories to stay pretty subtle so the emerald jewellery doesn’t feel chaotic or mismatched.

Pearl Jewellery Styling

Pearl jewellery is perfect whenever you need something that is elegant, but understated; in workwear, smart-casual, formal daytime events, bridal, even casual events where refinement and simplicity is essential. A pair of pearl earrings and a simple pearl necklace give you an added touch of polish without needing to scream it. Pearls work great with pastel or neutral outfits. Crisp whites/ivories look stunning too. Because of their softer appearance they are timeless across generations and styles, classic or modern. If you want jewellery that fits in to your look, rather than stands out, pearl jewellery is the way to go.

Read more: Pearl Jewellery: The Basics and More 

Combining or Choosing Based on Your Look

If you're undecided on what to wear (emerald jewellery vs pearl jewellery), consider your outfit, the nature of the event, your personal style and how you prefer to feel in front of your audience. For example:

- For a luxe evening gown in a rich colour: the emerald jewellery may elevate this to look regal.

- For a daytime bridal or any soft pastel colour: pearl earrings or pearl necklace may evoke timeless elegance.

- If you prefer the minimalist chic look or want to create a piece you can wear consistently interchangeably across various contexts, pearl jewellery will provide more of a chameleon effect.

- If you love strong colour and want statement pieces, you would lean towards emerald jewellery.

You can also consider combining: a piece with both emerald and pearl elements can offer a contrast of colour and texture only if done correctly with equal weights.

Care, Durability & Maintenance 

The queen’s choice or the bride’s glow?

Caring for Emerald Jewellery

Emeralds are of moderate hardness (7.5-8), but may contain internal fissures or inclusions and are often treated (for example, oiling) to improve their overall appearance. This all means they require more care than some other gemstones.  Care guides advise: avoid using ultrasonic cleaning or steam cleaning on emeralds (as the treatments may be impacted). Also avoid exposing emeralds to extreme heat, harsh chemicals, or soaking them or subjecting them to impacts from everyday use. When necessary, emeralds can be cleaned with soap and water on a damp cloth or with a soft brush, but please don't soak them. Store separate from one another, to avoid scratches from harder stones. 

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your emerald ring inspected on a regular basis by your jeweller to ensure the setting is secure.

Caring for Pearl Jewellery

Many people don’t realize how fragile pearls are and one of the indicators is their low Mohs hardness, around 2.5 - 4.

Pearls are easily scratched, and their surface (nacre) can be harmed by excessive heat, rough contact, or chemicals (perfume, hairspray, acids).

The general care advice for pearls is to wear them last (after make-up/hairspray) and take them off first, wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, store them separately (so they don’t get scratched by harder gem stones), don't soak them, and don't swim or shower in them. 

Because they are softer, if you wear pearls in an everyday situation that is more troublesome than your regular day, they will wear faster than expected.

Durability Comparison & Practical Implications

As for practical use, emerald jewellery can be potentially more durable than pearl jewellery (assuming it is well cut and set), but only with care. Pearls take even more care when worn. If you tend to wear your jewellery on a daily basis in many environments (travel, social, and active) you may find that even the finest quality pearls will take more caution than you expect. If you are more of a delicate wearer of jewellery and appreciate an elegant, subtle style, pearl jewellery may be appropriate for your everyday wear. While emerald jewellery is hard, you actually have to worry about careless knocks or exposure to chemicals, especially because most emeralds contain internal fissures and can fracture. Nevertheless, it is likely that both will require good care differentiating themselves from one another in practice, revetments of handling, with emerald jewellery usually being the harder, and therefore more durable.

Selecting Between Emerald Jewellery and Pearl Jewellery

Emeralds shimmer with power. Pearls glow with grace. Which calls to you?

