Handmade Pearl Jewelry Information

Handmade pearl jewelry is a timeless classic. Born within a living sea creature, it's no wonder Romans symbolised pearls as frozen tears of the Gods. Our pearl jewellery offers a classy touch to transform any outfit from plain to sophisticated.

All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography.
{Federico Fellini}

Unlike gemstones, pearls don’t need to be cut, faceted or polished. A pearl's beauty is evident right from birth. A Pearl's Birthplace is discovered within the deep ocean or rivers and lakes. Saltwater Pearls are formed within an oysters in the ocean.

How are Pearls Created?

A pearl’s beginnings occur when a tiny irritation (parasite) lodges into the soft interior of the mollusk. The aggravated mollusk responds to the strange visitor, by cocooning it with nacre, a rich calcium coating. Over time more nacre builds up and a pearl is formed.

A pearl is classified as a gemstone. Unlike other gems, a pearl's birthplace is within a living creature. There are either freshwater pearls or saltwater pearls.

Pearls created from oysters are known as saltwater pearl and are more expensive. Pearls formed within mollusks found in lakes, are known as freshwater pearls.

Oyster on Nantucket
©Christopher Seufert Photography

Freshwater pearls are more affordable and are found in a wider range of colours.

Types of Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

These are found within the black-lipped oyster ‘Pinctada margaritifera'. These Oysters are usually found in French Polynesian and Tahitian waters. These Green and White Tahitian Pearls were purchased during our holiday to New Caledonia.

Biwa Pearls - are sourced from mussels grown within Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa. However pearl farming from Lake Biwa is nearly extinct due to pollution.

Blister Pearls - are formed on the surface of the oyster's inner hard shell. They need to be chipped off the Shell.

Keshi Pearls - are a bonus pearls as they are a natural byproduct of cultured pearls. These tiny pearls occur by chance within marine mollusks or freshwater mollusks.

Mabe Pearls - are cultured pearls where half a bead is implanted onto the mollusks inner shell. The mollusk surrounds the bead in nacre. After cultivation, the bead is removed and the hole is filled with paste or wax.