The invention relates to pearlescent pigments with a platelet-shaped substrate comprising metal oxide and having a first and a second protective layer, said metal oxide having a refractive index of greater than 1.8, there being on the platelet-shaped substrate a first protective layer comprising cerium oxide and/or cerium hydroxide and a second protective layer of SiO.sub.2, applied to which is an organic chemical aftercoat comprising at least one silane having at least one functional bond group and at least one silane without a functional bond group, it being possible for metal oxide layers other than cerium oxide and SiO.sub.2 to be disposed between the first and the second protective layer. The invention further relates to a process for preparing these pigments, and to the use thereof.