Some of our most timeless and classic jewelry designs are created with pearls. We carry pieces incorporating pearls of several different varieties and the stories behind the formation of these beautiful gems is as unique as the jewelry they become.
South Sea pearls are among the largest commercially harvested pearls. The average size of a South Sea pearl is 13 mm. The South Sea waters are native to a large oyster which grows up to 12 inches in diameter, resulting in much larger pearls than other saltwater oysters. South Sea pearls also exhibit a variety of colors - white, silver, golden with their own unique, satiny luster coming from the warm waters of this region.
The Tahitian pearl is formed from the black lip oyster. The cultured Tahitian pearl comes in various shapes and sizes including round, oval, and teardrop. Because of their darker hues, Tahitian pearls are often known as "black pearls" however, they can often contain shades of green, blue, and silver. The versatility of both shape and color give this pearl character and value.
Freshwater pearls are pearls grown in mussels living in ponds, lakes and rivers. China is the world's leader in freshwater pearl production. In general, freshwater pearls are quite durable, resisting chipping, wear and are very popular in jewelry design.
Akoya pearls are produced mainly in Japan, China, South Korea and Australia. They are known for their gorgeous luster and white or cream color and are widely considered the classic pearl. They tend to be smaller - ranging in size from about 2 to 11 mm. They are also the most consistently round pearls, making them ideal when matching in multi-pearled jewelry.
Visit our showroom to see our entire pearl selection in person. The nuances and beauty of each variety will truly wow you!