Pearls Guide

1｜Freshwater Pearls Aren’t Always Cheap

• Top-tier freshwater pearls can be stunning—and pricey.
• Perfectly round, clean, high-luster ones can cost $100+ per pearl.

2｜Akoya = Classic, Round, Small

• Typically 6–8mm in size.
• Sharp luster and perfect roundness are key traits.
• If it’s big, dull, and cheap—it’s likely not Akoya.

3｜South Sea & Tahitian = Rare and Expensive

• South Sea pearls are large, white or gold, and luxurious.
• Tahitian pearls have dark, exotic tones.
• A single pearl for $300 is normal; a whole strand for $299? Suspicious.

Final Note: You don’t need to be a gemologist—just informed. When someone offers “South Sea style” for $79, you’ll know better.

You may have heard:

• “Real pearls need to be bitten.”
• “Fake ones peel in water.”

Let’s be real—you can’t do that at the counter. Try these instead:

1｜Check the Glow

• Real pearls glow softly from within.
• Fakes glare like plastic or painted beads.

2｜Inspect the Drill Hole

• Real pearls show tiny pits or irregular edges.
• Fakes look machine-perfect and too clean.

3｜Move It and Watch the Color

• Real pearls shift in tone and color (“orient”).
• Fakes stay flat—like paint on plastic.

Bonus Tests (if you're holding it):

• Feel the temp: Real = cool at first touch. Fake = room temperature.
• Rub two pearls: Real = slightly gritty. Fake = smooth and silent.

What about burning?

• Real: Might darken slightly, no melting or smell.
• Fake: Bubbles, peels, smells like glue.

🔥 Fire works—but destroys. Just trust your eyes and new knowledge.

Let’s break down the pearl types so you can shop with clarity:

1｜Freshwater Pearls

• Origin: Lakes/rivers in China.
• Traits: Varied shapes (round, oval, baroque); white, pink, lavender tones.
• Affordable, ideal for everyday wear.

2｜Akoya Pearls

• Origin: Japan and China.
• Traits: Bright luster, perfectly round, white/ivory/pink/silver tones.
• Smaller size (2–10mm). Classic and elegant.

3｜South Sea Pearls

• Origin: Australia, Philippines, Indonesia.
• Traits: Largest size (9–20mm), silver/gold hues, soft glow.
• Rare and luxurious—true statement pearls.

4｜Tahitian Pearls

• Origin: French Polynesia (mainly Tahiti).
• Traits: Naturally dark—black, green, blue, aubergine overtones.
• Bold and mysterious. Sizes: 8–14mm.

1｜Cheap Exists—But So Does Luxury

• Yes, $39 freshwater pearl strands exist.
• But so do $399 ones—and they’re worth it.
• Key differences: luster, size, shape, surface, matching.

2｜Top-Grade Freshwater Can Rival Akoya

• Perfectly round, glowing, and blemish-free pearls are not “cheap.”
• They’re premium—sometimes indistinguishable from Akoya.

3｜What You See at $39 vs. $399

• Cheap: dull, uneven, flawed.
• Luxury: clean, matched, glowing, cohesive.

Final Takeaway: Don’t judge by “freshwater” alone. Look closer and know what to ask.

Not a defect—but a rare, romantic accident.

• Keshi = “poppy seed” in Japanese.
• Formed without a core—100% nacre.
• Freeform shapes, intense luster, always unique.

Value: Rare, unpredictable, prized by designers. Some South Sea Keshi strands are more expensive than round ones.

Best For:

• Lovers of individuality and natural beauty.
• Those who want one-of-a-kind elegance with a story.

In short: It’s not a leftover. It’s the star. A Keshi pearl is the woman who bloomed by defying the script.

Tired of perfect rounds? Meet Baroque.

• Baroque means bold, irregular beauty.
• They may look like teardrops, clouds, moons—no two are alike.
• Loved for depth, texture, and natural artistry.

Value:

• Top-grade South Sea or Tahitian Baroques can match or exceed round pearls in price.
• Not “leftovers”—they're sculptural masterpieces.

Perfect For:

• Anyone who embraces uniqueness and character.
• Women who wear stories—not just jewelry.

In short: A Baroque pearl is unforgettable. She's not perfect—she's powerful.

Do you think bigger and rounder pearls must be more valuable? Well, the truth is—more important than shape is the glow. That soft, slightly hazy luster is the soul of a real pearl. Those overly shiny, “perfectly round” pearls that look almost too flawless? Chances are, they’re shell pearls. Many people assume shell pearls and real pearls are the same—but they’re not. Shell pearls are made by grinding up shell material, mixing it with glue, and molding it into beads. They feel smooth but lack depth. When magnified, you’ll see grainy particles and visible man-made traces. In contrast, natural pearls have growth lines—like tree rings—subtle and alive, full of organic texture. Ever heard of “Swarovski pearls”? They’re not a brand of real pearls. They’re beautifully crafted imitation pearls, often used in luxury fashion pieces—and priced accordingly. Surprised? You’re paying for the brand, not the material. So, how do you tell real pearls from fakes? Just remember these four steps:

1. Rub: Gently rub two real pearls together—you’ll feel a soft, sandy texture. Any marks disappear with a quick wipe.

2. Weigh: Real pearls feel substantial and silky in your hand, not light and hollow.

3. Wear: Real pearls feel cool to the skin when first worn; fakes don’t.

4. Observe: A quality pearl doesn’t just show one color. A purple pearl, for example, may reveal flashes of green or pink under the light. Fake ones are often too bright, with a flat, artificial shine.