Pearls: Nature's Most Beautiful Gem
Unlike all other gemstones, pearls are created by living creatures — making them one of the most unique and magical gems in the world. From classic white strands to bold baroque drops, pearls have captivated jewellery lovers for thousands of years. At Corelune Jewellery, we adore pearls in all their forms.
Types of Pearls
- Akoya Pearls: The classic Japanese cultured pearl. Round, white or cream, with a high mirror-like lustre. The quintessential pearl for a strand necklace.
- South Sea Pearls: Grown in large oysters in Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. These are the largest and most valuable of all cultured pearls, ranging from white to deep golden.
- Tahitian Pearls: Often called black pearls, these are grown in Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands. They range from deep black to grey, green, and peacock tones.
- Freshwater Pearls: Grown in freshwater mussels, primarily in China. More affordable than saltwater pearls and available in a wonderful range of shapes and colours.
Natural vs Cultured Pearls
Natural pearls form entirely without human intervention and are extraordinarily rare and valuable. Almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, which are formed when a pearl farmer inserts a nucleus into an oyster or mussel to initiate the pearl-forming process. Cultured pearls are real pearls — only their origin is different.
How to Grade Pearl Quality
Pearl quality is assessed on lustre, surface quality, shape, colour, and size. Lustre is the most important factor — a high-lustre pearl will have a deep, mirror-like reflection. Look for pearls with few surface blemishes and a shape as close to perfectly round as possible (for round pearl jewellery).
Caring for Your Pearls
Pearls are soft and porous — they require more careful handling than most gemstones.
- Put pearls on last and take them off first.
- Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and perspiration.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or chemical jewellery cleaners on pearls.
- Store separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.
- Have strung pearl necklaces restrung every few years by a professional jeweller.
Discover our beautiful pearl jewellery collection at Corelune Jewellery — from classic strands to modern, contemporary designs.