FAQs

Pearls, Materials & Care

From natural pearl colours to everyday care, discover the details behind your NINEMOO jewellery.

Pearls & Natural Beauty

Does NINEMOO use real pearls?

Yes. We use genuine cultured pearls, grown inside molluscs with human assistance, rather than imitation pearls made from glass or plastic.

Wild natural pearls are now very rare, and most freshwater and saltwater pearls on the market are cultured. Culturing describes how a pearl is grown; it does not mean it is an imitation.

We source pearls from ethically managed pearl farms, and favour their own colours, textures and growth forms, avoiding excessive colour alteration or reshaping.

What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls?

They grow in different environments and have their own colour, lustre and shape characteristics. Neither category alone determines quality: lustre, surface, shape, size, colour and matching all matter.

At NINEMOO, we focus on the beauty of each pearl and how it complements the design.

Are your coloured pearls naturally coloured?

We prioritise natural pearl colours. Approximately 90% of the pearls we currently use are naturally coloured.

A small proportion, including some Japanese Akoya pearls, have undergone irradiation to modify their colour. These remain genuine cultured pearls; natural colour and treated colour are different characteristics.

If you would like to confirm the colour treatment of a particular design, please contact us before ordering.

Will my pearls look like the photographs?

We select representative pieces from each batch for photography, aiming to show its colour, shape and lustre as faithfully as possible and minimise differences between the photographs and the piece you receive.

Because pearls grow naturally, each one has subtle differences. Light, viewing angle and screen settings can also affect how colours appear.

Your jewellery should reflect the design and overall characteristics shown, while retaining its own individual details.

Are small marks or irregular shapes a fault?

Fine surface textures, small dimples and irregular contours can be natural growth characteristics rather than damage. We value each pearl’s individual beauty and choose designs that bring out its character.

Cracks, significant damage, loose settings or broken clasps need to be assessed separately and should not be dismissed as natural variation. If you are concerned, please send us clear photographs and your order number.

Are rounder, more flawless pearls more valuable?

When other quality factors are comparable, rounder pearls with cleaner surfaces and stronger lustre are generally rarer and more valuable. Size alone does not determine value.

But beauty has more than one expression. Baroque pearls have distinctive, free-flowing shapes, ideal for those drawn to individuality and artistic design.

Round, luminous, well-matched pearls offer a classic, refined look for special occasions and everyday styling. We design around each pearl’s strengths, allowing different forms to express their own beauty.

Materials & Sensitive Skin

Is all silver-coloured jewellery sterling silver?

No. Silver-coloured describes appearance, not necessarily composition. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver; rhodium or platinum plating describes a surface finish, with a separate metal underneath.

Sterling silver ear posts do not necessarily mean the whole earring is sterling silver. Please check the material details for the individual design.

What is the difference between gold-plated and gold-filled jewellery?

Gold-plated jewellery has a gold layer applied over a base metal. Gold-filled jewellery has a gold layer mechanically bonded to a base metal and generally contains substantially more gold than ordinary gold plating.

Neither is solid gold. The base metal and construction may differ between designs, so please refer to the individual product description.

Will plated jewellery fade or change colour?

Plating can gradually wear through use, friction and environmental exposure. How long it lasts depends on the finish and how the piece is worn and cared for.

Limiting contact with water, perspiration, perfume and cleaning products helps preserve the finish. Remove jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping.

Sterling silver can also naturally tarnish over time; tarnishing alone does not mean it is imitation silver.

Is NINEMOO jewellery suitable for sensitive skin?

Our jewellery uses nickel-free metal components with a low-allergy finish intended to reduce the risk of skin irritation and support comfortable wear.

Individual sensitivities vary, so this cannot guarantee that everyone will be free from a reaction. If you have a known metal allergy, check the materials of the specific design, including the ear posts, backs and decorative parts.

If irritation occurs, stop wearing the piece and contact us.

What is the difference between natural crystal, cubic zirconia and diamonds?

Natural quartz crystal and cubic zirconia are different materials and should be identified separately in the product details.

Natural quartz crystal is a natural mineral. Cubic zirconia, commonly called CZ, is a manufactured material chosen for its bright sparkle.

Neither is a diamond, and CZ is not a laboratory-grown diamond. We choose materials for the colour, light and form they bring to each design.

Wearing & Care

Can I wear pearl jewellery every day?

Yes. Pearls can be part of everyday dressing as well as special occasions, with gentle care.

Put jewellery on after perfume, cosmetics and hair products, and remove it before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping. Avoid pulling on pearl strands or catching delicate settings on clothing.

How should I clean and store my pearls?

After wearing, gently wipe pearls with a very soft, clean cloth. For light surface residue, use a slightly damp soft cloth and allow the piece to dry before storing.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, abrasive polishing and chemical jewellery dips.

Store separately in a soft pouch or lined box, away from heat, direct sunlight and objects that could scratch them. Lay pearl strands flat rather than hanging them.

Does every pearl necklace need knots between the pearls?

No. Stringing methods depend on the design and construction. Knots can reduce rubbing between pearls and limit pearl loss if a thread breaks, but their absence does not prove that pearls are imitation or poor quality.

If the thread looks worn, the strand becomes noticeably loose or the clasp no longer closes securely, stop wearing it and contact us.

What do the six-month warranty and five-year repair support cover?

Our warranty covers faults in materials or workmanship for six months from the original purchase date under normal wear and appropriate care. Covered faults are repaired or replaced at no cost.

Ordinary wear, accidental damage and loss of the whole piece are not covered. A pearl or stone lost because of a faulty setting will be assessed separately as a possible manufacturing fault.

Email info@ninemoostore.com with your order number or proof of purchase, a description and clear photographs. Wait for our return instructions before sending the piece.

We offer five-year repair support from the original purchase date for all products, including pearl restringing where appropriate. Email us for an assessment; we confirm any applicable fee before work begins. Your statutory rights are unaffected. Read the full warranty and Repairs & Aftercare guidance.

What if my jewellery arrives damaged or develops a problem?

Please contact us with your order number, a brief description and clear photographs of the issue. We will review the details and explain the appropriate next steps.

Please avoid attempting a repair before contacting us.

Orders & NINEMOO

Do you offer custom or personalised pieces?

We occasionally offer custom or made-to-order designs. Availability and lead times vary by piece. Please email us to discuss your request.

Can I change or cancel my order?

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel an order. Once it has been dispatched, we may be unable to make changes.

Where is NINEMOO jewellery made?

NINEMOO is a London-based jewellery brand. Our jewellery is hand-finished in London.

Can you help me choose a piece?

Yes. Contact us for help with choosing a design, sizing or styling. Include the product name or link so we can advise on the exact piece.

How can I enquire about a collaboration?

We occasionally collaborate with content creators, stylists and creatives whose aesthetic and values align with NINEMOO.

Please email us with your social media platforms and handles, audience demographics and proposed collaboration details. Enquiries are reviewed individually, and we may not be able to respond to every request.

Still have a question?

We are happy to help. Include the product name or link, or your order number if you have already purchased.

Contact the NINEMOO team  ·  info@ninemoostore.com