Pearls - Natural, Cultured and Keshi: Everything You Need to Know About Their Timeless Elegance

Pearls are timeless jewels, symbols of refinement and purity, adored and appreciated throughout history by queens, aristocrats and collectors.

They continue to fascinate with their timeless mystery and refinement, remaining a standard of beauty and elegance regardless of the changes that have occurred in trends over time.

Today, the variety of types available gives every woman the opportunity to choose the jewelry that best reflects her personality and style.

Whether you're exploring pearl jewelry for the first time or you're already a fan, this guide will give you a complete look at the main types of pearls, the differences between them, and how to care for them.

We will also explain the cultural significance of pearls, so that you can consciously choose the jewelry that represents you or that you can give as a gift to a loved one.

Today, in an era of sophisticated jewelry and personalized accessories, pearls retain their relevance, offering a touch of distinction and uniqueness.

If you are interested in learning more about these jewels, below you will find information about the main types of pearls, the differences between them, and ways to care for them to enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.

We will also explore the symbolism of pearls, which makes them meaningful gifts for special occasions and which makes a pearl piece of jewelry a small treat that you give to yourself – a symbol of respect for your own elegance and style.

How Pearls Are Formed: A Fascinating Natural Process

Pearl formation is a fascinating and complex process, where nature and chemistry merge into a living work of art.

It all starts when a foreign body, such as a grain of sand, accidentally enters the inside of the shell.

To protect itself, the mollusk activates a natural process by which it coats this body with successive layers of nacre – a compound formed from aragonite crystals and a protein called conchiolin.

This protective layer, nacre, accumulates over time, forming the pearl.

This natural process, in which the mollusk transforms a simple irritant into a precious jewel, is a lesson from nature about the beauty of resilience.

In the case of natural pearls , the process is completely spontaneous and can take several years.

Each naturally formed pearl is unique, and factors that influence its shape, size, and color include the type of shell, water quality, and period of formation.

Pearls that form completely without human intervention are extremely rare, and currently most pearls available on the market are cultured pearls. This makes natural pearls extremely valuable.

Natural Pearls vs. Cultured Pearls: What are the Differences?

Natural pearls form spontaneously in their natural environment, without any human intervention.

In the past, pearls were sought exclusively by diving in deep waters, a risky and difficult process that resulted in a small number of pearls, which is why they were considered very valuable.

Due to their rarity and lack of control over formation, natural pearls are considered collector's items.

Natural pearls have a deep luster and may have small imperfections that give them character and uniqueness.

Cultured pearls , on the other hand, are also genuine pearls, but their formation is stimulated by human intervention, in a controlled process.

The practice of cultured pearls was pioneered by Japanese man Kokichi Mikimoto in the early 20th century. He discovered a way to manually insert a nucleus (usually a small ball of organic material) into oysters, thereby stimulating the pearl formation process.

The oyster deposits layers of nacre around it, forming the pearl. Through this controlled process, pearl farmers can obtain pearls of specific sizes, shapes, and colors.

Today, most pearls are cultured, making them accessible to a wider range of jewelry lovers.

Value and aesthetic differences : Natural pearls are more valuable than cultured ones due to their rarity and spontaneous formation.

Aesthetically, natural and cultured pearls can be quite similar, especially if cultured pearls are grown and finished under quality conditions.

However, cultured pearls offer a uniform shine and control over shape and size, making them preferred for modern jewelry.

There are also cultured pearls, such as Tahitian and South Sea, which can reach extremely high values ​​due to their large size and intense luster.

If you love pearls, cultured pearls offer an affordable alternative for exquisite jewelry, often having a uniform shine and an almost perfect surface.

How to recognize authenticity : To distinguish a genuine pearl from a fake one, observe its shine and texture.

Genuine pearls have a deep shine and distinctive luster, and are slightly rough to the touch due to the nacre layer.

When you buy a piece of jewelry, it will most likely come with a certificate of authenticity – an important detail especially when investing in high-quality natural or cultured pearls.

Keshi Pearls: Pure Elegance and Uniqueness

Keshi pearls are among the most fascinating types of pearls, prized for their uniqueness and authenticity.

Although they are part of the cultured pearl category, they are distinguished by the fact that they are made entirely of mother-of-pearl, without a nucleus. This particularity gives them a special luster and shine, often rivaling the beauty of natural pearls.

In jewelry culture, Keshi pearls are often considered a bold and elegant choice.

Due to their formation process and unpredictable shapes, they offer designers the opportunity to create truly unique pieces of jewelry. If you want a pearl that reflects your personality and expresses uncompromising refinement, Keshi pearls are the ideal option.

It is formed accidentally during the cultivation process, when the shell rejects the introduced nucleus but continues to deposit nacre around the pearly tissue.

The result? A pearl that has no nucleus, but is composed entirely of nacre, which gives it a deep shine and exceptional luster.

These pearls are characterized by their irregular shapes and a wide range of colors, coming from freshwater as well as marine waters, such as Akoya and Tahiti. Increasingly rare, Keshi pearls have become a true emblem of unique jewelry, ideal for emphasizing your nonconformist and sophisticated style.

With their uniqueness, Keshi pearls are more than just jewelry. Each irregular shape tells a story, and wearing them becomes a statement of individuality and authenticity.

