Pearl News, Education, and Style
PEARL TYPES & DEEP DIVES
South Sea Pearls: A Connoisseur's Guide
South Sea pearls are the largest saltwater pearl, grown in Australia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Here's how size, color, and luster drive their price.
Pearl Knowledge
My Pearl Library: Books Worth Knowing About
Over 50 pearl books and counting — the ones worth reading, from Victorian traders to Mikimoto biographies to the most beautiful volumes on the subject.
PEARL PRICING & VALUE
On the Difference Between Expensive and Worth It
Fine jewelry can be expensive — and when it’s made right, it should be. But there is a difference between expensive and worth it, and...
PEARL BUYING GUIDES
Pearl Certification: What Matters (and What Doesn't)
Most pearl certificates carry no legal weight. Here are the only 5 institutions whose opinions actually matter — and why your real guarantee is the...
Pearl Basics
Akoya vs South Sea vs Freshwater Pearls — What Actually Makes Them Different
Akoya, South Sea, and freshwater pearls come from different worlds. Understanding what shapes each one is what allows you to recognize quality — and choose...
Pearl Buying Guides
Are Freshwater Pearls Good Quality? How to Tell What’s Worth Buying
Freshwater pearls can be very good quality — but the category is wide, and selection matters more than type. Here's what to look for, and...