From ancient royalty to contemporary minimalists, pearls have long captivated with their luminous glow and understated elegance. In this pearl jewelry guide, we delve into what pearls are, how they’re made, and how to care for pearls so they last a lifetime. Whether you’re shopping for your first strand or looking to add singular pearl pieces to your collection, this resource will help you appreciate and preserve these organic gems.
Pearls are unique among gems: they originate from living mollusks rather than the earth’s crust. Across cultures, pearls have symbolized purity, wisdom, and wealth. In Ancient China, they were believed to protect against fire and dragons; in Rome, they denoted status; and in India, they were associated with love and marriage. Today, pearls remain a bridge between tradition and modern design; a perfect complement to Ecksand’s ethos of heirloom-worthy craftsmanship.
Understanding the origins of pearls deepens our appreciation for their rarity and beauty. Both natural and cultured pearls rely on the same biological process, one occurring entirely in the wild, the other guided by human hands.
Wild pearls: Natural pearls that occur when an irritant, such as a parasite, enters an oyster or mussel in the wild. The mollusk coats it with layers of nacre (calcium carbonate and conchiolin), building a pearl over several years.
Cultured pearls: Farmed under human supervision: technicians insert a bead or tissue into the mollusk to stimulate nacre deposition. Though cultivated, these pearls share the same chemical and physical properties as their wild counterparts, making them both beautiful and accessible.
All pearls used in fine jewelry today, including Ecksand’s jewelry, are cultured pearls.
Origin: Primarily Japan and China
Size & Shape: Typically 3–10 mm, near-perfect spheres
Luster: High, mirror-like sheen
Ideal for: Classic studs and strands
Origin: China’s river mussels
Size & Shape: 2–15 mm, varied shapes (round, oval, baroque)
Luster: Soft glow, often with pastel overtones
Ideal for: Versatile and budget-friendly pieces
Origin: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines
Size & Shape: 10–20 mm, mostly round to drop
Luster: Deep, satiny iridescence
Ideal for: Statement-making and luxurious designs
Origin: French Polynesia
Size & Shape: 8–16 mm, typically dark hues
Luster: Bold metallic overtones (peacock, charcoal)
Ideal for: Modern, high-contrast pairing
Before you invest in a pearl piece, it helps to understand the criteria that determine its value. Gemologists assess pearls across several dimensions to arrive at a grade that reflects rarity and quality.
Luster: The sharper and brighter the reflections, the higher the grade.
Surface Quality: The fewer the blemishes, the more valuable the pearl.
Shape: Round pearls command premiums; baroque and off-round carry unique charm.
Nacre Thickness: Thicker nacre yields durability and depth.
Size: Larger pearls are generally rarer and costlier.
At first glance, distinguishing genuine pearls from imitations can be tricky. Below are some methods that can verify authenticity.
Surface Inspection: Real pearls show fine ridges or a subtle grain under magnification.
Tooth Test: Gently rub a pearl against your teeth. Genuine pearls feel slightly gritty.
Weight Test: Natural and cultured pearls have a substantial feel compared to plastic imitations.
Professional Appraisal: For high-value pieces, a gemologist can confirm authenticity via X-ray or spectroscopy.
Please note that at-home methods are rarely reliable, and some may even cause damage to the pearl. The best course of action is to consult a professional who can confirm the authenticity of your pearl.
Preserving a pearl’s delicate nacre requires thoughtful maintenance. Follow these essential practices to keep your pearls lustrous for generations.
Wear Often: Pearls benefit from natural oils in your skin, enhancing their luster.
Avoid Chemicals: Perfumes, hairspray, and acids can erode nacre. Apply these products before donning pearls.
Clean Gently: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and water; never ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Store Separately: Keep pearls in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Restring Regularly: For strands, restring every two years, or annually with frequent wear, to avoid breakage.
Pearls can elevate any look, from casual daywear to formal attire. These pieces are the perfect way to incorporate pearls into your wardrobe.
A delicate conch mount meets classic pearl studs, perfect for minimalist edge. No conch-piercing needed.
Shop the Akoya Pearl & Diamonds Gold Conch Earring with Pearl Studs
A solitary pearl framed by sparkling diamonds delivers timeless sophistication.
Shop the Akoya Pearl & Diamonds Gold Ring
The drop of a single pearl on a delicate chain redefines layering simplicity.
Shop the Akoya Pearl Gold Lariat Necklace
Pearls dancing beneath diamond accents enliven any evening attire.
Shop the Akoya Pearl & Diamonds Gold Dangle Earrings
A single cultured Akoya pearl suspended from delicate gold links, a refined update on the classic pearl bracelet.
Shop the Akoya Pearl Chain Bracelet
Discover more at Ecksand’s Wonder Collection.
Pearls are organic gems formed by mollusks when they secrete nacre around an irritant.
Cultured pearls are farmed under controlled conditions by inserting a nucleus into the mollusk to stimulate nacre growth.
Freshwater pearls grow in river mussels; they’re known for their variety of shapes, sizes, and soft hues.
Akoya pearls are saltwater-cultured in Japan and China, prized for their high luster and near-perfect roundness.
Value depends on type, size, luster, surface quality, and nacre thickness. South Sea and Tahitian pearls typically fetch higher prices.
Natural pearls form in wild mollusks; cultured pearls are grown on pearl farms in saltwater or freshwater environments.
Look for fine surface texture, consistent nacre at the drill hole, slight grit on a tooth test, and a satisfying weight.
Pair a single strand with modern pieces for contrast, mix with diamonds for sparkle, or layer delicate pearl pendants for a contemporary feel.
Wipe them after wear, avoid chemicals, store separately, and have strands restrung periodically.
Embrace the enduring beauty of pearls with confidence. This guide equips you with the knowledge to select, style, and maintain your Ecksand pearl treasures.
Diamonds may be famed for their hardness and durability, but they still require proper care to maintain their brilliance. Over time, dust, oils, and product build-up can dull a diamond’s sparkle. By following some simple diamond care tips, you can ensure your precious stones remain as radiant as the day you got them.
From ancient royalty to contemporary minimalists, pearls have long captivated with their luminous glow and understated elegance. In this pearl jewelry guide, we delve into what pearls are, how they’re made, and how to care for pearls so they last a lifetime.
Pearls have long whispered of elegance, but Wonder lets them speak. This modern pearl collection redefines what pearls stand for: quiet strength, intentional beauty, and enduring craftsmanship. Created in Ecksand’s Montreal atelier, Wonder pays tribute to the legacy of pearls while forging a new path forward.
Your proposal is one of life's most memorable milestones. Crafting a heartfelt and personalized experience requires thoughtful planning to reflect the uniqueness of your relationship. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step, from selecting the perfect engagement ring to planning every unforgettable detail.
Tout ce que vous avez besoin de savoir pour choisir la bague de fiançailles idéale pour une demande en mariage mémorable.
Nos artisans vous offrent des conseils avisés sur les diamants, les pierres précieuses, les bijoux et bien plus encore.
Pour savoir comment porter ses bijoux et connaître les nouvelles tendances
En savoir plus sur l'engagement d'Ecksand à utiliser des matériaux et des pratiques durables sans compromettre la qualité.
