Pearl Guide | Waldemar Jewellers

PEARL JEWELLERY SYDNEY

If you’re captivated by the idea of incorporating a pearl into a custom piece of fine jewellery for a pearl-themed wedding anniversary or birthstone, you’ll be pleased to discover the array of different colours and shapes available.

This exquisite gemstone, with its captivating lustre and shimmering colours, offers a striking alternative to the traditional diamond jewellery. At Waldemar Jewellers Sydney, we’re skilled at crafting the perfect custom pearl fine jewellers to suit your preferences and style.

How to choose your Pearl?

The important factor is surface quality, aim for pearls with a smooth surface and minimal imperfections. Smooth-surfaced pearls are generally considered higher in quality and exhibit a more refined appearance. Avoid pearls with visible flaws, as they may detract from the overall beauty of the jewellery piece.

Nacre quality is another crucial aspect to consider. The thickness of the nacre directly influence the pearl’s overall appearance and shine. Look for pearls with thick, shiny nacre layers for a stunning visual impact.

What is the hardness of a Pearl?

Measured on the Mohs scale, pearls range between 2.5 and 4. Despite their relatively low hardness, pearls are still quite resilient. Diamonds, for instance, reign supreme on this scale with a hardness of 10.

Even though they can have a beautiful lustre, pearls require careful handling to avoid scratches and abrasions and aren’t recommended for everyday wear as a ring.

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Different Shapes of Pearls

Pearls come in many shapes. They can be round, semi-round, teardrop-shaped, pear-shaped, button-shaped, baroque, or ridged. The perfectly round pearls are the most wanted, so they cost the most. However, baroque pearls with their unique, harmonious shapes are becoming more and more sought after.

The Round Pearl: This one has a ball-like shape, and it’s known to be the most valuable.
The Drop Pearl: These pearls are usually symmetrical or teardrop-shaped.
The Ringed Pearl: This unique shape is a natural thing with many circular bands.
The Button Pearl: It looks like a round pearl, but it has a flat side and a curved top.
The Baroque Pearl: This pearl is known for being not even with uneven surfaces.
The Keshi Pearl: These pearls don’t have a core and come in different thin flake-like shapes.

The origin of pearls

SOUTH SEA PEARLS

South Seas pearls are exquisite treasures harvested from the warm waters of the South Pacific. These pearls are cultivated primarily in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. What makes South Sea pearls truly remarkable is their impressive size and lustrous shine. They are among the largest and rarest pearls available, often ranging from 9mm to an astounding 20mm in diameter. Their natural colours vary from creamy white to golden hues, with a radiant glow that captivates the eye. Cultivating South Sea pearls is a meticulous process that requires pristine ocean conditions and years of nurturing. These pearls are highly coveted for their rarity, beauty, and luxurious appeal. Often used in high-end jewellery pieces, South Sea pearls add an air of sophistication and elegance to any ensemble, making them prized possessions for those who appreciate the finest in craftsmanship and natural beauty.

AKOYA PEARLS

Akoya pearls are among the most prized and iconic of all pearls. They are cultivated in the salt-waters of Japan, mainly around the Sea of Japan region. What sets Akoya pearls apart is their radiant lustre and almost perfectly round shape. They are often white or with a slight pink hue and are renowned for their quality and uniformity. Cultivating Akoya pearls is a meticulous process, requiring specific environmental conditions and careful attention to detail. Due to their timeless beauty and elegance, Akoya pearls are highly sought after in the world of jewellery and are often used to create high-quality, valuable pieces. They hold a special place in the hearts of pearl enthusiasts and are treasured for their classic allure and refined charm.

FRESHWATER PEARLS

Freshwater pearls are unique gems cultivated in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. Unlike saltwater pearls, which are formed in oysters, freshwater pearls develop in mussels. These pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, ranging from classic white to pastel shades like pink, peach, and lavender. Freshwater pearls are popular choices for both casual and elegant jewellery. Cultivating freshwater pearls requires patience and careful farming techniques. While they may not have the same prestige as saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are cherished for their natural beauty and versatility, making them a beloved choice for jewellery enthusiasts around the world.

TAHITIAN PEARLS

Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls, are loved for their stunning beauty and exotic appeal. These pearls grow in the clear waters around the islands of French Polynesia, especially near Tahiti. What makes Tahitian pearls special is their dark colours, like deep black or shades of grey, blue, green, and sometimes purple. Each pearl has its own unique colour, which makes them really popular among people who love jewellery. Growing Tahitian pearls is complicated and needs a lot of care. These pearls are usually bigger than others, which makes them even more special. They’re famous for their natural charm and luxury, often used to make really fancy and beautiful jewellery that shows off their elegance and richness.

Shop Pearl Jewellery

Our team of skilled artisans are passionate about bringing your unique vision to life. We meticulously source the finest pearls, ensuring each piece radiates unmatched lustre and brilliance. Whether you desire a classic strand or a contemporary masterpiece, we craft pearl jewellery that celebrates your individuality and timeless beauty.

South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings

$2,250 – $2,750

South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace

$3,000

Diamond Huggies with South Sea Pearl Drops

$1,495

Tear Drop South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bar Earrings

$3,995

ask an expert custom design ideas

HOW TO CARE FOR PEARLS

Looking after your pearls is super important to make sure they stay beautiful for years to come. Here are some easy tips to keep them in top shape:

First Tip: Pearls are delicate because they come from living creatures. So, try to keep them away from strong stuff like makeup, lotion, and perfume, which can harm both the pearls and their settings. It’s best to put on your pearl jewellery after you’re done with everything else and take them off first when you’re finished.

Second Tip: Pearls can get scratched or stained easily, which can make them lose their shine. To avoid this, store them separately from your other jewellery, ideally in a soft pouch on a flat surface.

Third Tip: Pearls like a little moisture to stay looking good. If you leave them out in the sun too much or keep them locked away for too long, they might dry out. Wearing them regularly, with moderate warmth and humidity, is perfect for keeping them shiny.

Fourth Tip: After wearing your pearls, you can gently wipe them with a soft cloth to get rid of any oil or dirt. For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth with mild, soapy water and gently wipe them. Just don’t soak them, as this could damage the string holding them together. Let your pearls air dry before storing them away.