One of the few organic gems (others are amber, coral & jet), there’s something undeniably magical about pearls. Elegant, luminous & steeped in history, these treasures from the sea have captivated wearers for centuries. The pearl is one of the gems for June, along with alexandrite & moonstone. Whether you’re drawn to their romantic glow or their classic versatility, pearls are always in style. In this article, we’ll touch on their fascinating past, explore different types, discover how to wear & care for them & how to evaluate their quality.

 

“A woman needs ropes & ropes of pearls” – Coco Chanel

 

I. Pearl History 

From Cleopatra’s lavish pearl earring to Coco Chanel’s iconic strands, pearls have symbolized luxury, refinement & grace across civilizations. Ancient Egyptians were buried with them, the Chinese believed they protected against fires & dragons & the Romans valued them as the ultimate status symbol.

For centuries, pearls could only be found in the wild—making them exceedingly rare & expensive. That all changed in the early 1900s when Japanese entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto successfully developed the cultured pearl and scaled its production to create an industry. By inserting a small bead or tissue into an oyster to stimulate nacre formation, Mikimoto revolutionized the world of pearls. Suddenly, the elegance of pearls became accessible to more people, without sacrificing beauty or authenticity. Cultured pearls now make up the vast majority (95%+) of pearls on the market.

II. Types of Pearls

When choosing the perfect pearl, understanding the different types can help you find the one that best fits your style, budget & personality. Each pearl variety has its own unique origin, characteristics, and charm. Here’s a friendly guide to five of the most popular types of pearls you’ll find at Argo & Lehne:

Natural Pearls

At our store, we offer natural pearls through our carefully curated vintage collection. These timeless jewels showcase the elegance & uniqueness only natural pearls can provide.

We also feature new natural (along with cultured) pearls in our cherished add-a-pearl program, a beloved tradition where customers begin a necklace with just an inch of pearls & gradually add to it inch by inch over the years. Whether commemorating milestones or building a meaningful heirloom, it’s a thoughtful way to create something truly personal & lasting.

 

 

 

 

 

Freshwater Pearls

Grown primarily in rivers & lakes, freshwater pearls are beloved for their versatility. They come in a wide array of shapes—round to baroque—and are often found in soft pastel hues like blush pink, lavender, and peach. Since they’re cultivated in mussels that can produce multiple pearls at once, they’re more affordable than other types, making them perfect for everyday wear or experimenting with fun, contemporary designs. That said, they’re also lovely in classic strands & bridal jewelry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Akoya Pearls

If you picture the quintessential pearl necklace, you’re likely thinking of Akoya pearls. Cultivated in saltwater, primarily off the coasts of Japan and China, these pearls are prized for their perfectly round shape and radiant luster. Akoya pearls are most often white or cream, often with subtle overtones of rose or silver. This refined elegance is a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries & timeless gifts.

 

 

 

 

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls bring a bold, exotic flair to pearl jewelry. Cultivated in the warm lagoons of French Polynesia, these naturally dark pearls display an incredible range of colors—from deep charcoal and shimmering silver to green, blue, peacock, and even aubergine tones. Each Tahitian pearl is a little drop of the ocean’s mystery, ideal for those who love a statement piece that still feels effortlessly organic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Sea Pearls

Known as the “queen of pearls,” South Sea pearls are the largest & most valued cultured pearls available. Grown in the pristine waters off the coasts of Australia & the Philippines, they are celebrated for their thick nacre, soft satin luster & impressive size. These luxurious pearls come in classic white & silver shades, as well as striking golden tones that feel truly regal. If you’re looking for something rare & radiant, South Sea pearls are a stunning choice.

 

 

III. Styling Pearls Today: Classic Meets Contemporary

Pearls have come a long way from their strictly formal roots. While they’ll always carry a sense of timeless elegance, modern pearl jewelry is all about versatility—and a little bit of fun. Heading to brunch, the boardroom, or down the aisle, pearls can elevate your style in fresh, unexpected ways.

Everyday Elegance

Think less “ladies who lunch,” more “effortless polish.” Simple pearl pendants or delicate stud earrings are perfect for everyday—adding just the right touch of sophistication to a t-shirt & jeans or a sleek work outfit.

Modern Layering

Today’s pearl looks are anything but prim. Try layering strands of pearls with gold chains, meaningful charms, or even leather for an edgier take. Mixing textures & lengths can create a personal, contemporary, and a even playful look.

Bridal & Heirloom Moments

Pearls continue to be a bridal favorite—for good reason. They symbolize love, purity & new beginnings. Many brides choose pearl jewelry not only for their big day, but as treasured heirlooms to enjoy daily & eventually pass down. Vintage strand or modern custom design, pearls make the moment memorable.

No matter how you wear them—bold or understated, classic or reimagined—pearls have a way of lighting up your look with grace & ease. They’re the ultimate style chameleons, and they’re very much having their moment.

IV. Caring for Your Pearls

Pearls are organic & require a little extra TLC to maintain their beauty:

• Last On, First Off – Perfumes, lotions & hairspray can dull their luster.
• Storage – Store pearls in a soft cloth pouch or lined box, away from anything that might scratch them.
• Cleaning – Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
• Stringing – Pearl strands should be restrung periodically (especially if worn often) to prevent breakage and maintain security.

V. Understanding Pearl Quality: The GIA 7 Value Factors

Like diamonds, pearls are evaluated by a set of criteria developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Understanding these can help you assess a pearl’s quality and value:

• Size – Larger pearls are rarer & more valuable, when all other factors are equal.
• Shape – Perfectly round pearls are the most prized, though baroque (irregular) shapes offer a unique & organic beauty.
• Color – Pearls come in a spectrum of shades from white & cream to pink, gold, silver & black. Color preference is personal, but natural intensity & evenness add value.
• Luster – The pearl’s shine or glow. High-quality pearls have a bright, mirror-like luster that reflects light sharply.
• Surface Quality – Pearls with fewer blemishes or spots are considered higher quality. Minor imperfections are not uncommon & are part of their natural charm.
• Matching – Multi-pearl items like strands, bracelets or earrings should be uniform in size (can be graduated), shape, complexion, color & luster.
• Nacre Thickness – Nacre is the pearlescent substance deposited by the mollusk in layers. Thicker nacre means a more durable and lustrous pearl. Cultured pearls with thin nacre may look dull or chip over time.

VI. Pearls at Argo & Lehne

Festive vintage bracelet with South Sea pearls & diamond rondelles & clasp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adorable, whimsical Retro rose & yellow gold pearl earrings.

Finally, a classic and versatile single strand Akoya pearl necklace, a jewelry wardrobe staple.

VII. Conclusion

Pearls are more than just beautiful—they’re timeless, versatile & steeped in meaning. Whether you’re new to pearls or rediscovering their charm, they offer an elegant way to express personal style & mark life’s special moments.

Come explore our pearl collection at Argo & Lehne—we’d love to help you find (or create!) your perfect treasure.