A-Z of Pearls

A to Z of pearls. various pearls in a necklace, stud earrings, etc.

Pearls are having a moment. And by moment we mean a revolution.

We’re breaking down some of our favorite pearl types from A to Z, along with pearl pieces to help you achieve a full coastal cowgirl aesthetic this summer.

But don’t worry, these aren’t your grandma’s pearls anymore. Our pearl jewelry is modern and refined — a fresh take on an heirloom classic. From baroque pearl drop earrings to a dainty akoya pearl bracelet, you’ll find a new staple piece in no time.

Akoya Pearls

This pearl type is considered a classic among cultured pearls and they are primarily round or oval in shape. Akoya pearls are cultured in many parts of the world, but most commonly come from southwestern Japan and China. They are the most luxurious of all the pearl types and are highly sought after.

This pearl type looks stunning strung together in a strand because of their classic shape and color. At Shane Co., our pearl strands are hand-matched for color and luster, as well as double-knotted between each pearl to ensure your pearls stay intact if the unthinkable happens.

4mm Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold

4mm Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold

This pretty pearl and diamond ring is dainty, yet statement-worthy. The lustrous pearl has exquisite color and sheen, which is further accentuated by six natural diamonds. It’s the perfect everyday ring and is a jewelry box staple.

6mm Akoya Pearl and Round Diamond Pendant

Meet your new favorite necklace and complete your jewelry collection with this stunning pendant crafted from quality 14k yellow gold. This pendant features one 6-6.5mm cultured akoya pearl and one brilliant round natural diamond, making it a great necklace to pair with any outfit, or even layer with necklaces you already have.

Baroque Pearls

Quite different from akoya, baroque pearls are uniquely shaped and quite distinctive. Its organic shape is perfectly on trend. No two baroque pearls are identical, which makes each piece of jewelry featuring this pretty pearl totally unique.

These pearls really got their start in jewelry during the Baroque Era (1600-1750 A.D.), hence the name. From then on, baroque pearls have been stunning jewelry lovers all over the world.

7mm Baroque Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Pendant (18 in)

This fashionable pendant features a single 7-7.5mm freshwater cultured baroque pearl embellished with two round natural diamonds at .02 carat. The setting measures 5/8 of an inch long, is crafted from quality 14 karat white gold and hangs from a matching 18-inch cable chain.

8mm Baroque Cultured Freshwater Pearl Charm

8mm Baroque Cultured Freshwater Pearl Charm

This little charm is a sweet addition to any necklace or bracelet. Wear it alone or pair it with other charms you’ve collected and personalized. Its unique shape is oh-so-charming and is sure to be an easy favorite.

4-5mm Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Earrings

Freshwater Pearls

When you picture pearls in your head, you most likely are picturing freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls can be cultured and farmed in a variety of beautiful shapes, including round, oval, and even drop.

Freshwater pearls are the most versatile pearls and can often be found in classic jewelry like pearl strands, pearl bracelets, and pearl earrings. If you’re looking for a go-to staple pearl, freshwater would be it.

4-5mm Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Earrings

The prettiest little earrings you ever did see. These stylish cluster earrings boast four 4-5mm cultured freshwater pearls and 10 round natural diamonds. These gorgeous gems are nestled in a quality sterling silver setting.

6mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl Bracelet (7.25 in)

6mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl Bracelet

This bracelet is a classic pearl piece and features 7.25 inches of 6-6.5mm cultured freshwater pearls that have been hand-matched for exceptional luster and sheen. Secured by a quality 14k white gold clasp, this stunning bracelet is timeless.

Golden Pearls

For all our gold lovers out there, this pearl is for you. Its soft and silky luster makes this pearl fit for royalty. The beautiful golden color of these pearls is completely natural — no dyes or artificial coloring would have the same alluring effect. Golden pearls are a type of South Sea pearl, which is why they are some of the most valuable pearls in the jewelry industry today.

10mm Golden Cultured South Sea Pearl & Diamond Pendant (22 in)

10mm Golden Cultured South Sea Pearl & Diamond Pendant

All eyes on you with this gorgeous golden pearl pendant. One 10-11mm cultured golden South Sea pearl and nine round natural diamonds dangle in delight from this 14k white gold necklace.

9mm Golden South Sea Pearl Earrings

Classic but with a modern twist, these Golden South Sea Pearl Earrings are a stunning addition to any look. Each of these pearls has been hand-matched for exceptional luster and sheen and is set in 14k yellow gold.

Keshi Pearls

This type of pearl also has an organic shape like the baroque pearl, but is made of solid nacre and has an extremely bright luster. Keshi pearls are also known as “poppy” or “poppyseed” pearls, as the word keshi actually means poppy in Japanese.

Keshi pearls are perfect for someone who appreciates quirky shapes and the shiny things in life.

7mm Freshwater Keshi Pearl and Diamond Crossover Ring

7mm Freshwater Keshi Pearl and Diamond Crossover Ring

We love fresh takes on classic looks, and this ring does that beautifully. Featuring one beautiful 7-7.5mm keshi freshwater pearl and 16 brilliant round natural diamonds, this ring will elevate any outfit. Crafted from quality 14k yellow gold, this criss-cross ring is perfect for a personal engraving.

Inara 8mm Cultured Freshwater Keshi Pearl Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold

The organic shape of keshi pearls is highlighted in these earrings. Each pearl has been hand-matched and hangs from a 14k yellow gold setting. The earrings dangle at 1.5 inches and are secured by friction backs. These earrings also come in 14k white or rose gold.

