Le Journal des Perles

Large golden South Sea pearl — the queen of cultured pearls
South Sea pearls: the largest and most precious cultured pearls
The "queen of pearls" — unmatched size, exceptionally thick nacre, uniquely soft lustre. Geographic origin Northern Australia to Philippines, through Indonesia and Myanmar. Australia (Broome, Kimberley) is the most prestigious... Read more...
Pearl oyster revealing a cultured pearl — the origin of pearl cultivation
History of cultured pearls: from Mikimoto to contemporary jewellery
For millennia, pearls were among the most precious and rarest gems. The cultured pearl changed everything. Natural pearls: absolute rarity Out of thousands of oysters, a handful contained pearls. Pearl... Read more...
Pearl earrings in a luxury gift box — the perfect gift
Gifting pearl jewellery: guide by occasion and budget
Giving pearls is giving something that stands the test of time. Mother's Day, birthday 80-200 euros: freshwater pearl earrings on silver or 9k gold. 200-600 euros: Akoya earrings on 18k... Read more...
Pearl pendants on yellow gold, white gold and rose gold
Which metal for pearl jewellery: gold, silver, gold-plated, vermeil
The pearl is the centrepiece, but the metal changes everything: character, price, durability. Yellow gold: the classic 18k (750/1000): European quality standard, used for all Pearls & Colors pieces. 9k... Read more...
Classic Akoya pearl necklace with pink overtones — Pearls & Colors
Akoya pearls: the timeless elegance of Japanese jewellery
The Akoya pearl is the world's most famous cultured pearl — the classic "pearl necklace". Mikimoto and the pearl revolution Mikimoto Kokichi obtained his first semi-round cultured pearl in 1893.... Read more...
Tahitian pearls in natural peacock, aubergine and grey colours
Tahitian pearls: everything about black pearls from French Polynesia
Tahitian pearls are the only naturally dark cultured pearls in the world. Protected designation Cultivated exclusively in French Polynesia. Main areas: Tuamotu-Gambier (85%), Society Islands, Marquesas. Pinctada margaritifera The dark... Read more...
Pearl lustre and orient — understanding quality — Pearls & Colors
Lustre and orient: how to evaluate cultured pearl quality
If you're looking to buy cultured pearl jewellery, "lustre" and "orient" are the two most important quality criteria. Lustre: brilliance and depth A high-lustre pearl reflects surrounding objects with almost... Read more...
Pearl jewellery care essentials — Pearls & Colors guide
How to care for your pearl jewellery: the complete guide
Cultured pearls are living gems. Well maintained, quality pearls can be passed down for generations while retaining their lustre. Why pearls are fragile Nacre is composed of aragonite bonded by... Read more...
The 4 types of cultured pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater
The 4 types of cultured pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater
Not all cultured pearls are alike. Behind this generic term lie four distinct species, produced by different molluscs, in different geographical areas, with very different characteristics and value. Akoya pearl:... Read more...
Examining a real cultured pearl — Pearls & Colors guide
How to tell real cultured pearls from imitations
You're holding a necklace and wondering whether the pearls are real or fake? It's a common question — and for good reason: some imitations today are visually very convincing. Yet... Read more...