Pearl Jewelry

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Learn About Pearl Jewelry

The pearl is unique among gemstones, being the only one produced by a living creature and the only one that doesn’t require cutting or polishing.  For centuries, pearls have been associated with purity and femininity, being extremely delicate and rare products of nature.  With such a strong association with femininity and innocence, the pearl has become a common and classic bridal accessory. 

Cultured Vs. Natural Pearls

Natural pearls formed without human promotion are extremely rare and seldom uniformly shaped. For this reason, cultured pearls dominate the jewelry market today. Cultured pearls are formed by introducing a small foreign substance, such as a seed, into the mouth of an oyster to trigger a defensive response. The oyster secretes a layer of organic material called Conchiolin over the irritant, followed by layers of nacre eventually creating a full pearl.

Types of Pearls

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are the pearls you probably imagine when picturing a classic white pearl strand.  These pearls are known to have the highest luster and greatest shine of all cultured pearls. Akoya pearls range from 5 mm to 11 mm, with the 10 and 11 mm being rare finds. The Akoya pearl is either white or cream colored and typically has a rose, cream or ivory overtone.  

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are far less uniform than the standard Akoya pearl. Rather than being harvested from saltwater oysters, freshwater pearls are harvested from mussels that live primarily in the lakes and ponds of China. Freshwater pearls come in a variety of shades such as white, black, pink, peach, lavender, plum, purple, and tangerine. The color of the pearl depends on the species of the mollusk, its diet and its environment. The typical size of freshwater pearls is 2mm - 16mm with 7mm - 8mm being the most common.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls come from the warm waters of the South Seas and are grown in a Black-Lipped oyster. They are known for their deep, dark alluring black color. Tahitian pearls are larger than both Akoya and freshwater pearls, ranging from 9mm - 16mm. 

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are saltwater pearls cultivated from the oyster found in the South Seas centering on Northern Australia and South-East Asia. South Sea pearls are usually about 10-20mm making them the largest of all cultured pearls, and come in a wide range of metallic colors. Most South Sea pearls feature an exquisite silvery, cream or gold finish. As a result of their extreme delicacy, their unique metallic color and their exceptional roundness, South Sea pearls are usually the most expensive pearl on the market.

Popular Types of Pearl Jewelry

Some of the most commonly worn types of pearl jewelry include: pearl bracelets, pearl earrings and pearl necklaces.

Pearl Necklace

Pearl necklaces have been a popular fashion accessory throughout the centuries. The oldest pearl jewelry ever recorded is almost 3,000 years old dating back to 7th century Persia. Women love pearl necklaces because of their versatility and association with Hollywood glamour and delicate femininity. Like other pearl jewelry, pearl necklaces are available in a wide range of lengths, colors, styles and sizes.

Pearl Earrings

It was Cleopatra who turned the pearl earring into a legend. Pearl earrings have always been luxurious and magnificent, but she made them extraordinary.  Today, pearl earrings can be perfect as a casual adornment or as a statement piece for a formal occasion. Pearl earrings can be long and dangly or small and simple like round pearl studs.  It’s popular to set pearl earrings with a complimenting diamond or colorful gemstone. 

Pearl Bracelet

The pearl bracelet is the classic beauty accessory. It is an elegant timeless piece of jewelry that looks great on women of any age. Pearl bracelets are a perfect accent to wear on a daily basis or just the thing to complete the finishing touches of your look on your wedding day.

More Information

For more information on Pearls, Pearl Types and Pearl Characteristics, please visit our Learning Center.  We also invite you to Contact Us with any questions or concerns you may have.  Our customer support representatives are happy to assist you with whatever you need.