A piece of jewellery can elevate an outfit, taking it from plain to flashy, luxurious or sophisticated. One of the most elegant and versatile pieces of jewellery is the pearl necklace. Most would agree that pearls are beautiful, classic and timeless, but what many people don’t realize is that not all pearls are the same. There are actually many varieties of pearls with different looks, sizes and value, catering to almost every taste. No matter what your sense of style is or how you want to elevate your look, there is a string of pearls out there to suit you.
Akoya Pearls
When most people think of pearl jewellery, it is the classic akoya pearl that enters their mind. Akoya pearls, a type of saltwater pearl, are known for being highly lustrous and nearly perfectly round. It’s the natural roundness of the akoya pearl that makes it such a popular choice for jewellery, as the uniform beads create a classic and quietly elegant look. The akoya pearl is typically available in shades of white and grey, with some subtle green and pink undertones.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls typically come from oysters that yield several pearls at a time, meaning one of their most appealing characteristics is their lower price; but lower price doesn’t mean poor quality. Freshwater pearls are just as beautiful as any other pearl. Freshwater pearls do tend to be smaller and asymmetrical, so the look is more fun and trendy, and not typically classic. Though available naturally in a variety of shades of white and grey, freshwater pearls are often given artificial colour treatments to make them available in fun, statement hues like pink or purple.
Tahitian Pearls
A favorite amongst fashionistas, Tahitian pearls are bold and exotic with their large size, shimmering, satiny surface and deep, rich colours. Some of the most famous Tahitian pearls are the black variety. These are the darkest naturally occurring pearls in the world, but they also give off a stunning iridescent shimmer, offering hypnotizing glimpses of deep greens and blues. Tahitian pearls are also available in a variety of other colours, including white and gold. If you are looking to truly make a statement, the Tahitian pearl is the way to go.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are among the rarest in the world, as they have a very limited growth period and natural region. They are also some of the largest pearls in the world, and come in a variety of shapes, though truly round ones are less common.
South Sea pearls are typically available in white and gold, and they are noted for their soft, subtle shine. Because of their rarity, they come at a higher price point than most other varieties of pearls. They are the perfect choice for someone who values jewellery that is unique without being over the top, and timeless without being boring. They are a truly elegant choice.
Whether your style is classic, sophisticated, bold, trendy or somewhere in between, there is a pearl out there that is a perfect fit for you.