Each pearl is selected individually for its luster, shape and color, from Tahitian pearls sourced directly from Tahiti to freshwater keshi in soft white and pink tones. Natural variations give each one its own character.
Telling Tahitian and freshwater pearls apart: explore how each one forms, and discover the jewelry made with it.
Types of pearls
Freshwater Pearls & Keshi
Grown in freshwater mussels, in soft whites and blush pinks. A symbol of purity, harmony and compassion, said to calm the emotions and support new beginnings.
Tahitian Pearls & Keshi
Grown in black-lipped oysters in French Polynesia: keshi, baroque and round, in gray, black and brown with green, blue, pink or purple overtones. A symbol of wisdom, strength and transformation, said to bring balance, confidence and inner peace.
How I choose my pearls
Luster comes first: the way a pearl catches and reflects light. From there, shape, color and how it works within a design, whether worn on its own or paired with shells. Small surface marks and rings are part of its nature, chosen for beauty rather than perfection, and often guide the piece it becomes. See one come together in Tahitian Pearls: The Inspiration, the Mood, the Details.
Pearl questions
Are Tahitian pearls real?
They are. Tahitian pearls are cultured pearls, grown by living black-lipped oysters in the lagoons of French Polynesia. A pearl farmer begins the process by hand, and the oyster builds the pearl from its own nacre, the same lustrous layer that lines its shell.
What’s the difference between Tahitian and freshwater pearls?
Tahitian pearls grow in saltwater oysters and are known for their darker, shifting tones. Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in lakes and rivers, in softer whites, creams and pinks. Learn more in the guides to Tahitian pearls and freshwater pearls.
What is a keshi pearl?
A keshi pearl forms without a bead at its center, making it solid nacre throughout: small, free-form and remarkably lustrous. Both Tahitian and freshwater keshi are used here. Explore freshwater keshi and Tahitian keshi in their own guides.
Can pearls get wet?
A swim or a brief shower will not harm pearls. Afterward, rinse them gently in fresh water and allow them to dry, keeping them away from chlorine, heat and perfume. The pearl and shell care guide has more.
Can I choose a specific pearl for a custom piece?
Any custom piece can begin with the pearl you’re drawn to: Tahitian or freshwater, round, baroque or keshi. Simply name it in your custom order, or email me for help choosing.
