Frequently Asked Questions

Answers from the Premium Pearl team in San Francisco. We have made cultured pearl jewelry since 2003, and the people who grade our pearls also answer the phone: 1-800-801-3280, Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm PST, or info@premiumpearl.com.

About Premium Pearl

Who is Premium Pearl?

Premium Pearl is a San Francisco pearl jeweler founded in 2003 by Iris Lee, who still runs the company and selects the pearls herself. We specialize in classic, custom and modern cultured pearl jewelry in Akoya, Hanadama, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater pearls, and have served tens of thousands of customers. Our jewelry has appeared in USA Today, Audrey Magazine, Latina, Family Circle and LA Brides, and has been worn by the singer Fergie and the actress Tamara Braun. See our About page and press page.

Where is your jewelry made?

Every piece is made by hand in our San Francisco office and checked by our pearl specialists before it ships. We buy pearls directly from the farms and markets where they are grown, from Japan for Akoya and Hanadama pearls, French Polynesia for Tahitian pearls and Australia for South Sea pearls, and design and make the jewelry ourselves.

Are your pearls real?

Yes. All of our pearls are genuine cultured pearls, and every piece comes with a certificate of authenticity that states what you are buying. We do not sell imitation, shell or glass pearls.

Where else can I buy Premium Pearl jewelry?

Our full collection, custom orders and personal advice are available here at premiumpearl.com. A selection of our jewelry is also sold under the PremiumPearl brand on Amazon.

Choosing Pearls

What is the difference between Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater pearls?

• Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls grown mainly in Japan and China. They are known for a round shape and a bright, mirror-like luster, and are the classic choice for a white pearl strand or stud earrings.
• Hanadama pearls are the top grade of Japanese Akoya pearls, certified by an independent Japanese pearl laboratory for thick nacre and exceptional luster.
• Tahitian pearls are saltwater pearls from French Polynesia. They are naturally dark, in shades of gray, green, peacock, aubergine and black, and are larger than Akoya pearls.
• South Sea pearls are the largest cultured pearls, grown in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, in white and golden colors with a soft, satiny luster.
• Freshwater pearls are grown in lakes and rivers, mostly in China. They are almost entirely nacre, come in many natural colors and shapes, and offer the best value.

Read more in our Pearl Guide.

Which pearl type should I choose?

For a classic white strand or a first pair of pearl studs, choose Akoya. For a dramatic dark pearl, choose Tahitian. For the largest, most luxurious pearls, choose South Sea. For the best value, everyday wear or colored pearls such as lavender, peach or cocoa, choose freshwater. If you are unsure, call us and we will help you choose for your budget and style.

What do AA+, AAA and AAAA mean?

These grades describe a pearl's overall quality: luster, surface, shape and how well the pearls match. AAA is the top grade for most pearl types, and AAAA is used for the finest freshwater pearls. Most Premium Pearl jewelry is AAA quality, and we grade to standards provided by GIA (the Gemological Institute of America). See Quality and grading.

What matters most when buying pearls?

Luster (the brightness and reflection on the surface) matters most, followed by surface cleanliness, shape, size and matching. A smaller pearl with excellent luster usually looks more beautiful than a larger pearl with dull luster. See How to buy pearls.

What necklace length should I choose?

A 16-inch choker sits at the base of the neck. An 18-inch princess length, the most popular, sits just below the collarbone and suits most necklines. A 20–24-inch matinee length falls to the top of the bust and works well over higher necklines. Longer opera and rope lengths can be worn long or doubled. See Choose a Pearl Necklace.

What pearl size should I choose?

For Akoya stud earrings, 6.5–7.5mm is a classic everyday size. For a first Akoya strand, 7–7.5mm is the most popular. Larger Tahitian and South Sea pearls make a bolder statement. Tell us how you plan to wear your pearls and we will recommend a size.

Are pearls a good gift?

Yes. Pearls are a traditional gift for weddings, the 30th anniversary, graduations, Mother's Day and June birthdays (pearl is the June birthstone). Every order arrives gift-packaged in an elegant jewelry box with a certificate of authenticity. See Pearl Jewelry Gifts and Gift Packaging.

Do you make bridal pearl jewelry?

Yes. We make pearl necklaces, earrings, bracelets and matching pearl sets for brides and bridesmaids, and can adjust lengths and match pearl colors to your gown. Call us to plan bridal party orders.

Custom Orders

Can you customize jewelry for me?

Yes. Since we make our jewelry ourselves, we can easily adjust the length, size or color of most items on the site. Call us at 1-800-801-3280 or email info@premiumpearl.com for details.

I want to match my current pearl jewelry in color. What can I do?

Describe the pearl color or overtones you want in the comment box at checkout. We will do our best to select pearls that match your color preference.

I want a necklace in a length not listed on your site. What can I do?

We can make a necklace in any length. Call 1-800-801-3280 or email info@premiumpearl.com for details.

Can I choose a different clasp or chain?

Yes. Many necklaces and bracelets can be made with an upgraded clasp, and pendants can be paired with a different chain. See our clasps and chains.

Pearl Care

How do I care for my pearls?

Put your pearls on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray. Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, and store them flat in their box or a soft pouch, away from other jewelry that could scratch them. Do not soak pearls or clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Are your necklaces knotted?

Yes. Our pearl necklaces and bracelets are strung on silk and knotted between each pearl, so the pearls do not rub against each other and will not scatter if the strand breaks.

How often should pearls be restrung?

If you wear your strand often, have it restrung every few years, or sooner if the silk looks stretched or the knots have gaps.

Orders, Shipping and Returns

How fast do you ship?

Most in-stock items ship within one business day. Custom and special orders may take longer, and we will give you an estimated delivery time when you order.

What are your shipping charges?

Within the continental United States: USPS Priority Mail (3 business days) $10, FedEx or UPS 2 Day $12, and FedEx or UPS Next Day $32. Saturday delivery is available in most areas for an extra $18. See our shipping page for Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Can you combine shipments?

Yes. We combine multiple items into one shipment, and the shipping and handling fee is the same as for a single item.

Do you ship internationally? What are the charges?

Yes. We ship worldwide by FedEx and DHL, with costs calculated at checkout from the carriers' live rates. Customers are responsible for any duties and taxes charged by the destination country. See international shipping.

Is a signature required on delivery?

Yes, for orders over $100. If you will not be available to sign, we can ship to another address or to a FedEx location for pick-up.

Do you charge sales tax?

For orders shipped outside California, we do not charge sales tax.

For orders shipped within California, we charge 7.25% sales tax, or 8.5% for San Francisco County.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 30-day return policy. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return your item in its original condition within 30 days of shipment for a refund or an exchange. Premium Pearl will refund the full product cost, excluding shipping. See our return policy for details.

Is it safe to order online?

Yes. Checkout is secure and encrypted through Shopify. Read what our customers say in our customer reviews, and see our guarantee.