All Things Pearl

PEARL COLLECTION

Discover pearls that match your vibe - classic, bold, or totally unique. From timeless Akoya pearls to edgy Tahitian and rare Biwa pearls, we’ve got the perfect piece to level up your style.   

   

PEARL QUALITY 101

Not all pearls are the same. Here’s what makes them stand out:

LUSTRE   The shinier, the better. High-lustre pearls have a mirror-like glow.

SURFACE   Fewer blemishes mean better quality. Smooth pearls are top-tier.

SHAPE    Round pearls are the most wanted, but unique shapes add character.

SIZE    Bigger pearls are rarer and more valuable.

COLOUR   From classic white to sleek black, choose your vibe.

NACRE   Thicker layers = longer-lasting pearls with better shine.

MATCHING   Sets should be consistent in size, colour, and shape.

ORIGIN    Some pearls, like South Sea or Tahitian, are extra special.

 

Find the pearl that speaks to you.

PEARL GRADING MADE SIMPLE

Not all pearls are created equal. Here’s how they’re graded so you know what you’re getting:

 

TOP-TIER PEARLS

AAA (Gem Quality)    Super shiny, almost flawless, perfectly round (or close) with thick nacre and top-tier colours. Best of the best.

AA (Fine Quality)    Great shine, minor flaws (barely noticeable), good shape, and solid nacre. High quality without the premium price.

 

MID-TIER PEARLS

A (Good Quality)    Decent shine, some imperfections, slightly irregular shape, and thinner nacre. Still beautiful, but not as refined.

B (Commercial Quality)    Moderate shine, visible flaws, less symmetry, thinner nacre. More affordable, but less polished.

Pearl grading can vary depending on the type (Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, Freshwater), but this guide keeps it simple. Want the best? Go for AAA. Want beauty without breaking the bank? AA or A might be your match.

 

Find the right pearl for you.

NATURAL VS. CULTURED PEARLS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Not all pearls are made the same way. Here’s how they compare:

🌿 NATURAL PEARLS – 100% NATURE-MADE

FORMATION    Happen by chance when an irritant enters an oyster. The oyster coats it with layers of nacre over years.

RARITY    Super rare. Finding one is like hitting the jackpot.

LOOK    Often unique in shape and colour. No two are the same.

VALUE    Ultra-expensive due to their rarity.

 

🛠 CULTURED PEARLS – HUMAN-ASSISTED, STILL REAL

FORMATION    Farmers insert a tiny bead or tissue into the oyster to start the process.

RARITY    More common and widely available.

LOOK    More uniform in size, shape, and colour. Round pearls? More likely to be cultured.

VALUE    Can be high-quality but generally more affordable than natural pearls.

 

💡 BOTTOM LINE: Natural pearls are rare and pricey. Cultured pearls give you beauty and quality without the impossible price tag. Most pearls in jewellery today are cultured—same elegance, just more accessible.

 

FRESHWATER VS. SALTWATER PEARLS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Not all cultured pearls are the same. Here’s how they compare:

💧 FRESHWATER PEARLS – AFFORDABLE & VERSATILE

WHERE THEY GROW    In lakes, rivers, and ponds inside freshwater mussels.

FORMATION    A small piece of tissue is inserted, and the mussel coats it with nacre.

NACRE THICKNESS    Generally thicker, making them super durable.

SHAPE & COLOUR   More variety! Can be round, oval, or baroque in shades like white, pink, and lavender.

SIZE   Usually smaller than saltwater pearls.

VALUE   More budget-friendly since mussels produce multiple pearls at a time.

 

🌊 SALTWATER PEARLS – CLASSIC & LUXURIOUS

WHERE THEY GROW    In oysters found in oceans (Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea).

FORMATION   A small bead or tissue is inserted, and the oyster forms nacre around it.

NACRE THICKNESS    Can vary, but thicker nacre means better lustre and longevity.

SHAPE & COLOUR   Usually rounder and available in classic white, black, silver, and gold tones.

SIZE   Generally larger, especially South Sea pearls.

VALUE   Pricier due to their rarity and high-end reputation.

 

💡 BOTTOM LINE: Want variety and affordability? Go for freshwater pearls. Looking for high-end, timeless elegance? Saltwater pearls are the way to go. Either way, you get stunning, real pearls to match your style!

 

PEARL TYPES

Pearls are timeless, natural gems formed inside molluscs. From classic white to deep black, they come in different shapes and sizes, making each one unique. Here’s a breakdown of some must-know pearl types:

FRESHWATER PEARLS

Simple, elegant, and versatile. These pearls are known for their soft glow and affordability. They’re often linked to love, wisdom, and a calm energy. Perfect for everyday wear or adding a touch of class to any look.

FRESHWATER BAROQUE PEARLS

No two are alike! Baroque pearls have irregular, organic shapes that stand out. If you love unique, artsy jewellery that breaks the mould, these are for you. Fun fact: the world’s most expensive pearl is baroque and worth $100 million!

SALTWATER CULTURED BLACK TAHITIAN PEARLS

Dark, bold, and mysterious. These pearls, grown in French Polynesia, come in shades of black, grey, green, and even blue. They symbolise strength and sophistication, making them a statement piece for those who love standing out.

SALTWATER CULTURED JAPANESE PEARLS

Classic and refined, Japanese pearls are known for their perfect round shape and high shine. They’re a staple for anyone who loves timeless jewellery with a luxurious feel.

FRESHWATER CULTURED BIWA PEARLS

Originally from Japan's Lake Biwa, these pearls are long, irregular, and full of character. Though no longer farmed there, the term still refers to pearls with a similar shape and charm. Great for artistic and modern designs.

SALTWATER CULTURED AKOYA PEARLS

The ultimate classic pearl. Akoya pearls are small, round, and super lustrous. Found mostly in Japan and China, they’re the go-to for a polished, elegant look.

SALTWATER CULTURED HANADAMA PEARLS

Top-tier Akoya pearls with insane shine. "Hanadama" means "flower pearl" in Japanese, representing their rare beauty. These pearls are all about luxury and perfection.

SALTWATER CULTURED SOUTH SEA PEARLS

The queens of pearls! South Sea pearls are large, luminous, and come in shades of white, cream, gold, and silver. Cultivated in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, they’re rare and highly valuable.

MOTHER OF PEARL

Not a pearl but just as beautiful! It’s the iridescent layer inside mollusc shells, often used in jewellery and accessories. Known for its dreamy shimmer and soft glow, mother of pearl symbolises protection and femininity.

No matter your style, there’s a pearl for everyone. Whether you love classic elegance or bold, unique pieces, pearls are forever in fashion.

 

PEARL MAINTENANCE

Caring for pearl jewellery involves the following key steps:

AVOID CHEMICALS

Keep pearls away from perfumes, cosmetics, and hairsprays, as these can damage their lustre.

GENTLE CLEANING
Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt. Use a mild soap solution sparingly if needed.

STORAGE
Store pearls in a soft pouch or cloth away from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Avoid storing pearls in plastic bags, as they need to "breathe".

WEAR CAREFULLY
Pearls are delicate and can be scratched or damaged by rough handling. Put them on after applying cosmetics and remove them before engaging in strenuous activities.

 RE - STRINGING
If you wear pearl strands frequently, have them re-strung periodically (every 1 - 2 years) by a professional jeweller to prevent strand breakage.

 

By following these simple care tips, you can maintain the lustre and beauty of your pearl jewellery for years to come.