Pearl Jewelry
Pearl Jewelry Collection
Prized for their ethereal beauty, pearls are unique not just for their lustrous appearance but also their composition. While precious stones such as diamonds and sapphires are formed underground as minerals, pearls are formed organically within freshwater and saltwater mollusks. This distinction prohibits pearls from being classified as "stones." Natural pearls can be found in almost any body of water worldwide, though they are still exceedingly rare. This elusiveness, coupled with their beauty, has led to them being one of the most sought‑after gems.
The popularity of pearls is far from a new trend. Pearls have been included in jewelry and adornments by many ancient cultures around the world. Greek lore proclaimed pearls to be tears of joy shed by the goddess Aphrodite. During the Egyptian civilization, pearls were a symbol of Isis, the goddess of healing and life. In recent times, pearl jewelry has become a fashion staple, seen on royals, celebrities, and runway models.
Types of Cultured Pearls
Depending on where they originate, pearls can be found in various shapes, sizes, and hues. Here is a list of some of the most popular.
Akoya White Pearls
When one thinks of a pearl, Ayoka white pearls are likely the image that comes immediately to mind. These pearls feature a perfectly round shape with a brilliant, ghostly luster. Choose Akoya pearl jewelry set in 18kt white, yellow, or rose gold for a dazzling show of beauty. Japan is famous for producing the world's best Akoya pearls, but these beauties also come from China and Vietnam.
Freshwater Pearls
Farmed in freshwater ponds and lakes predominantly in China, this variety is available in stunning colors ranging from brilliant whites, pastel lavenders and pinks, to dark grays and blacks, and varied shapes, ranging from round, free‑form baroque to button or drop shaped. You'll find freshwater pearls in gorgeous designs, including the timeless single‑strand white freshwater pearl necklace and long or multi‑layer pieces.
Tahitian Pearls
When searching for pearl jewelry with even more distinction, consider Tahitian pearls. These beauties come in dark charcoal and gray colors with shimmering undertones of peacock, blue, green, or silver. A dark‑colored Tahitian pearl set in sterling silver creates an absolutely stunning piece. Small pearl farms throughout the French Polynesian Islands produce these exotic gems beloved by women for their rare beauty.
South Sea Pearls
Make a luxurious style statement with a White South Sea pearl necklace. The largest cultured pearl variety, South Sea pearls, feature an elegant color palette of gold, silver, and white, forming a mirage of glistening gorgeousness. Mostly farmed along the coast of northern Australia and the Philippine Islands, South Sea pearls make for exquisite jewelry sets that draw attention thanks to the large‑sized gems.
Mother‑of‑Pearl
Made from the inner layer of the shell of mollusks such as abalones and oysters. Mother of pearl is an iridescent substance that is usually white, off‑white or pale pink, although it can be dyed to any color. Mother of pearl is shaped like a shell, so it can be worked into many jewelry designs such as ear cuffs and butterfly or flower pins, and necklaces.
Pearl Grading
Pearls are graded on several qualities, including the quality of the nacre and surface, luster, size and shape, origin, and color. The most commonly used grading system is the A‑AAA Grading Scale, with AAA quality being the highest.
