Keshi Pearls

Keshi pearls are exceptional, naturally occurring pearls that form as a by-product of pearl cultivation. These small, non-nucleated pearls are composed entirely of nacre, with no central bead, making them 100% pearl. The term "keshi" comes from the Japanese word for poppy seed, "keshinomi," reflecting their tiny, distinctive shape. Keshi pearls often have an irregular, flattened, or slightly bulbous appearance, and their surface texture can be wavy or rippled, adding to their unique beauty.

These pearls form when an oyster is nucleated with a tissue piece and a bead, but if the bead is rejected or the tissue separates, the result is a keshi pearl. They are produced in both saltwater and freshwater environments, with notable farming regions in Tahiti and Australia.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are considered among the most luxurious and sought-after types of pearls. Cultivated in the Pinctada maxima oyster, which is native to the warm waters between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, South Sea pearls are prized for their size, luster, and stunning beauty.

These pearls are the largest of the cultured varieties, typically ranging from 8mm to 16mm in diameter, and require 2 to 3 years to mature. Known for their silky, soft luster, South Sea pearls are typically round or symmetrical. The gold-lipped oyster, found off the coasts of the Philippines and Indonesia, produces the rare golden South Sea pearls, which showcase hues from light to deep yellow and orange. Due to their exceptional quality, South Sea pearls are often used to create the finest jewelry pieces and are celebrated for their remarkable luster.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are renowned for their exotic appeal and unique colors. Despite the name, Tahitian pearls are not exclusively from Tahiti, but rather from black-lip oysters farmed across French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Micronesia, and parts of Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. However, only black-lip pearls from French Polynesia are officially classified as Tahitian pearls.

Once among the rarest and most valuable pearls in the world, Tahitian pearls are now more widely available and affordable due to advances in pearl farming. These pearls are bead-nucleated, meaning a round shell bead is inserted into the oyster to encourage the growth of a round-shaped pearl. However, only about 50% of Tahitian pearls form a perfect round shape; others develop baroque, circle, or off-round shapes.

The color of a Tahitian pearl is influenced by its location within the oyster. Pearls forming closer to the inner shell tend to have darker tones, while those forming closer to the outer section have a silver or gray color. Tahitian pearls are celebrated for their deep, rich hues, ranging from dark blacks to silvery greens and purples, making them a favorite for exotic, bold jewelry designs.

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls, named after the Japanese "akou" oyster, are the classic cultured pearls known for their impeccable roundness and lustrous sheen. Ranging from 3mm to 8mm, Akoya pearls are typically white, with subtle variations of rose, cream, and silver overtones. These pearls were the first to be cultured, setting the standard for pearl farming and establishing Akoya pearls as a symbol of timeless elegance.

Akoya pearls are popular for their classic look, often seen in traditional pearl strands. Their perfect round shape and radiant luster have made them a favored choice among royalty and celebrities for centuries. Baroque Akoya pearls have also become fashionable for those seeking a contemporary twist on this timeless treasure. No matter the style, Akoya pearls remain a staple in fine jewelry collections, with their delicate shades offering a versatile and sophisticated addition to any outfit.