The Quality of a Pearl: How to Recognize Valuable Pearls

Choosing a quality pearl requires attention to a few essential details. These criteria are important in determining the value of a pearl, and they apply to both natural and cultured or Keshi pearls:

1. Luster and Gloss : The quality of a pearl is often reflected in its luster. Higher quality pearls have a clear, deep, almost mirror-like luster, so you can see the reflection on the pearl's surface.

The intense shine is an indication of the thick layer of nacre, which is the result of a long formation process. It reflects light and gives the pearl an irresistible appearance.

2. Surface: A smooth surface, free of visible imperfections, adds value to the pearl. Small irregularities can be acceptable, and can even add a special charm, especially in the case of natural pearls, but a quality pearl will be as uniform as possible.

3. Color: The color of the pearl is another important criterion. Pearls can have a wide range of shades, from white to black, each being unique and valuable in its own way. Each color has a specific luster. Tahitian and golden pearls are particularly prized for their complex, iridescent hues.

4. Size: In general, the larger a pearl is, the rarer and more valuable it is. This criterion is especially applicable to South Sea and Tahitian pearls, whose large size and thick nacre confer special value.

One thing we recommend you pay attention to is that the jewelry you choose is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, to guarantee the quality of the pearls.

Indira offers a range of carefully selected pearl jewelry that meets quality standards and ensures authentic shine.

Colored Pearls: A Wide Range of Expressions of Beauty

Every colored pearl tells a story. From pure white to shades of pink, gold, green and even black, the color palette of pearls allows every woman to express her style and choose pearls that resonate with her personality:

• White Pearls: Representing purity and innocence, white pearls are a classic choice for any occasion. They are ideal for everyday wear, but also for special occasions, such as weddings.

• Pink and lavender pearls : These delicate shades inspire femininity and romance. Pink pearls go well with fair skin and are easy to integrate into understated jewelry.

• Gold and champagne pearls: Elegant and precious, gold pearls are associated with luxury. These shades are ideal for sophisticated women who want special, attention-grabbing jewelry.

• Tahitian (black) pearls: Extremely rare and spectacular, Tahitian pearls come in a range of deep colors, from green and blue to dark gray. These pearls are the perfect choice for women looking for jewelry with a mysterious and modern air.

The variety of colors gives you the freedom to choose the pearls that best complement your style, outfits, and emotions specific to each event you decide to wear them to.

How to care for pearls to keep their shine

To enjoy the shine of pearls for as long as possible, you need to care for them in a delicate and careful way, considering their sensitive nature.

Unlike other jewelry, pearls are organic materials, formed from layers of nacre, which makes them more vulnerable to scratches, chemicals, and adverse environmental conditions.

Here are some useful tips to take care of your favorite jewelry and preserve its beauty for as long as possible:

Regular cleaning : After each wear, wipe your pearls with a soft, dry cloth to remove traces of cosmetics, sweat, perfume, or other substances. This simple step prevents damage to the mother-of-pearl layer.

Proper storage : Keep pearls separate from other jewelry, in a soft bag or a special box. Contact with hard metals or gemstones can cause scratches.

Applying cosmetics : Avoid applying perfume, hairspray, or creams directly to pearls. It is recommended to add jewelry only after using these products.

Protect from heat and humidity : Prolonged exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures can damage pearls. Also, protect them from excessive humidity, which can affect the organic structure of the pearl.

The Symbolism of Pearls: Why They Are Timeless Jewelry

Pearls are more than just jewelry; they carry a rich and profound, cross-cultural symbolism that has captivated the hearts of people throughout history.

From Asia to the West, pearls have been considered symbols of purity, wisdom, and refinement, often associated with the idea of ​​perfection due to their natural beauty.

In Asian traditions, pearls are seen as talismans that bring good luck, prosperity, and protection. In Chinese mythology, pearls were considered the tears of dragons, and in Japan, they symbolize harmony and balance, often given as gifts to mark new beginnings or to bring inner peace.

In India, they are seen as a symbol of pure love and are considered perfect gifts for occasions that celebrate union, such as weddings.

In the West, pearls have long been associated with purity and innocence, which is why they were often included in bridal attire. Queen Victoria was one of the iconic figures who popularized pearls as a symbol of sobriety and elegance.

Also, in the modern era, pearls have become a symbol of confidence and strong femininity, being worn by iconic women such as Coco Chanel and Jackie Kennedy.

In spirituality, pearls are often associated with wisdom and transformation. They represent the ability to transform challenges into beauty, mirroring how a mollusk transforms a simple irritant into a precious gem.

For this reason, pearls are seen as symbols of resilience and inner beauty, being worn by those who wish to remind themselves of their own strength.

Whether you wear or give them to mark an important moment or simply as a celebration of beauty, pearls connect you to a rich tradition of elegance and deep meaning.

Pearls are more than just jewelry; they are a celebration of refinement, life stories, and authentic beauty.

Whether you choose a rare natural pearl, a perfectly polished cultured pearl, or a unique Keshi pearl, each piece becomes a symbol of your individuality and emotions or that of the person you decide to gift it to.

Carefully cared for and worn with pride, pearls can not only complement the style of the person wearing them, but also convey a deep connection to nature and history.

Choose the pearls that represent you, the ones that speak to you about who you are – because, just like you, each pearl is unique.