I didn't know what a shell pearl is, so I looked it up on the internet.  Oyster or clam shells are carved into the desired shape, polished, and painted.  I also looked at some reviews for shell pearl earrings that were already posted on Amazon.  Those reviews were quite enlightening.  Generally, white shell pearls fare well, but other colors do not.  I found reviews for chocolate shell pearls which stated the paint scratched off, and those reviewers were not happy.

When I received these, I examined them with an open mind, and these are my findings.  These are not suitable for a gift, unless the recipient knows in advance that they are not truly pearls.  I knew that from looking at the presentation box, a plain, thin cardboard box, with the earrings mounted on plain, thin cardboard.

When I took them out of the box and looked at them, I found they do look like cultured pearls.  I took a photo of the earrings next to a pendant I bought on Amazon that is made with a cultured pearl, as well as a ring I inherited that was purchased in the 1950s.  I do not know what type of pearls are on the ring.  I know it is 14K gold, with a silver mounting and diamond chips.  None of the pieces look the same, but the shell pearls simply do not look fake.  The pair I received are very white with a purple/gray hue.  They are definitely a "cool" color pearl, though I would expect variations in different pairs, just as one would with actual pearls.  Each oyster or clam is different, so the shell pearls will vary.

The shape is very perfectly round, and I found an infinitesimal blemish on one pearl, under magnification.  No one will ever be able to see it.  The pearls are quite lustrous.  After I learned shell pearls are painted, I held them under several types of light, with and without magnification, and could not tell there is paint at all.  The surface looks like pearl, not like paint.  The only way I could tell these were not pearls was the teeth test.  They're a little too smooth to pass that.  Because I did not pay for these pearls, I also tried to scratch them.  I didn't take a hammer or saw to them, but rubbed them against other pieces of jewelry as may happen occasionally.  No damage.

They are honking big, though.  You can tell by looking at the photo.  The ring is a size eight, and its pearls are about 3mm each.  Now, you will have to decided for yourself whether your social circle will be suspicious about your large and gorgeous earrings.  I could not capture the hue of any of the pearls with my camera, I don't think.  Please note, you may need to view my images to see the photo.

If you like big ball earrings, or big pearls, you really should try them, provided the price is six lattes or less.  I think they would look fine for the office, casual occasions, or for weddings.  I mean, no one is going to be able to tell you or your bridesmaids are wearing fakes in the photos, and you can afford the big pearl earrings if they're shell earrings.  They could be worn to prom as well.

If big is your desire, I recommend them.