How Are Pearls Turned Pink?

Pearl Colors

• The color of a pearl depends on the body color, the overtone and the Orient. The body color is the main color of the pearl, which falls into the category of either warm or cool hues. The overtone is the overlying translucent color that seems to float over the pearl; it can change the body color slightly and also adds depth and glow to the pearl. Orient is the most highly prized, and rare, characteristic pertaining to color, and it refers to iridescent, rainbow-like colors that shimmer at the pearl's surface.

How Pearl Dyeing Works

• The surface of a pearl is porous and slightly rough--two features that allow dyes to permeate. Chemical reactions are also used to change a pearl's natural color. For example, pearls are treated with silver nitrate and then exposed to either sunlight or hydrogen sulfide gas; each of these agents causes a chemical reaction that darkens the pearls.

Dyeing Pearls

• Many pearl colors are created using a combination of silver nitrate and organic or inorganic dyes. It is easier to replicate colors with inorganic dyes such as Jacquard than with organic dyes made from plants and flowers. These dyeing processes are often done using white Ayoka cultured saltwater pearls to create some of the most desirable pink pearls available.

Dyeing Pearls at Home

• While the outcome might not be as reliable, you can also dye pearls at home with a variety of natural and homemade dyes. Using Rit dye or food coloring results in a more predictable color result. But you can make your own dye from a variety of fruits, vegetables and juices. Foods such as raspberries, cranberries, grape juice, or beet juice can be used for homemade pink pearl dyes.

Detecting Pearl Treatments

• Pink pearls can occur naturally, but there are ways to tell if a pearl is natural or if it has been artificially colored. Look at the consistency of color throughout a pearl strand. A perfectly colored strand is usually treated, as natural pearls will have variations in color. You can also check for treatment by looking into the drill hole of a pearl. Dyed pearls usually have concentrations of color along the holes while natural pearls are consistent in color throughout.