Mother-of-Pearl

Although not a pearl at all, mother-of-pearl deserves a shoutout. This iridescent beauty has been used for centuries in everything from trinkets and watch dials to guitars and jewelry. Mother-of-pearl is a substance that forms inside the shell of many mollusks, including oysters, and is technically a buildup of nacre. This nacre is also responsible for determining the color of the pearl that will be produced inside the mollusk.

No two mother-of-pearl pieces are the same and because of its shiny appearance, it complements all gold types and looks gorgeous used in jewelry.

Shelley Freshwater Mother of Pearl Link Chain Necklace in 14K White Gold (18 in)

Shelley Freshwater Mother-of-Pearl Link Chain Necklace in 14K White Gold

Simple yet elegant, this beautiful necklace is sure to make them smile. The mother-of-pearl is natural, meaning it has never been dyed and will not fade. Our 14k white gold has added alloys that make a bold, never-fading color. The T-bar clasp will keep this necklace securely in place. This necklace also comes in trending 14k yellow or rose gold.

Mother-of-Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Studs

Nothing says sophistication quite like the subtle iridescence of natural mother-of-pearl. Crafted in warm 14k yellow gold and secured with friction backs, these earrings will add something special to your everyday look.

Moonlight Blue Akoya Pearl Earrings and Necklace

Moonlight Blue Pearls

As the name suggests, moonlight blue pearls are a glowing blue and are known to be some of the rarest. Blue is very scarce in akoya pearls and is exceptionally rare to come across, as the blue color comes from layers and layers of nacre that take years to develop.

Moonlight blue pearls are as romantic as a summer evening, and as intriguing as the moon itself. A piece of jewelry featuring these gorgeous pearls is truly a treasure.

Moonlight Blue Akoya Pearl Station Necklace

Moonlight Blue Akoya Pearl Station Necklace

Beaming with soft blue luster, these baroque cultured akoya pearls seem to float along a vivid 14k rose gold rolo chain in this stylish station necklace. While traveling the world, Tom Shane finds rare gemstones and pearls that are just too good to pass up. Inspired by the inherent beauty of these blue akoya pearls, we created limited-quantity pieces as part of our exclusive Tom’s Finds collection.

7mm Pink Freshwater Cultured Pearl Earrings

Pink Pearls

Pink pearls are most commonly freshwater pearls. Pink pearls are very popular and are a great addition to your staple jewelry pieces. Their soft and playful hues complement all skin tones and are easy to pair with other pieces.

7mm Pink Freshwater Cultured Pearl Earrings

These pink 7-7.5mm cultured freshwater pearl earrings will complement a variety of outfits and also make a beautiful gift. The pearls are set in 14k white gold and have been hand-matched for luster and sheen.

South Sea Pearls

This pearl is rare. Very rare. Other pearls try to equal its size and beauty, but the South Sea pearl is truly one of a kind. These pearls are some of the largest pearls and have a unique luster quality that is similar to the look of satin.

South Sea pearls also take anywhere from two to four years to cultivate, making them one of the slowest-growing pearls. As they say, good things take time.

Paradiso 9mm Cultured South Sea Pearl Ring and Diamond Ring

Paradiso 9mm Cultured South Sea Pearl Ring and Diamond Ring

Did someone say statement ring? Our Paradiso ring features a stunning cultured South Sea pearl and is sure to impress. All the natural diamonds have been hand-matched for exceptional brilliance and fire. The 14k yellow has added copper, zinc, and silver alloys that produce a bright and bold shade.

Clementine 9mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold

Complete any look with this gorgeous pearl and natural diamond bracelet. The South Sea pearls have a unique luster, giving them a beautiful shine that is sure to impress. The accenting natural diamonds have been hand-matched for color and clarity. Our 14k yellow gold is bright, bold, and will never fade thanks to the added alloys. Lobster clasps have a secure locking lever mechanism that will ensure this bracelet remains securely on the wrist.

Tahitian Pearls

Looking for a dramatic pearl? Edgy, dark, and beautiful, Tahitian pearls are some of the most desirable and expensive pearls in the world. The color of these pearls can range from gorgeous greens to almost black, but the favorite among many is the iridescent “peacock” color that is a beautiful combination of all the hues.

The name of these pearls can be misleading, as Tahitian pearls do not come from Tahiti at all. These pearls can be cultivated in many areas, but only those that come from French Polynesia can be considered true Tahitian pearls.

8.5mm Cultured Tahitian Pearl Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold (18 in)

8.5mm Cultured Tahitian Pearl Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold

One 8.5-9mm cultured Tahitian pearl elegantly hangs from an 18-inch diamond cut cable chain. This piece is crafted from quality 14k yellow gold and is secured with a lobster clasp.

8mm Peacock Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold

This is what happens when all of the stunning color variations of Tahitian pearls combine. Crafted in quality 14k yellow gold, these lovely pearl earrings display two dark 8-8.5mm Tahitian pearls. Accenting the pearls is a crescent of round natural diamonds.

We’ve shared a few of our favorite pearl types, but our pearls of wisdom don’t end here. Learn more about how to care for your pearls, how pearls are graded, and much more with Pearls 101. Dive into how pearls are formed and what makes ours special, then start shopping for your new favorite piece of pearl jewelry.

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