Pearl Stone (Moti Ratna)

Freshwater Cultured Pearl: Grown in freshwater mussels (Hyriopsis cumingii), freshwater pearls develop thick, durable nacre layers in round, button, and oval shapes. With soft white to warm cream body colors, they offer genuine beauty, everyday durability, and accessible pricing.

Keshi Cultured Pearl: A by-product of pearl culturing: the mollusc forms a pearl without the inserted bead, for example after rejecting it, and keeps secreting nacre. Because Keshi pearls form without an inserted bead nucleus, they often show remarkable orient, organic baroque shapes, and intense metallic luster.

The Basra Pearl Reality: Natural saltwater pearls from the Persian Gulf, traded through Basra, have been commercially unavailable for decades: the Gulf pearl trade collapsed in the 1930s after cultured pearls reached the market, and the oil industry later drew its divers away. Genuine Basra pearls are now found mainly in antique and heirloom jewellery. Ratna Gems names every pearl by its cultured variety and does not sell modern cultured pearls as “Basra pearls.” Read more in our Pearl (Moti) Buying Guide.

All our pearls are genuine cultured pearls — Freshwater and Keshi — grown inside living molluscs. Under international naming rules, “natural pearl” is kept for pearls that formed with no human help, such as the historic Basra pearl, so we call ours cultured. We never sell imitation pearls made of glass, plastic, wax-coated beads or shell composites (Majorica). Each listing and its lab report state the pearl type and its treatment status, and our photos and videos show each pearl’s real lustre and surface.

Every Pearl Stone at Ratna Gems is individually tested and comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory. The certificate identifies the physical nature (Freshwater Cultured Pearl, Keshi Cultured Pearl, or Baroque Cultured Keshi Pearl), exact carat and ratti weight, dimensions, specific gravity (2.60–2.85), refractive index (1.52–1.66 aggregate), hardness (2.5–4.5 on Mohs scale), and its treatment status. Each report carries its own report number, which you can quote to the laboratory to check it.

Lab Report Included: Every gemstone comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory at no extra charge. If you specifically require an additional report from IIGJ or IGI (GII does not test pearls), you can select it from the certification dropdown on the product page (official laboratory testing fees apply in advance on a non-refundable basis).

Because pearls are organic gemstones composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite) and organic conchiolin protein, their surface hardness is 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them sensitive to acids, friction, and chemicals:

• “Last On, First Off” Principle: Always put your pearl jewelry on after applying perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics, and body lotions. Alcohol and mild cosmetic acids can etch and permanently dull the delicate nacre layers.
• Safe Cleaning: After each wear, gently wipe your pearl with a soft, clean, slightly damp lint-free cloth to remove skin oils. Never use ultrasonic machines, steam cleaners, toothbrushes, vinegar, or commercial jewelry detergents.
• Breathable Storage: Store pearls flat in a soft cloth or silk pouch separate from harder faceted gemstones (such as Sapphires, Diamonds, or Rubies) to prevent abrasion. Avoid sealed plastic bags, as pearls require ambient humidity to prevent dehydration and brittleness.

For customers observing classical Indian customs, traditional literature outlines the following customary conventions:

• Customary Metals: Sterling Silver (925 Silver) is traditionally considered the most harmonious setting for pearls, while White Gold and traditional Panchdhatu / Ashta Dhatu alloys are also favored.
• Traditional Placement: Customarily worn on the little finger (Kanishtha) or index finger of the working hand.
• Traditional Timing: Customary traditions often observe Monday mornings during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) at sunrise.
• Traditional Substitutes (Upratna): Natural Moonstone (Chandrakant) is traditionally named as an alternative.