Pure Pearls Glossary
Know exactly what you are buying
10 terms starting with C, each linked to the pieces we actually have.
Decode a listing
Paste a description from anywhere. We will tell you what it actually says, what to be wary of, and what the same thing costs here.
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Freshwater, saltwater, South Sea, keshi, and how to tell a real pearl from a coated bead.
Round, baroque, drop, coin and the rest, and what each one is worth paying for.
What AAA actually means, plus lustre, nacre, orient and the claims to be sceptical of.
Millimetres, choker to rope, bangle sizing, and which length suits which neckline.
Jhumka, mangalsutra, kundan, polki, temple work and the rest of the Indian vocabulary.
925 silver, plating thickness, American diamond, coral, hallmarks and karat versus carat.
Clasps, knotting, drilling and settings — the parts that decide whether a piece survives.
Storing pearls, the tooth test, restringing, and the astrological terms buyers ask about.
Or by letter
Terms starting with C
Showing 1 to 10 of 10
Certificate of Authenticity
A document stating what a pearl is. Useful in proportion to who issued it and what it actually tests.
Chain
Linked metal forming a flexible necklace or bracelet, sold by length, gauge and link pattern.
Choker
A necklace that sits high and close around the neck. Both a length and, in Indian jewellery, a distinct style.
41 in stock · from ₹4,200
Choker Length
A necklace of about 14 to 16 inches, sitting snugly at the base of the throat.
94 in stock · from ₹2,700
Clasp
The fastening that closes a necklace or bracelet. The most common point of failure and the most overlooked part of a purchase.
Coin
A flat, round disc. Large surface area for the weight, so it makes bold pieces that stay light.
6 in stock · from ₹3,750
Collar Length
The shortest classic length, around 12 to 13 inches, worn tight against the middle of the neck.
Coral
A red to orange organic gem formed from marine coral skeleton. Paired with pearls in traditional Indian sets, and worn as moonga in astrology.
26 in stock · from ₹1,200
Cubic Zirconia
A hard, brilliant lab-made stone used as a diamond substitute. Called American diamond throughout the Indian trade.
35 in stock · from ₹1,200
Cultured Pearl
A real pearl grown in a farmed mollusc after a technician places an irritant inside it. Essentially every pearl on the market is cultured.
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