Coloured Pearls

Coloured freshwater pearls beads are a captivating and unique alternative to traditional white and cream pearls. They add a touch of vibrancy and individuality to jewellery designs. Whether you’re after a fun and bright addition to summer and beach jewellery, or a scattering of pearls to complete a strung necklace design, Beads N Crystals has a great selection of beads available.

Are coloured pearls natural?

Our coloured freshwater pearls are dyed using safe and environmentally responsible colouring agents. Freshwater pearls can be dyed to achieve a wide range of colours that may not otherwise be available in nature.

Before dyeing, the freshwater pearls are carefully cleaned to remove any impurities or debris on their surface. This ensures that the dye adheres evenly to the pearls. A dye bath is prepared by mixing the desired colourant with a suitable skin-safe dyeing solution. The colorant can be a natural or synthetic dye, depending on the desired colour.

The pearl beads are then placed in the dye bath and allowed to soak for a specific time. The length of time can vary depending on the desired colour intensity and the type of pearls being dyed. In some cases, the solution may be heated to assist the absorption of colour. Warm solutions can help the colour penetrate the pearls more effectively, resulting in a more vibrant and uniform coloration. However, excessive heat can damage the pearls, so caution is taken to achieve the best results.

After the desired colour is achieved, the pearls are removed from the dye bath and thoroughly rinsed to remove any excess dye. This ensures that the colour remains stable and does not bleed onto other materials. The pearls are then carefully dried before they can be strung into strands for sale to jewellery makers and beaders, like you!

It’s important to note that dyed freshwater pearls may require special care to maintain their colour and longevity. Exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and prolonged sunlight can fade or alter the dyed colour over time. Therefore, it’s recommended to handle dyed pearls with care and avoid exposing them to harsh conditions.

Colours of Pearls

Generally, natural pearls come in a natural palate of whites, peaches, creams, pale yellows, greys and peacocks. Most other colours including gold pearls, bright green, purple, red and blues are generally only possible with dyed pearls. The process of colouring pearls allows for many new colours of pearls for jewellery making.