Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Every pearl in our collection is a genuine, cultured freshwater pearl — grown inside a living freshwater mussel over the course of several years. We never sell imitation, simulated, or artificial pearls.

We specialise exclusively in freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are cultivated in the lakes and rivers of China and are composed almost entirely of solid nacre, which gives them exceptional durability and a beautiful, warm lustre. We focus on freshwater pearls because they offer outstanding quality and value.

We use a grading scale from AA+ to AAAA. AAAA is our highest grade — representing the top 5% of harvested pearls with mirror-like lustre, virtually flawless surfaces, and perfectly round shapes. AAA+ represents excellent quality, and AAA represents very good quality. Each grade is clearly described on our Pearl Guide page.

Our pearls undergo standard post-harvest processing (cleaning and polishing), which is universal in the pearl industry. We do not use artificial dyes, irradiation, or heavy chemical treatments. The colours you see are the natural body colours and overtones of the nacre.

The main difference is composition. Freshwater pearls are solid nacre with no bead nucleus, making them more durable than saltwater pearls (Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea), which have a thin nacre coating over a bead core. Today’s top-grade freshwater pearls rival saltwater varieties in lustre and shape while offering significantly better value.

All our hardware is crafted from solid 14K gold or sterling silver. We do not use gold-plated, gold-filled, or base metal components.

Yes. Every strand is hand-strung and individually knotted between each pearl using premium Japanese silk thread. This traditional technique protects against pearl-to-pearl abrasion and ensures that if a strand ever breaks, only one pearl is at risk.

Yes, we offer a range of lengths from 16-inch chokers to longer opera-length strands. Please check individual product pages for available options, or visit our Size Guide for help choosing the right length.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay.

If you need to modify or cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible at hello@hardlycommon.com. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but once an order has been shipped, it cannot be modified. You may still return it under our return policy.

Yes. We offer complimentary standard shipping on all orders within Canada and the United States.

Orders are processed within 1–3 business days. Standard delivery takes 3–7 business days within Canada and 5–10 business days to the United States. Expedited options are available at checkout. See our Shipping page for full details.

Yes, we ship to select international destinations. International orders typically arrive within 7–21 business days. Customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

We offer a 30-day return policy on all unworn, undamaged items in their original packaging. Earrings are final sale for hygiene reasons. Full details are on our Returns & Exchanges page.

Wipe your pearls with a soft damp cloth after each wear, store them in a soft pouch away from other jewellery, and have strands restrung every 1–2 years with regular wear. Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, and chemicals. Visit our Care Guide for complete instructions.

Please contact us at hello@hardlycommon.com to discuss repair or restringing services. We are happy to help keep your Hardly Common pieces in beautiful condition.