Pretty in Pearls
Shimmering natural beads, Pearls are known for their timeless elegance. Historically worn by high profile people such as Audrey Hepburn and Queen Elizabeth II , pearls have remained a classic in many peoples collections, however, more recently they have made their way back into the limelight. Seen on red carpets worn by the likes of Margot Robbie, *AKA Barbie, Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie. At Peter Jackson we have launched a brand-new collection of ‘Cultured pearls’ in all different shapes, colours and sizes to fit a range of styles.
What are cultured pearls & how are they different to natural pearls?
Pearls are formed when a foreign body i.e. debris or dust invades a mollusk. To protect itself the shellfish coats the foreign body with layers and layers of ‘nacre’. Nacre are tiny particles of calcium carbonate. When this process happens as part of nature’s cycle in the wild the pearl produced is a ‘natural pearl’.
Not all mollusks produce pearls and not all pearls produced are of good quality and even then, only very rarely some natural pearls are found. This is why natural pearls are rare and expensive. And historically, pearls were reserved for Royalty.
In the 19th century we discovered the process of ‘culturing pearls’, this opened the market up for pearls to be more accessible to everyone.
Cultured pearls are formed with human intervention. In nature we don’t choose what pearl is formed around in the mollusc but with cultured pearls we insert either a piece of mantle or a mother of pearl bead. The mollusc then reacts, protecting itself by layering the nacre onto the bead or piece of mantle. The more layers of nacre on a pearl, the more lustre and beauty it will have.
The two different types of cultured pearl
One is a cultured pearl formed in freshwater and one is cultured in sea or salt water.
The process of ‘farming’ the pearls in different waters can vary.
Fresh Water Pearls
Fresh water pearls are formed in rivers and lakes
Fresh water pearls can only be cultured in mussels but can often produce up to 40 pearls at a time in one shell, wow!
Saltwater Pearls
Saltwater pearls are formed in salt water
Saltwater pearls are cultured in a variety of different oysters but generally only produce one pearl at a time per oyster. As you can see there are some significant differences in the processes, which has an impact on cost.
Where are they cultured?
Freshwater pearls are cultured in several different places in the world, but the majority come from China. This is due to Chinas many lakes and ponds inland.
Saltwater pearls are cultured in various locations in the world such as Japan, China, Australia, Vietnam and many other countries. The different types are separated into three different names-
The Akoya cultured pearls are farmed in Japan. Mikimoto famously originally commercialized Akoya pearls. These pearls are also farmed in China and Vietnam.
South Sea cultured pearl – farms can be found for the most part in Australia (in whites and silvers), and Indonesia and the Philippines (in golden colours). The different colours can be recognised from the lipids outer shell.
Tahitian cultured pearl – farms can mostly be found in the islands of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. With a distinct dark shimmering lustre these pearls can easily be recognised and distinguished from others.
Styling pearls
Now as we have a better understanding of their origin, this is how you can style them. As mentioned earlier many stars have been seen wearing Pearls throughout the years. In recent red carpet snaps we have seen Margot Robbie wearing some simple classic pearl studs and statement pearl layered necklace. This style is a modern look with a vintage touch. Similarly, Helena Bonham Carter loves pearl accessories, also choosing a statement necklace and simple pearl stud earrings!
If you’d like to lean into the barbie pink look, we have chosen these beautiful pale pink pearl stud earrings, remaining simple yet effective. We also have smaller deeper pink pearl stud and pendant sets for a pop of colour in your everyday Jewellery these are perfect!
Kate Middleton is often pictured wearing elaborate jewels from the Royal collection. However, pictured here she is wearing a simpler paired back look. Angelina Jolie also an iconic figure seen wearing the most luxurious designer accessories available, is spotted wearing a simple pearl of large round pearl earrings. It just shows that the pearl is such an iconic classic that will remain popular throughout the various fashion trends.
We have a wide range of classic white round cultured pearl earrings for you to choose from ranging from 6mm-10mm in size.
The Princess of Whales, pearl necklace pictured during a tour of Poland in 2017, is an unusual style that caught many people’s attention at the time, the designer unknown. We have our own similar take on this necklace with a contemporary trilogy sliding pearl necklace with white gold chain.
This is not only a fashion statement but also symbolic, a trilogy often represents past, present and future. Therefore, would make a beautiful sentimental gift for a loved one.
Spotted again, Angelina Jolie’s love of pearls continues when spotted wearing dark shimmering pearls with a red lip. We love this look especially with the simple stud pearl earrings. We have some very similar in our range set in 9ct yellow gold to achieve the ultimate red-carpet look. Anne Hatheway is spotted wearing some large almost black shimmering pearl studs with diamond detail on a red carpet. Many celebrities are transforming into a simple look with a pair of pearls, and we love it!
To get the look we have stunning dove grey pearls and black shimmering pearls available in earrings and pendant styles. This would be the perfect gift for someone born in June as this is the official birthstone of the month. Pearls are also the traditional gift to celebrate a 30th wedding anniversary. A gift that remains timeless is a gift that is loved & worn for a lifetime!
We hope you have a better understanding of different types of pearl and are inspired by the looks that can be created with such a simple beautiful gem created by nature.
Browse our full range of pearls on our website here and in stores.