ORIGINS
BIRTH OF AN ORGANIC GEM
Pearls are unique in many ways. They are the only organic gems in the world, a result of several forces of nature acting in perfect synergy. Also, while other gemstones require cutting and polishing, pearls emerge naturally beautiful when harvested from the oyster.
Cultured pearls are composed of fine layers of nacre that an oyster coats over a nucleus. These layers of pearlescent organic material give the pearl its body and structure. South Sea Pearl oysters are known to produce a rich, vibrant nacre, giving the pearls their unique radiance.
South Sea and Tahitian cultured pearls are cultivated in the pristine and isolated waters of the South Pacific. Ideal environmental conditions, expert farming techniques and a tireless dedication to the craft enables the creation of the most exquisite pearls in the market.
Unparalleled in their brilliant luster, healthy nacre, and mesmerizing spectrum of colors and shapes, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are consistently chosen for the world’s finest jewelry.
These pearls start their journey in one of three types of oysters, each with its own distinct characteristics.
Australian South Sea Pearls
The Australian Pinctada maxima species are silver-lipped, wild oceanic oysters. They are found in the waters of Northern Australia, and produce pearls ranging from 9mm to 17mm. These oysters are the largest in their category, producing the highest quality of nacre — in thickness, clarity, and luster.
A typical pearl harvest will uncover shades of white, silver, and pink in an array of unique shapes.
These oysters can only produce one pearl every 2 to 3 years, making them some of the most valuable in the world and chosen for producing the finest pieces of jewelry.
Pearls of the South Pacific
Pinctada maxima oysters found in the tropical waters of Indonesia, Philippines, and the Andaman Sea are primarily gold-lipped and produce pearls in the golden spectrum as well as warm shades of white.
Known for their lustrous range of color intensities, pearls of this origin range from sizes of 8mm to 14mm, with each oyster producing a pearl every 1 to 2 years.
The color intensity of these pearls plays a significant role in determining their value. Darker and more intense tones command a higher valuation.
Pearls from French Polynesia
Pearls cultured in the remote atolls of French Polynesia come from the Pinctada margaritifera species, also known as the black-lipped oyster. They produce vivid colors in darker hues including green, blue, aubergine, black, silver, and other dramatic, mesmerizing shades.
Due to the relatively smaller size of the oyster, the pearls range from 7mm to 14mm in size. Larger pearls of exceptional quality with vibrant colors are some of the rarest in the world and obtain exceptional valuations.
These oysters can produce one pearl every 2 years.
