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Katie Muirhead

Katie Muirhead

Katie Muirhead is the editor and primary writer for The Pearl Expert. With a background in fashion and experience creating content for global jewelry brands, she writes practical guides on pearl quality, buying decisions, care, gifting and modern styling. She also contributes pearl education and editorial content for The Pearl Source. All Posts
White pearl jewelry arranged on oyster shells and pink satin.

What Is a Pearl Oyster? How Oysters Make Pearls

Pearl oysters are marine bivalve mollusks, not the same family as the edible true oysters most people know. Their mantle secretes shell material and, in nacre-producing species, can form a pearl around material within the mantle or other body tissue. For a broader introducti...

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Necklace Length Chart: Find the Right Fit for Every Neckline

The best necklace length is the one that lands clearly above or below a garment's neckline instead of competing with its edge. Start with the standard length chart, then check the result on the wearer: neck size, height, torso length, pendant drop and the exact cut of the cl...

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Flat lay of gold pearl jewelry — a bracelet, ring, drop earrings and pendant charm — styled with a white ribbon on a soft peach background.

Pearl Tooth Test: Does It Really Work?

The pearl tooth test can sometimes distinguish a nacreous pearl from an imitation with a very smooth coating, but it is not proof that a pearl is natural, cultured, untreated, valuable—or even genuine in every case. Some imitations can have a gritty surface, and rubbing je...

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A flatlay image of pearl jewelry of different types and styles laying on top of a cream linen background.

Pearl Jewelry Price Guide: What You Can Actually Get for $100, $300, $500, and $1,000+

Key Highlights Pearl jewelry prices are shaped by pearl types, size, luster, surface quality, shape, and nacre quality. This pearl jewelry pr...

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The Most Versatile Pearl Types

If you're buying pearl jewelry for the first time, or you want a piece you'll wear for years, versatility is often one of the most important considerations. Most buyers aren't looking for pearls that suit just one outfit or one occasion. They want jewelry that works across e...

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Do Pearls Lose Their Shine Over Time?

Many people worry that pearls will eventually become dull, especially if they're worn regularly or passed down through generations. If you've invested in pearl jewelry, it's natural to wonder: do pearls lose their shine, or will that beautiful luster last?...

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A pearl professional sort through pearls of different types, quality, and price.

How to Avoid Overpaying for Pearls

Pearl prices can vary dramatically, and that often leaves buyers wondering whether they're getting good value or paying more than necessary. It's a reasonable concern, especially when two pieces of pearl jewelry can look similar while carrying very different price tags....

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Myth: Freshwater Pearls Are Low Quality

If you've started researching pearls, you've probably come across the idea that freshwater pearls are somehow "inferior" to other pearl types. Many buyers assume that because freshwater pearls are often more affordable than Akoya, Tahitian, or South Sea pearls, they must be...

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Baroque pearl necklace on a notebook beside headphones, sunglasses, and coffee

How Younger Generations Are Wearing Pearls Today

For much of the last century, pearls were associated with formal occasions, family heirlooms, and classic jewelry collections. Today, modern pearl jewelry has transformed how we view and wear these timeless gems. They were often viewed as something you inherited, wore to a s...

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Are Pearls Appropriate for a Second Marriage?

If you're planning a second marriage or shopping for bridal jewelry for someone who is, you may wonder whether pearls are still an appropriate choice. Some wedding traditions carry specific expectations, which can leave people questioning whether certain jewelry feels suitab...

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