Listing of sites featuring pearl necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. All kinds of cultured pearls such as South Sea Pearls, Tahitian (black) Pearls, Akoya Pearls and Freshwater Pearls. Made into necklaces, pendants and pins and as classic strands. Pearls come in many hues. Grey, white, golden and fancy color.
South Sea Cultured Pearls
Pearls have always been among the most prized gems......their lustrous qualities the inspiration for myth, legend and history.
Today, the
The knowledge of the lifecycle of the pearl oyster is the result of decades of experience. In that time, South Sea cultured pearl companies have developed husbandry methods that ensure the oysters flourish. However, humans hold no sway over nature, which alone determines the virtue of each pearl.
Tahitian Cultured Pearls
Tahitian Cultured Pearls, often called "Black Pearls" are found in the turquoise-colored lagoons of
Tahitian Cultured Pearls are born from the black-lipped oyster, known scientifically as Pincatada margaritifera. These giant tropical mollusks can live up to 11 pounds and can grow to reach a foot in diameter. In the 19th century, free-diving Polynesians brave sharks, depths of 130 feet, and the bends to harvest the valuable mollusk. Although only one on 15,000 oysters produces a natural pearl, the inner shell was so popular with the European button industry that the resource was eventually devastated.
Today, a complex cultivation process has resurrected the pearl industry in
Akoya Cultured Pearls
Pearls are truly a gift of the sea. Born from the Pinctada fucata martensii oyster, Akoya pearls are what people typically imagine when thinking of a pearl. Made famous by Kokichi Mikimoto, who helped perfect modern-day pearl culturing techniques, Akoya Cultured Pearls grow between 2.0 and 9.0mm. They are primarily farmed in salt water through central and southern
The overtones of the average Akoya Pearl range from a pale cream to pinkish white, champagne and silvery grey. These overtone hues, when properly matched to the complexion of their owner, are what make
No other jewel makes the transition from day to evening as smoothly as Pearls. In addition to the classic strands and stud earrings, creative new designs are helping to bring these alluring gems to the forefront of the fashion world. Either by themselves or paired with other colored gems, lustrous Akoya Pearls offer glamorous sophistication and timeless elegance.
Freshwater Pearls
Although originally produced in
