Ever since their first introduction in ancient times, pearls and diamonds have been every woman’s best friend. These precious gemstones are so unique, versatile, and equally beautiful which often makes it a bit hard for fashionistas of all styles and ages to choose the best option for them.
The truth is comparing pearls and diamonds is somewhat impossible as both are so special and stunning, making it difficult to pit them against each other. However, there are some key differences between the two that make one preferable to the other.
From their history and origin to the way they can be styled, there are several factors that are taken into consideration when choosing the best gemstone for you. Keep reading to get a closer look into the pros and cons of each gem and decide which one is the better option.
The history and origin
Although both pearls and diamonds have been the most valuable gemstone for many centuries, pearls have been around for much longer. These jewels date back 7,500 years, and while now they can be purchased from professional jewelry sellers such as Pure Pearls, at the time they were only reserved for the royals and nobles in Medieval Europe because of their rarity.
On the other hand, diamonds do not have such an astonishing history. In fact, the oldest diamond, known as the Beau Sancy Diamond, is only about 500 years old.
Besides their history, both gemstones also differ in their origin. Pearls are created when an irritant finds its way into an oyster, either naturally or with human intervention, while diamonds are formed naturally in the earth’s mantle under extreme temperature and pressure. This difference in origin oftentimes gives pearls an edge over diamonds.
The value
The value is probably one of the most distinctive differences between pearls and diamonds. In general, if you want to purchase a high-quality diamond, you should be prepared to spend a couple of hundreds or thousands of dollars. This isn’t the case with pearls because a high-quality pearl is still much cheaper to buy.
In fact, pearls have become more affordable because they can now be cultured, meaning they can be produced by human intervention, which was first introduced by Mikimoto Kokichi in the 20th century.
As for diamonds, many believe they are rarer than pearls and that makes them more expensive. However, in reality, diamonds are very common and what makes them rare is actually the tight control of supply in the diamond industry.
The main characteristics
When it comes to the main characteristics of the two gems, it can be difficult to determine which one has better attributes.
For instance, pearls are mainly known for their unique colors which range from soft shades of white, creamy, and rose to bold tones of dark blue, purple, and black. They are also loved for their luster, commonly referred to as pearlescence, which comes from the nacre that the oyster secretes to make the pearl. The thicker the nacre is, the more luster a pearl has.
On the other hand, diamonds are preferred by many mainly because of their sparkle, fire, and brilliance. This gemstone also has the ability to show different colors of light which makes women immediately fall in love with it.
The fashion and style
Another major difference between pearls and diamonds is in the way they are worn. Pearls are a timeless piece of jewelry that can be styled with both casual and formal looks to add a touch of elegance and flair to it. You can find them in many styles with classic pearl strands, pearl earring studs, and bracelets being the most commonly preferred by women.
As for diamonds, they are more of a luxurious piece of jewelry and are typically worn to add a lavish touch to formal outfits. While most women prefer to wear them in the form of stud earrings and pendants, diamonds have also become the go-to stone for engagement rings.
And if you are truly infatuated with both gemstones, you can even combine them together to create your own unique overall look.
Final thoughts
It is completely understandable if you are having a hard time choosing between pearls and diamonds. Both gemstones are very beautiful and unique in their own way and it is often a matter of preference and fashion sense which one suits a woman’s style better.
And whichever you choose, you won’t make a mistake because both are classic pieces of jewelry that will always be in style. This is what makes them an excellent choice to enrich your jewelry box with.
