Pearl Jewellery Hand-Crafted
from Genuine
South Sea Pearls

The four different types of pearls are:

• Freshwater Pearls: Freshwater pearls are cultivated in freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers. They are known for their affordability and versatility. These pearls often have irregular shapes and come in various sizes, ranging from small seed pearls to larger baroque pearls. Freshwater pearls display a wide array of colours, including white, pink, lavender, and peach. 
• Akoya Pearls: Akoya pearls are renowned for their classic elegance and are primarily cultivated in Japan and China. They are typically round and have a smooth surface, making them highly desirable for jewellery. Akoya pearls have a creamy white or ivory colour and possess a high lustre, giving them a brilliant and reflective shine. Their size generally ranges from 6 to 8 millimetres, although larger specimens can be found.
• South Sea Pearls: There are three types of South Sea Pearls: Black Tahitian, Australian White and Gold South Sea Perals from the Philippines. These pearls are celebrated for their exceptional size and luxurious appeal. South Sea pearls are among the largest pearls available, with sizes ranging from 9 to 20 millimetres. They exhibit a radiant, satin-like lustre and are renowned for their natural colours, including creamy white, silver, and golden hues. The larger size and exceptional quality of South Sea pearls contribute to their reputation as some of the most coveted pearls in the world. Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls, are cultivated in French Polynesia and are typically used for black pearl jewellery. They are treasured for their extraordinary range of dark and exotic colours, including light grey, grey, regal green, aubergines and deep black. Tahitian pearls have a larger average size compared to other pearl types, ranging from 8 to 16 millimetres.

If we’re talking about different types of pearls, it’s also important to mention the stunning mother of pearl – even though it isn’t actually a pearl. Rather, it is an organic substance that lines the inner shell of certain mollusks, particularly oysters and abalone. Mother of pearl jewellery is renowned for its iridescent and lustrous appearance, displaying a mesmerising play of colours when light reflects off its surface.

Learn more about pearls here.

Pearls are formed inside certain species of mollusks, such as oysters and mussels, as a defence mechanism against irritants. When a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or parasite, enters the mollusk, it secretes layers of nacre (a combination of calcium carbonate and protein) around the irritant, gradually forming a pearl.

You can read more about how pearls are made here.

Absolutely – cultured pearls are real pearls. They are formed through a process called pearl cultivation, where humans intentionally introduce an irritant into a mollusk to stimulate the pearl-forming process. Cultured pearls have the same organic composition as natural pearls, with the only difference being the introduction of the irritant by human intervention.

Pearls are graded based on several factors, including their size, shape, lustre, surface quality, colour, and matching. The grading criteria may vary slightly depending on the type of pearl. The grading system allows for a standardised assessment of a pearl’s quality and helps determine its value in the market.

Our South Sea pearls and jewellery are sourced from reputable pearl farms in Australia, French Polynesia and Philippines.

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your pearl jewellery, it is essential to handle and care for them properly. Avoid exposing your pearls to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or lotions, as they can damage the delicate surface. Clean your pearls gently with a soft cloth after each wearing to remove any oils or residue. Store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching, and avoid exposing them to excessive heat or prolonged sunlight.

Read our guide for caring for pearls to find out more.