Pearls are naturally formed when an irritation within the oyster stimulates it to pour out a fluid which encases the foreign body in nacre, and it is these successive layers which build up the pearl. In cultured pearls the oysters are artificially stimulated through man inserting a nucleus around which he pearl will form. Pearls are cultivated in the Far East, notably Japan, and range through colours from creamy white to black.

The Greeks called pearls "The Tears of The Gods"; Julius Caesar banned women below a certain rank from wearing them. Vitality, beauty and innocence are the qualities connected with pearls.

Today pearls possess the classic of elegance that combine with most outfits and are usually decorated with gemstones in the clasp to add additional touch of colour.

The Variety of Cultured Pearls and where they are grown

Akoya
(Grown in Japan & China)

Akoya pearls are the classic cultured pearls of Japan. They are the most lustrous of all pearls found anywhere in the world. In recent times China has been successful in producing Akoya pearls within their own waters. However, so far they have been unable to produce pearls with as brilliant a lustre as high quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearls.

White South Sea
(Grown in Australia, Myanmar and Indonesia)

White South Sea cultured pearls are grown in a large tropical or semi tropical Oysters in Australia, Mayanmar, Indonesia and other Pacific countries. They generally range in size from 10mm to 20mm and command premium prices because of their relative rarity and large size.

South Sea Black
(Grown in French Polynesia)

South Sea Black cultured pearls are grown in the variety of large pearl oysters found primarily in French Polynesia. Their beautiful unique colour and large size can command very high prices.

Freshwater
(Grown in Japan, China & USA)

Freshwater pearls may be found in bays and rivers all over the world. They are easy to cultivate from freshwater molluscs in China, Japan and USA. They are usually less lustrous then their salt water counterparts. Although low in price their unique shapes and colours have made them popular items of Jewellery.

Mabe
(Grown in Japan, Indonesia & Australia)

Mabe pearls are hemispherical cultured pearls grown against the inside shell of an Oyster rather than within the Oyster's body. They are usually used to make earrings or rings which hide their flat backs.