Pearl Engagement Rings
Mikimoto, Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea & Fresh Water Pearl Rings

Pearl engagement rings are absolutely beautiful. They're a classic and elegant alternative to diamond rings and can often be a fraction of the cost. So if you're looking for an inexpensive engagement ring with a lots of class, elegance and flair, then a pearl ring may be the right choice for you.

For centuries, pearls have been thought to represent  purity, chastity and modesty and are thought to be a symbol of a happy marriage. They also happen to be the birthstone for June.

Before we show you our favorite picks for pearl engagement rings, there are a few basic things that you should know about.

Natural Pearls VS Cultured Pearls

Pearls are formed when a foreign substance enters an oyster or mollusk shell. In response to the irritation, the creature releases a substance which surrounds the irritant and eventually forms a pearl. The only difference between natural and cultured pearls is that man adds the irritant as opposed to it occurring naturally. And, since natural pearls are much rarer to find, natural pearl engagement rings are much more expensive than cultured ones even though the pearl itself was formed in the same way.

The Four Basic Types of Pearls  

Akoya Pearls Akoya pearls are the classic cultured pearl and come from the akoya oyster which is the smallest pearl producing oyster.
As a result, the pearls also tend to be smaller ranging between two and eleven millimeters and are most commonly found in creams, whites, and pale rose colors.
Fresh Water Pearls Freshwater pearls come from non-saline (non-salty) waters and tend to be less round in shape than salt water equivalents and
also much less expensive. They come in a variety of shapes and colors ranging from whites to pinks and peaches and even lavenders, purples and blacks.
South Sea Pearls South Sea pearls are cultured pearls from the South Seas as the name suggests. They are among the largest pearls in the
world at around 13 mm and have a unique luster and satin finish with very soft and subtle coloring of white, silver, and golden hues which are rare in the other types of pearls.
Tahitian Pearls Tahitian pearls are breathtaking and unique because of their natural dark color. They are extremely rare and even though
many look black,or close to black, the majority are silver, very dark gray or many other different darker colors with a dark green prominence.

If you're researching pearl engagement rings you'll often come across Mikimoto Pearls, which are generally considered to be the Rolls Royce of cultured pearls. Mikimoto is the father of the cultured pearl and was able to master the process to such a degree that  pearls carrying the Mikimoto name are of exceptional quality with a price tag to match.

Below are our favorite white gold Mikimoto pearl engagement rings and run from about $1600 to $2800. If they are within your budget and you want to know more about them just click on each of the rings. They really are extra special and any girl would be delighted to own one.
 

More...

More...

More...

More...

 

Pearl engagement rings are really one of the best alternatives to a diamond ring. They can run from a couple of hundred dollars into the thousands and all have an intrinsic pure beauty that is so appropriate for an engagement ring.

We looked into what's available on the market today and found some really beautiful rings (the Mikimotos above and others) at Reeds. They offer the best possible prices and also put their pearl rings on sale occasionally which is always a good thing. We've actually partnered with them so that that we could show you here on our site what you should be looking for in a pearl engagement ring.

Here are our favorite pick for pearl rings that cost under $1000:
(click on any of the rings to find out more about them)
 

More...	We love this freshwater cultured pearl with diamond surround in white gold. It is so elegant and refined and we love the way the light plays off of the diamonds and enhances the pearl's sheen. It looks so much more expensive than its $500 price tag especially with the pave diamond setting. It really is a beautiful design. Just click on the ring if you want to know more about it.
More...	This ring is truly a classic beauty! Simple and elegant with just the right amount of sparkle. The white gold and diamond accents frame the akoya pearl without overpowering the setting much like the classic solitaire. As far as pearl rings go this one stands out for its overall simplicity and understated elegance. Click on it to learn more about it.
More...	If you're looking for more traditional style then this is the pearl engagement ring to go for. It is the perfect marriage between white gold, a freshwater pearl, and small diamond accents. The design itself has a family heirloom quality even though it is quite contemporary and will transcend time and be appreciated for generations to come. Click on the ring to learn more about it.
More...	This beautiful Tahitian pearl engagement ring is the most expensive out of these four because Tahitian pearls are rarer to find and therefore more costly. At just under $1000 this ring comes with a lot of bling for the buck. The dramatic dark pearl surrounded by accent diamonds all set in white gold makes a huge statement and will never go unnoticed. Click on the ring to find out more.

Pearl engagement rings should never be thought of as second rate and are a beautiful testament to your relationship with all that they inspire and represent.

They're timeless and elegant and one of our favorite alternatives to the traditional diamond engagement ring. The only downside is that pearls are much softer than a diamond so they won't stand up to abuse the way a diamond will. So consider your lifestyle and then decide if a pearl engagement ring is right for you.

Return from Pearl Engagement Rings to Birthstone Engagement Rings

Or, go to The Wedding Engagement Experts Home Page