Pearl jewellery has long been a symbol of unblemished perfection and natural beauty. Throughout history, pearls have been revered for their elegance and grace, making them a cherished choice in fine jewellery. When combined with exquisite gemstones, they create a look that transcends time—offering an unparalleled fusion of luxury, sophistication, and personal style.
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At GIOIA Fine Jewellery, we specialise in creating unique pearl jewellery that incorporates the brilliance of rare gemstones, adding a modern twist to an age-old classic.
Types of Pearls: Freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian
Pearls are categorised into several types, each with its own distinct characteristics and appeal. Here are the most prominent types of pearls you can find in fine jewellery:
Freshwater
Freshwater pearls are typically more affordable due to their higher availability in rivers and lakes. However, the finest freshwater pearls, especially those with rare characteristics, can be highly valuable. They vary greatly in size, shape, and colour, offering a wide range of options to suit different tastes. Their sizes range from 4mm to 11mm, making them perfect for casual or elegant jewellery pieces.
Akoya
Akoya pearls are renowned for their lustrous sheen and perfectly round shape. Cultivated in Japan, they are considered the original spherical cultured, first introduced in the 19th century. Akoya pearls range in size from 2mm to 10mm, with an average size of 6-7mm. Due to their limited production—only two pearls are produced from each oyster—Akoya pearls are rare and highly sought after in the fine jewellery market.
South Sea
Cultivated in the silver-lipped or gold-lipped oyster found in the warm waters of Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines, South Sea pearls are some of the largest and most luxurious cultured pearls available. They range in size from 9mm to 18mm, with an average size of 13mm. They are known for their thick nacre and rich, creamy tones, often in shades of white, gold, and silver.
Tahitian
Tahitian pearls, often described as the most exotic of all, are cultivated in the warm waters of Polynesia. While they are most commonly referred to as black pearls, their colours range across the entire spectrum—from dark black to silver-white, with popular shades like green and peacock. Tahitian pearls typically range in size from 8mm to 14mm, with an average size of 9-10mm. Approximately 40% of Tahitian are round, with the rest being button, oval, drop, baroque, or semi-baroque.
Pearls Combined with Gemstones Jewellery
The combination of pearls and gemstones is what truly makes a piece of jewellery stand out. Pearls, with their soft sheen and timeless elegance, are a perfect complement to the vibrant, bold colours and brilliance of gemstones. When paired together, they create a unique synergy—combining the best of both worlds.
Imagine a beautiful Akoya pearl encircled by sparkling blue sapphires, or a stunning South Sea pearl adorned with emeralds. These combinations not only enhance the beauty of the pearls but also elevate the design, making each piece one-of-a-kind.
At GIOIA Fine Jewellery, we specialise in customising jewellery that incorporates both pearls and gemstones. Whether you’re designing a custom pearl engagement ring or a statement necklace, our expert designers work closely with you to create a piece that reflects your personal style and values.
Birthstone for June
Did you know that pearls are the official birthstone for June? Known for their purity and elegance, it have been considered a symbol of beauty and wisdom. They are especially meaningful for those born in this month, representing purity, innocence, and love.
However, it’s important to note that pearls, like moonstone, have a relatively lower hardness compared to other gemstones. Pearls are rated 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is softer than other gemstones such as alexandrite, which ranks at a hardness of 8. Alexadrite is renowned for its colour-changing properties and high durability, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more robust gemstone. While pearls offer timeless beauty and elegance, they do require more careful handling and maintenance due to their softness.
Why Are Natural Akoya Pearls More Valuable Than Freshwater?
There are several reasons why Akoya pearls are considered more valuable than freshwater. The primary factors include their rarity, the limited production from each oyster, and the demand for high-quality Akoya pearls in fine jewellery.
Akoya Pearls: These are produced by the Pinctada fucata martensii oyster, with only one or two pearls being produced from each oyster. As a result, they are much rarer and more expensive. Fine-quality Akoya pearls, that are blemish-free and perfectly round—are even rarer, making them especially valuable in the world of fine jewellery.
Freshwater Pearls: These are typically farmed and produced in mussels found in freshwater lakes and rivers, particularly in China. Freshwater mussels can produce anywhere from 24 to 32 pearls at a time, resulting in a higher supply and relatively lower prices compared to Akoya pearls.
In GIOIA Fine Jewellery, every single pearl is selected for its colour, luster, blemish-free and perfectly round shape. From earring to necklace, bracelet and pendant, every design is truly unique and design exclusively by our designer. We hand knotted on each pearl with silk cord. A wide range of lengths from dinner ball; casual event; luncheon with friends. Symbol of elegance and beauty fine Jewelry, regardless of the occasion.
Ready to design your own pearl and gemstone masterpiece? Contact GIOIA Fine Jewellery today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers. Let us help you create a custom piece that will forever capture the beauty and brilliance of pearls and gemstones.
