Keshi

What is keshi?
Keshi pearls are a byproduct of the pearl culturing process — usually small, entirely nacre, with no nucleus. Because they form without a bead implant, the pearl is pure nacre from surface to center, which gives keshi an intensity of luster that nucleated pearls rarely match.
The shapes are always organic, extremely rarely round. Keshi form freely — and no two are alike.
Keshi are a rare commodity and always belong to saltwater pearl varieties. Freshwater keshi, often called as such, is a misnomer — representing unusual shapes of traditional Chinese freshwater non-nucleated pearls. We carry a small collection of keshi pearls, set in solid gold and handcrafted in San Francisco.
Want to learn more about keshi? Read The love and appreciation of keshi pearls →