The present invention relates to a method for preparing (pearlescent) pigments, comprising the steps of: (1) coating of a sheet silicate with a desired metal oxide, wherein coated flakes are obtained, (2) delamination of the coated flakes obtained in step (1), wherein exfoliated coated flakes and exfoliated non-coated flakes are obtained, (3) separation of the exfoliated coated flakes from the exfoliated non-coated flakes, (4) coating the exfoliated coated flakes obtained in step (3) with metals, metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal nitrides or mixtures thereof, wherein a (pearlescent) pigment is obtained; to (pearlescent) pigments, obtainable by the process and to the use of the (pearlescent) pigments in paints, ink-jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings, printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass.