Kraft greeting cards vs Pearl (metallic) greeting cards
Updated 2026-06-01 · 3 min read
Kraft and pearl are the two specialty greeting-card stocks that signal "this isn't an off-the-shelf card." Kraft is warm, hand-made-feeling brown card stock — read as personal, rustic, artisan. Pearl is a luxe metallic-shimmer stock — read as wedding-formal, gala invitation, premium gift. Same folded format; entirely different occasion fit.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Kraft greeting cards | Pearl (metallic) greeting cards |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Kraft brown uncoated | Pearl-coated metallic card stock |
| Surface | Rough, fibrous, hand-feel | Smooth, shimmer-coated |
| Color rendering | Muted — colors print on a warm base | Vivid with metallic catch-light |
| Accepts handwriting | Yes, beautifully | Yes, but pen ink takes longer to dry |
| Envelope match | Kraft brown or natural recycled | Smooth white or pearl-finish |
| Cost | Modest premium over white | Higher premium |
| Best for | Save-the-dates, holiday cards, indie thank-yous, craft brand greetings | Wedding invites, gala invitations, milestone announcements, luxury brand cards |
Verdict
Pick kraft for save-the-dates, handmade-feel holiday cards, indie shop thank-yous, craft-brewery branding, anything where the recipient should perceive authenticity and warmth over polish.
Pick pearl for wedding invitations, milestone-anniversary announcements, gala invites, corporate holiday cards from financial / legal / luxury brands. The metallic shimmer telegraphs formality without needing a foil-stamp upcharge.
Featured products
Kraft greeting cards
Pearl (metallic) greeting cards