Getting to know Pearls

Saltwater Pearls

Saltwater pearls grow in oysters that live in the sea. They are usually bead‑nucleated, take longer to form and are generally rarer and more valuable. Each type has its own character.

Akoya pearls

Akoya pearls are the classic white saltwater pearls, mainly grown in Japan and nearby coastal regions. They are usually small to medium in size, beautifully round and known for their bright, mirror‑like lustre. Akoya strands and stud earrings are the traditional choice for a timeless, elegant look.

South Sea pearls – White & Golden

South Sea pearls are among the largest and most luxurious cultured pearls. They are grown in warm waters around Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Their nacre is thick and their glow is soft and velvety rather than sharp.

• White South Sea pearls show shades of white, silver and ivory and feel understated yet refined.

• Golden South Sea pearls range from pale champagne to deep, rich gold and are especially rare, often chosen for statement or heirloom pieces.

Tahitian pearls

Tahitian pearls are naturally dark saltwater pearls, cultivated mainly in French Polynesia. Instead of being simply “black”, they show a spectrum of colours such as charcoal grey, peacock green, blue and aubergine. Their larger sizes and metallic overtones give them a modern, expressive and slightly edgy feel that suits bolder jewellery designs.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels that live in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. One mussel can grow several pearls at a time, so freshwater pearls offer a wide variety of shapes and colours with a more approachable price point.

Standard freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls come in many shapes, including near‑round, oval, rice, potato and baroque. Their colours range from white and cream to natural pink, peach, lavender and champagne. The lustre is usually soft and gentle, giving a relaxed, modern feel that works beautifully for everyday jewellery and layering.

High‑grade / near‑round freshwater pearls

High‑grade freshwater pearls are specially selected for better roundness, cleaner surfaces and higher lustre. They look closer to traditional round saltwater pearls, but remain more accessible in price. They are ideal for customers who want a refined, classic look without stepping into the highest price brackets.

Large freshwater pearls

Some freshwater pearls are grown to larger sizes, sometimes comparable to smaller South Sea pearls. These pearls often have a strong presence and are typically used as single pendants, centre stones in necklaces or bold earrings. They suit customers who love a more dramatic, statement look.

Mabe pearls

Mabe pearls are cultured “half pearls” that grow against the inside shell of the oyster rather than in the middle of the body. After the pearl blister forms on the shell, it is carefully cut out, cleaned and backed with a dome to create a lightweight cabochon shape. Mabe pearls are typically larger in diameter than most round pearls and show a wide, shimmering face, which makes them ideal for earrings, rings and pendants that sit flat against the skin. Their bold size, gentle dome and beautiful lustre give designers a lot of freedom to create statement pieces at a more approachable price than comparable full‑round pearls.

They can be cultured in both freshwater and saltwater molluscs, but many fine Mabe pearls on the market today are grown in saltwater oysters.