The Complete Guide to Pearls: Types, Lustre & Choosing the Perfect Pearl

The Beauty of Pearls: Types, Lustre & What Makes Each One Unique

Pearls are one of the most timeless and elegant gemstones in jewellery. Unlike diamonds and coloured gemstones, pearls are formed organically, giving each one its own natural beauty, softness and character.

Pearl jewellery collection

What Makes Pearls Different?

The beauty of a pearl is judged by several key features: lustre, shape, surface, size, colour and nacre quality. No two pearls are exactly the same, which is part of their charm.

Lustre is everything. The finer the lustre, the brighter and more mirror-like the pearl appears.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are loved for their soft glow, beautiful variety and accessible price point. They are commonly found in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and modern pearl designs.

They can be round, oval, button-shaped or baroque, making them a wonderful choice for both classic and contemporary jewellery.

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are known for their classic round shape and bright, sharp lustre. They are often associated with traditional pearl strands and elegant stud earrings.

Their refined appearance makes them a beautiful choice for bridal jewellery, milestone gifts and timeless everyday pieces.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are naturally darker in tone and can display shades of grey, green, blue, aubergine and peacock. Their dramatic colouring makes them a striking alternative to traditional white pearls.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are among the most luxurious pearls in the world. They are usually larger in size and are admired for their silky lustre and elegant white, silver or golden tones.

Baroque Pearls

Baroque pearls are irregular in shape, making every piece completely unique. Their organic form gives jewellery a relaxed, artistic and modern feel.

Understanding Pearl Lustre

Lustre refers to the way light reflects from the surface of a pearl. High-lustre pearls appear bright, glowing and almost reflective, while lower-lustre pearls can look softer or more chalky.

A pearl with beautiful lustre will appear to glow from within, giving it that unmistakable elegance pearls are famous for.

Pearl Colours

Pearls can be found in a wide range of colours, from classic white and cream to pink, silver, champagne, gold and darker tones. The colour can be influenced by the type of pearl, the mollusc it forms in and the environment it comes from.

How to Care for Pearls

  • Put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and makeup.
  • Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing.
  • Avoid soaking pearls in water.
  • Keep pearls away from harsh chemicals and cleaning products.
  • Store pearls separately so they do not get scratched by harder gemstones.

Pearls: Classic, Modern & Meaningful

Whether worn as a timeless strand, a delicate pair of earrings or a modern statement piece, pearls are jewellery that never goes out of style. Their natural beauty, soft lustre and individual character make them a meaningful choice for every generation.

Explore our pearl jewellery collection and discover elegant pieces designed to be treasured for years to come.

Pearl Guide

An image guide to the different ypes of pearls and their settings.

 

Perfect Pearls

When the ocassion calls for classic and stunning pieces!

Freshwater pearl jewellery

Freshwater Pearls

Classic freshwater pearls are the most popular type of pearls in necklaces, bracelets or earrings.

Akoya pearl earrings

Akoya Pearls

Pearls wirh a bright lustre and classic round shape.

Tahitian pearls

Tahitian Pearls

Show darker pearls with grey, green, blue or peacock tones.

South Sea pearl jewellery

South Sea Pearls

Feature larger pearls in white, silver or golden tones.

Baroque pearl earrings

Baroque Pearls

These pearls have a unique, organic and irregular shape.