About Alba Pearls and FAQs
Alba Pearls began as a family journey, created in loving memory of our beloved mum and gran. Her passing was a great loss to us, and during that time, we searched for a way to keep her spirit close.
She adored jewellery and pearls, and so this felt like the perfect tribute — a way to honour her love for beauty and bring comfort to others through pieces that hold meaning. Alba Pearls was born from that love, remembrance, and connection.
With every order, you’ll find a little angel included — our heartfelt thank-you for helping to keep her memory alive.
Alba Pearls x
FAQs
Q: Are your freshwater pearls real and natural?
Yes — all our pearls are 100% natural freshwater pearls, known for their soft lustre and unique beauty. Each pearl is slightly different, making your freshwater pearl jewellery truly one-of-a-kind.
Q: What is Alba Pearls jewellery made from?
Our jewellery is crafted from genuine 925 sterling silver, designed for lasting shine and comfort. Some pieces are also accented with high-quality cubic zirconia for extra sparkle.
Some pieces that we find and love may not always be 925 sterling silver and would be silver plated, but this would be clearly noted on the product description.
Q: How long does Alba Pearls jewellery take to arrive?
We always aim to ship your custom pearl jewellery within 5 days of your order being placed. During busy periods, please allow a little extra time — every piece is crafted with care and worth the wait!
Browse our pre-mounted collection, featuring pieces that are ready to ship right away, so you can enjoy your new jewellery even faster.
Q: What happens during an Alba Pearls oyster opening?
Our oyster opening experience allows you to discover your pearl as part of your order. Your oyster is opened to reveal your freshwater pearl, and the experience is filmed for TikTok, so you can watch your pearl reveal after your order.
Then you could mention your TikTok account naturally:
Follow @alba.pearls5 on TikTok to see our latest oyster openings, pearl reveals and jewellery creations.
Q: Can I choose the colour of my pearl?
Yes — if you have a particular colour in mind, we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request! Please note, however, that when a specific colour is chosen, your pearl will be selected from our already opened pearl stock.
This means we won’t be able to provide an Oyster Opening video, as those are reserved for surprise pearl reveals. But don’t worry — your chosen pearl will still be just as beautiful and carefully selected to match your preference.
Q: Can I buy an oyster to open at home?
Yes! We offer additional oysters that you can open yourself — a fun and unique way to discover your very own pearl. They’re perfect for building a personal collection, especially if you own one of our cage pendants, which let you easily swap pearls to match your style or mood.
You can explore our full selection of oysters available to purchase here:
👉 Shop Additional Oysters
Q: Do you offer custom pearl jewellery?
Yes! Our custom pearl jewellery allows you to choose from our available jewellery styles and create a piece featuring your pearl. Depending on the product, your order may include an oyster opening and pearl reveal, making your jewellery experience just as special as the finished piece.
Q: What is an Edison Pearl?
Edison pearls are a type of high-quality freshwater pearl, celebrated for their exceptional lustre, smooth surface, and impressive size. Grown using advanced cultivation techniques, each pearl develops a deep, mirror-like glow that rivals even the finest saltwater pearls.
No two Edison pearls are exactly alike — their subtle variations in shape and colour make every piece truly one-of-a-kind. Elegant, radiant, and modern, Edison pearls bring a luxurious touch to any jewellery collection.
Q: How are natural freshwater pearls formed?
Pearls are one of nature’s most magical creations. They form inside freshwater mussels when a tiny irritant — such as a piece of shell — finds its way inside. In response, the mussel naturally coats it with layers of nacre, the same lustrous substance that gives pearls their beautiful glow.
Over time, these layers build up to create a smooth, radiant pearl — a process that can take months or even years. Each one develops its own unique shape and shine, which is why no two pearls are ever exactly alike.
Q: Are all freshwater pearls the same shape and colour?
No — one of the things that makes natural freshwater pearls so special is that each pearl can vary in shape, size, colour and lustre. These natural variations mean that your pearl jewellery has its own unique character, making every piece individual.
Q: How should I care for my pearl jewellery?
Keep your freshwater pearl jewellery radiant for years to come by treating it with a little extra care. Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and harsh chemicals, and gently wipe your jewellery with a soft cloth after each wear. Always remove your pearl jewellery before bathing, swimming or exercising, and keep it dry.
Q: Do you deliver across the UK and internationally?
Yes! Alba Pearls offers jewellery and pearl-related products for customers in the UK and internationally. Please note that unopened oysters are available for delivery within the UK only.
Available delivery options and charges will be displayed at checkout.
Q: How much does delivery cost?
Delivery costs depend on your location and the shipping service selected at checkout. UK customers can choose from available standard and tracked delivery options, with free standard delivery available on qualifying orders. International delivery options are also available.
Your delivery options and any applicable charges will be shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
Q: How long will my order take to be dispatched?
We aim to create and dispatch your custom pearl jewellery within 5 working days of your order being placed. Some products may be ready to ship sooner, particularly items from our pre-mounted collection.
Please remember that dispatch and delivery are different, and the time your parcel takes to arrive will depend on your selected shipping service and destination.
Q: Can I buy an unopened oyster to open myself?
Yes! You can purchase additional freshwater pearl oysters to enjoy your own pearl reveal at home. They are a fun way to discover your own pearl and are perfect for adding to your personal collection, especially if you have one of our interchangeable cage pendants.
Please note that unopened oysters can only be shipped within the UK.
Q: How will I receive my oyster opening video?
When your oyster opening is filmed, you can look forward to seeing your pearl reveal on TikTok at @alba.pearls5. Otherwise, we will send opening videos by email, allowing you to revisit your special reveal after your order.
Please make sure your email address is entered correctly at checkout. If you have provided your TikTok username in your order notes, we can use this to help identify and tag you where appropriate.
Q: What is your returns policy?
At Alba Pearls, we accept returns within 14 days of purchase for items that are unused and in their original condition. If you wish to return an item, please contact us first so we can guide you through the process.
Q: What happens if my order arrives damaged?
We’re sorry if your order arrives damaged! Please contact Alba Pearls as soon as possible with details of the issue and photographs of the damage. We will aim to arrange a replacement wherever possible. If a replacement cannot be provided, we will issue a refund.
We want you to be happy with your purchase and will do our best to help resolve any issues.