Pearls are magical. The only gemstone created by an organism, pearls have an allure to them that other gems just don’t have and are a source of fascination that has lasted for centuries.
Whether it’s the strand of pearls handed down from your grandmother or the pearl earrings you bought for yourself because your birthday is in June, pearls have long been a symbol of beauty and instantly turn into modern heirlooms.
Recently, pearls have seen an increase in popularity and we’re here for it. From pearl earrings to dainty pearl necklaces, pearls have been spamming your social media feeds since summer of 2021.
But what makes our cultured pearls different from the rest?
We have a passion for gemstones, including pearls. We’ve cultivated decades-long generational relationships with family pearl farms. Our pearls are purchased directly from the pearl producers, ensuring that we are present in the buying process.
Every Shane Co. pearl is completely natural in color and is never enhanced with dye. Each pearl is unique, just as it was intended to be in nature.
Our pearls are all hand-matched, just like our diamonds, to ensure equal size, shape, and luster. We also double knot our strands in between pearls, protecting the pearls from rubbing together and from losing pearls if the strand breaks. Our attention to detail means that you’re getting the best these gems can offer.
We understand the nature of this gemstone and the fascinating way a pearl is made, and we are passionate about following the regulations of the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA).
From classic white freshwater pearls to deep black Tahitian pearls, we know they are not only a natural treasure to us, but to you as our customer.
Types of Pearls
We purchase and sell many different types of cultured pearls, which are farmed all over the world. Our main pearl types are akoya, Tahitian, freshwater, and South Sea pearls. From choosing our pearls to creating our jewelry, we use the same high standards every step of the way.
Akoya pearls are considered the classic among cultured pearls. They are cultured in many parts of the world, most commonly in southwestern Japan and China. Their colors range from pinkish white to creamy shades of silvery blue.
Freshwater pearls are grown in an amazing variety of delicate shapes, ranging from round and oval to button, drop, and baroque. Their colors vary from pure white to orange and rosy violet.
Tahitian pearls are synonymous with magic and perfection. Most come from the atolls and lagoons of the South Pacific. They can be black, silver, and dark or light gray. The rarest color is “peacock green” — the greenish black color of a peacock feather.
South Sea pearls are unquestionably the rarest and finest cultured pearls in the world. No other pearl can equal its natural beauty and size. Among all of the South Sea pearls, the Australian pearls are especially prized and generally more valuable.
Read our post to learn more about pearls from A to Z.
How to Choose the Right Pearl Type
A few factors go into choosing the right pearl type when shopping for your next piece of pearl jewelry. Once you learn what to look for, you can feel confident in choosing the right pearl based on your priorities.
Pearl Luster
The most important indication of a pearl’s quality is luster. The luster of a pearl refers to the glowing appearance of its surface, and is judged by its brilliance and ability to reflect light.
While the luster of treated pearls will fade over time, Shane Co. pearls will retain their natural beauty for a lifetime since they are never treated or dyed.
Pearl Color
Pearls present a whole palette of colors to choose from. A pearl’s color is completely left to personal taste. Choose the color you love the most!
Pearl Shape
The shape of a pearl plays an important role in determining its value; pearls can be divided into four basic shape groups.
In order of value:
- Round: Round to nearly perfectly round.
- Off-round: Slightly round, oval, drop, button, and egg.
- Semi-baroque: Not round. Some examples are pear, drop, and button shapes.
- Baroque: Very irregular in shape with a surface that is often very uneven.
We love pearls in all shapes, so again, choose what you’re drawn to!
Pearl Size
The size of a pearl is expressed in terms of its diameter, which is measured in millimeters. Size has a significant impact on price.
Surface Quality
The fewer the spots (or blemishes) a pearl has, the higher its value. However, surface characteristics can add to the uniqueness of each pearl and do not necessarily affect its overall beauty.
Learn even more about how to choose the right pearl here.
How to Care for Pearls
Caring for pearls is easy. By wearing your pearls regularly, the natural oils from your body actually help maintain their beauty. However, it is a good idea to wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them.
You should also store your pearls separately from the rest of the jewelry in your collection, and always avoid salt water and chlorine.
Pretty Pearl Pieces
Pearls are a must-have in any jewelry collection, and these are a few of our favorite pearl pieces.
5mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl Solitaire Earrings
Elegant and timeless, these 5-5.5mm round cultured freshwater pearl solitaire earrings will never go out of style. These lustrous, hand-matched gems are set in quality 14k yellow gold.
Annecy 3mm Cultured Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring
Diamonds and pearls come together in a classic union for a ring that will complete any look. Hand-matched cultured akoya pearls provide consistent color while accenting natural diamonds — the hardest known gemstone on Earth — are great for daily wear. Rhodium-plated 14k polished white gold offers a bright color and shine.
Tallulah 3mm Cultured Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Complete any fine jewelry collection with these beautiful pearl and natural diamond earrings set in lovely 14k yellow gold. The cultured freshwater pearls are hand-matched for consistent color and size.
Iris 5mm Freshwater Pearl Tin Cup Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold (18 in)
Crafted from quality 14k yellow gold, this lovely necklace includes five 5-5.5mm cultured freshwater pearls. The pearls are spaced around an 18-inch diamond cut cable chain and the necklace is secured with a lobster clasp.
8mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand (18 in)
The classic pearl strand. White shimmering cultured akoya pearls, 8-8.5mm in size, adorn this darling 18-inch strand. The pearls have been hand-matched for superior luster and sheen and are secured with a 14k white gold clasp.
Continue shopping all our pearl pieces here.
