An enduring symbol of prestige, the pearl has financed conquests, acted as medicine, and inspired lovers the world over. From the first time you put on a pearl necklace, you’ll feel the silky smoothness of the pearls and the cool, heavy feeling as they roll across your skin. Whether you are a bride about to get married, business woman looking for a small necklace to complete your business attire or you just want a baroque Tahitian necklace to wear with your jeans, there is a pearl necklace just for you. Pearls come in many different colors, shapes and from all around the globe.

Pearls are classified as colored stones (natural and/or cultured). Although they are in the same class as other inorganic or mineral gems such as emeralds, sapphires, garnets, etc… pearls are organic gems, meaning they come from an animal or plant.

Pearls are made in mollusks in both fresh and salt water. Not all mollusks can produce pearls or pearl-like gems; with over 8,000 two-shelled mollusk species in the world, less than 20 produce pearls.

A pearl forms inside a mollusk in response to a stimulus – as part of its defense against an intrusion. Natural pearls are formed from a parasitic worm and other invaders whereas cultured pearls form from human intervention. To protect itself, the mollusk forms a sac around any invader. This sac secretes nacre to cover the irritant.

Pearls range in sizes from very small (2mm-freshwater) to really large (20+mm South Sea) taking anywhere from 18 months to several years to form.

Follow the links below to find more about a specific type of pearl, how pearls are graded, or to browse our wide selection of gorgeous pearl jewelry.

Browse Our Collection South Sea Pearls Tahitian Pearls Akoya Pearls Freshwater Pearls Pearl Grading