Dyed Freshwater Pearls – How are pearls dyed?

Dying of Pearls

Have you ever asked yourself, “How are Pearls Dyed?” Dyed Pearls go through a serious process before they ever reach the “Dying of Pearls” stage. To dye a Pearl it must go through a process before ever reaching the Pearl dying stage. The treatment process of a Pearl begins once the unrefined material, eventually called a Pearl, is collected from the mollusk. Once collected the Pearl is washed to be rid of any remaining debris. Pearls are then sorted, sized and drilled to be prepared for the next step.

Dying Saltwater Pearls, Freshwater Pearls and Cultured Pearls

Saltwater Pearls, Freshwater Pearls and Cultured Pearls are porous accepting any contact with natural and chemical substances. Pearls are placed through a bleaching process; either for a short amount of time or an even longer period of time up to 60 days; this lightens up any dark spots the Pearl may have. A process that is valuable to the enrichment of the Pearls color and vitality for lasting beauty. Once the Pearl is thoroughly rinsed they are paired and then strung.

Pearl Dying Process

The dying process of Pearls uses the use of silver nitrate, organic dyes and gamma rays. These are ways to darken the appearance of the nucleus or nacre of Pearls. During this process the Pearls are slightly heated over a prolonged period of time. In some cases are placed under an intense white, fluorescent or ultraviolet lighting. Once the dyed Pearl is to its exact color specifications the Pearl is then delicately washed and cleaned with no soaps or detergents.