Natural Pearl (Moti) in Pakistan

Natural and cultured, explained simply

A pearl starts when a mollusc coats an irritant with nacre, a mix of calcium carbonate and protein, one thin layer at a time. A natural pearl forms entirely by chance and is very rare today; the old pearl beds of the Gulf gave the famous "Basra" pearls that South Asian families prized for generations. A cultured pearl forms the same way, except that a farmer places the starting nucleus or tissue inside the mollusc. Cultured pearls are real pearls made of real nacre, and they make up most of the market. Our listings say which kind a pearl is whenever we know.

Five things that set a pearl's value

1. Lustre - how bright and sharp the reflections on the surface are. This matters most: a high-lustre pearl looks alive, a poor one looks chalky.
2. Surface - the fewer spots, bumps and wrinkles, the higher the grade.
3. Shape - perfectly round pearls are the rarest; near-round, oval, button and baroque shapes cost less and have a charm of their own.
4. Colour and overtone - white, cream, pink, silver and grey are common, and a faint rosy or silvery overtone adds appeal.
5. Size - at equal quality, a bigger pearl costs more.

Each listing shows the price of that single pearl, and dividing by carat weight gives the per-carat rate.

Freshwater and saltwater

Freshwater pearls grow in mussels, come in many shapes and soft pastel colours, and are generally more affordable. Saltwater pearls grow in oysters and often have a sharper lustre and rounder shape. Both are genuine pearls.

Is it real?

The old tooth test still works: rub the pearl gently along the edge of your front teeth. Real nacre feels slightly gritty, while glass, plastic and coated shell copies feel smooth and slippery. Under magnification, real nacre shows fine, maze-like ridges, and imitations often have coating flaking near the drill hole. Separating natural from cultured needs a lab. Our authenticity page explains how we check each pearl.

Moti in tradition

Pearl is the June birthstone. In Vedic astrology Moti belongs to the Moon (Chandra) and is traditionally set in silver and worn on the little finger for calm, patience and emotional balance. These are beliefs, not guaranteed effects, so consult an astrologer if that is your reason for wearing one.

Caring for pearls

Pearls are soft, about 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and sensitive to acids. Put them on after perfume and make-up, wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, keep them away from chemicals, and store them in a soft pouch of their own.

Ordering pearls from Authentic Gems

We check every pearl and photograph it honestly. Delivery is a flat Rs. 500 by insured, tracked courier: Karachi usually 1 to 2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and other major cities 2 to 4, smaller towns up to about 7. Pay Cash on Delivery after opening the parcel and looking at the pearl, and return unused items within 7 days. For another Moon stone with a soft sheen, see our moonstone collection.