Pearl Surface Marks, Damage and Care: What to Check

A pearl's surface condition affects how it looks and how confidently it can be worn. Start by distinguishing an appearance characteristic from damage. Do not interpret a visible mark as a prediction of bad luck, illness or a personal outcome.

Pearl illustration from the existing Omm guide — Existing article illustrations. Read the offered item description and its corresponding report; a photograph alone does not establish pearl identity.

Inspect before choosing a setting

Cracks or chipped areas: request a close-up and an assessment of whether the pearl can be used safely in the intended mount.
Dents, pits and surface marks: compare their size and position. A mark near the back may look different once mounted; ask to see the actual orientation.
Drill hole: ask whether the pearl is drilled, partly drilled or undrilled. Look for damage around the opening and confirm the setting's requirements.
Coating or an unusual surface: ask what the material description and report say. Appearance alone does not establish treatment or imitation status.
Shape and matching: choose the shape you prefer. In a strand or pair, compare the items together rather than treating one photograph as a sample for all of them.

Does a genuine pearl have to be perfectly round and white?

No. Genuine pearl material and your preferred shape or colour are separate questions. Do not reject an irregular shape as fake or accept a perfectly smooth one as genuine without the relevant identification. GIA's pearl quality factors include surface and shape as distinct parts of an appearance/value assessment.

Should a blemished pearl be worn?

That depends on the actual condition and intended jewellery, not a universal rule about “defective” pearls. Ask a jeweller to distinguish a cosmetic mark from damage that affects attachment or durability. If the item is already loose in its mount, chipped or cracked, stop wearing it until it is assessed. If a religious practice calls for a particular appearance, discuss that preference separately from the physical inspection.

Do not use a damaging home test

A scratch, flame, chemical soak or rubbing test can damage an item without giving you a reliable identification. Arrange an appropriate examination when natural/cultured or imitation status matters. A household experiment does not establish geographic origin or a complete treatment history.

Care for the pearl and the complete assembly

Pearls are easily scratched and can be affected by heat and chemicals. Wipe them gently with a soft, clean cloth after wear, keep them away from perfume and harsh cleaners, and store them away from objects that can scratch them. GIA advises against ultrasonic and steam cleaning for pearls. Follow item-specific instructions for the mount and cord as well. GIA's pearl care guidance explains these precautions.

Do not assume that polishing, a coating or restringing will repair a cracked pearl. Restringing addresses the cord; damage to the pearl or its attachment needs a separate assessment. Ask about proposed work, its effect on appearance and any limitations before authorizing it.

Keep your buying records

Save the listing, photographs, invoice and report together. At delivery, compare the supplied item with those records and check the packaging before discarding it. Contact the seller promptly about a damaged or incorrect item, following the applicable return and damage-reporting policy.

Continue with the pearl buying checklist, natural/cultured/imitation terminology and certificate verification, or compare current pearl listings.

Original contribution: Rashmita Nayak. Buying information revised by Omm Rudraksha & Gemstones, 12 October 2026. Existing page address retained.