Skip to content
The Perfect Pearls
Pearl StudioFreshwater pearlsAkoya pearlsTahitian pearlsSouth Sea pearlsSee all: TypesWhite pearlsPink pearlsPurple and lavender pearlsPeach pearlsSee all: ColorsHow to tell if pearls are realReal or fake checkerFake pearlsSee all: Real or fake?Pearl gradingQuality checkerHow much are pearls worth?See all: Quality & valueHow to clean pearlsPearl size chartNecklace lengthsSee all: Care & wearPearl StudioGuess the PearlSee all: Play

Pearl colors

Golden pearls

Deep natural golds come from the gold-lipped form of the Pinctada maxima oyster, in colors from pale champagne to deep gold (GIA).

Try this color in Pearl Studio

Illustration. Screens vary, and real pearls change with the light.

Where golden pearls come from

Deep natural golds come from the gold-lipped form of the Pinctada maxima oyster, in colors from pale champagne to deep gold (GIA). Freshwater pearls also come in yellow.

Pearl types with this color

Natural or treated?

Dyed golden South Sea pearls are difficult to identify, so ask for lab documentation for an expensive piece (Jewelry Business).

More on pearl treatments, or build this color yourself in Pearl Studio.

Pearls that come in this color

Golden South Sea pearls South Sea pearls from the gold-lipped form of Pinctada maxima, in colors from pale champagne to deep gold. La… Strands of freshwater pearls on silk, white and dyed blue Freshwater pearls Cultured in Hyriopsis mussels in rivers, lakes and ponds, mostly in China. Usually 6 to 12 mm, in white and s…

Frequently asked questions

Are golden pearls natural?

They can be. Deep natural golds come from the gold-lipped form of the Pinctada maxima oyster, in colors from pale champagne to deep gold (GIA). Dyed golden South Sea pearls are difficult to identify, so ask for lab documentation for an expensive piece (Jewelry Business).

Questions from readers

Question about Golden pearls? Ask it here. We answer the useful ones on this page.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Sources

Checked October 22, 2026.