Clarify Your Purpose & Style

What purpose is your jewellery going to serve? Are you purchasing an investment piece, or wearing it every day? Will it be incorporated into special occasion looks (outfits) or everyday looks? What does your wardrobe consist of, are you drawn to deep palettes of color, or to subtle blush tones and neutrals? Do you prefer statement or bold accessory which is immediately eye-catching, or slightly understated pieces that accent your looks instead of dominating? If you err toward bold, expressive jewelry and have the clothes to support it, emerald jewellery may be your best choice. If you go toward classic, timeless, adaptable pieces that have a wide variety of wearability across your wardrobe, pearl accessories may be better.

Budget, Value and Long-Term Thinking

Since emeralds can have a very high value (especially any stones in the top colour/clarity combination), it can influence your budget. If your budget is medium, you may find you have to compromise quality and size in emeralds. Pearls tend to be easier to find beautiful pieces, at lower price points (especially cultured pearls) so if you need flexibility on budget or versatility, pearls may provide the most options. Think about potential resale or heirloom value: while a high quality emerald piece may have a greater upside, it will only work if quality/carre is in the highest echelon. A pearl piece will likely provide some degree of long-term wear value as well as possibly a sentimental value.

Special event & daily-wear purposes

If you want to wear the piece of jewellery virtually every day, then concerns about durability, maintenance, and how it goes with accessories and clothes become important for consideration. If the jewellery will be mostly worn for special occasions, you may be able to choose something more expressive (e.g., emerald). If you want to wear an item of jewellery more often with more outfits, one made of pearls may be better suited. Additionally, consider if you want an item that connects to many outfits (e.g., pearls), or one that stands out as a piece of jewellery (e.g., emerald). 

Care and Practical Use – What You Should Be Aware Of 

When nature paints elegance

Storage, Cleaning and Wear Frequency for Emerald Jewellery 

- Store your emerald jewellery separately from harder gemstones or metals that may scratch it. 

- Periodically check the setting and prongs; because emeralds may have internal fractures, a loose mount could cause them to crack or come out of the mounting. 

- Emeralds can be wiped with a damp cloth that has been mildly soaped up, and rinsed. Do not immerse in water, ultrasonic or steam clean. 

- Do not wear emeralds when performing manual labour or activities that require the use of chemicals; do not wear when there can be fluctuations in temperatures of the potential for heat; or store them near a heat source.  

- Because some emeralds have been oiled to improve clarity, excessive cleaning, or cleaning with harsh or and abrasive cleaning materials can potentially harm the treatment; moderate cleaning is best.  

Storing, Cleaning, and Wearing Pearl Jewellery

- Pearls are soft and shiny, so store them separately (in a soft pouch or lined box is safe) and keep them away from more durable stones.

- After wearing, wipe pearls with a soft cloth to remove body oils, perfume, or residues; you can clean them with a mild soap and warm water every so often, but never soak them.

- Chemicals (perfumes, hairsprays, or acids), high heat, chlorine/swimming, and heavy impacts should be avoided.

- If you wear pearls regularly, it is advisable to have them periodically checked professionally (the clasp and fixings, and even the stringing). Pearls, when neglected, can lose their lustre and deteriorate, so regular maintenance is important.

Read more: How Pearls Became the Must-Have Accessory

Selecting Between Emerald Jewellery and Pearl Jewellery

Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear emerald jewellery or pearl jewellery is a personal choice that involves your individual style, your lifestyle, your budget, and what you would like your jewellery to represent. If you envision yourself making a big statement and lighting up a room with rich green fire, an emerald jewellery piece is definitely stimulating. On the other hand, if you envision yourself walking into a room with understated confidence and grace, perhaps a piece of pearl jewellery would go with the energy of your spirit.

Emeralds and pearls are both classic choices that stand the test of time and what is interesting about jewellery is that it can be formed around you: your appearance, your emotion, your story. Whether you decide to wear an emerald jewellery piece or piece of pearl jewellery (or both!), just make sure it resonates with you who you are and your lifestyle. That way, it is not just a jewellery accessory, but a significant part of your identity.

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Emerald Jewellery , Emerald Jewellery vs Pearl Jewellery , How-to Guide , pearl earrings , pearl jewellery

Shwetha J

Shwetha is a content writer who brings in Shopify & off-page SEO expertise, and matches her passion for dance off-duty.