A Guide To Pearls
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are cultivated in freshwater mussels and are loved for their soft lustre, wide variety of shapes and natural colours. Available in white, cream, pink, peach and lavender, they are both versatile and excellent value, making them perfect for everyday elegance as well as special occasions.
Cultured Pearls
Nearly all pearls used in fine jewellery today are cultured pearls. This simply means that pearl farmers carefully assist the natural pearl-forming process by introducing a small nucleus or piece of mantle tissue into the oyster or mussel. The pearl then develops naturally over several months or years, producing a genuine pearl with the same beautiful nacre and lustre as a naturally occurring pearl.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are renowned for their classic beauty and exceptional mirror-like lustre. Usually perfectly round, they are traditionally white or cream with delicate rose or silver overtones. Their refined appearance has made them the iconic choice for elegant pearl necklaces and bridal jewellery.
Edison Pearls
Edison pearls are premium freshwater cultured pearls celebrated for their exceptional lustre, impressive size and beautifully round shape. They are available in a range of natural colours, including white, peach, lavender and rich metallic tones, offering a luxurious appearance with remarkable value.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are among the rarest and most valuable pearls in the world. Cultivated in the large silver-lipped and gold-lipped pearl oysters found in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, they are admired for their generous size, satin-like lustre and luxurious white, silver and golden colours.
Tahitian Pearls
Often called the "black pearls" of the South Seas, Tahitian pearls are cultivated in the black-lipped pearl oyster in the lagoons of French Polynesia. Naturally displaying shades of charcoal, silver, green, peacock and aubergine, they are treasured for their dramatic beauty and remarkable iridescence.
Keshi Pearls
Keshi pearls are formed naturally as a by-product during the pearl cultivation process. Composed almost entirely of nacre, they are prized for their exceptional lustre and beautifully organic shapes. Every Keshi pearl is completely unique, making them especially popular in contemporary handcrafted jewellery.
Baroque Pearls
Baroque pearls are celebrated for their wonderfully irregular and organic shapes. Rather than seeking perfect symmetry, they embrace nature's individuality, with each pearl displaying its own distinctive form and character. Their unique beauty makes every piece of jewellery truly one of a kind.
Choosing the Perfect Pearl
Cultured Pearls are genuine pearls that form naturally after the pearl-growing process is initiated by a pearl farmer.
Imitation Pearls are man-made and contain no nacre.
Natural Pearls form entirely without human intervention and are now extremely rare.
Every type of pearl has its own distinctive charm. Whether you are drawn to the timeless elegance of Akoya pearls, the luxurious beauty of South Sea pearls, the vibrant colours of Tahitian pearls, or the individuality of Keshi and Baroque pearls, each pearl tells its own story through its natural beauty and remarkable lustre.
At Sarum Rocks, we carefully select pearls for their quality, character and enduring beauty. We believe every pearl is unique, and every handcrafted piece should celebrate the extraordinary artistry of nature.
