MEET MARINA
Hi! Nice to meet you!
My name is Marina Korneev. I was born and raised in Odesa, Ukraine, and I've been a San Francisco Bay Area resident for over a quarter of a century.
If anyone had told me ten years ago that pearls would become not just my passion but also my salvation and livelihood, I would have laughed at the idea.
Ten years ago, I faced a sudden and devastating tragedy — the death of my husband. Navigating through the shock and the ensuing depression, I found my unexpected solace in pearls.
In their words...
"Marina shares her knowledge openly — ask her anything and you get a clear, direct answer. Whenever I need something specific, she finds it: the right piece, exceptional pearls, at a fair price."
~ Olga P.
A strand of vintage Mikimoto pearls that landed in my hands sparked my curiosity. The questions they triggered led me to a thriving community of pearl enthusiasts and professionals — a universe I knew nothing about but was eager to explore.
Curiosity became study. Study became practical training under globally recognized pearl dealers. I became a Certified Pearl Specialist from the Pearl Association of America (CPAA).
"I had been completely indifferent to pearls before I met Marina. She educates generously — articles, masterclasses, conversations. When I buy a piece from her, I receive a full dossier on it. During COVID, she held a strand for me for months, patiently and without pressure."
~ Irene P.
I am one of a small number of dedicated pearl specialists — not gem generalists, not jewelry curators, but someone whose entire focus is pearls. That specificity is intentional.
My role is not to sell you something. It is to help you find the right piece — and to make sure you understand exactly what you're holding when you do.
"Whatever Marina takes on, she approaches with utmost professionalism; everything is always meticulously studied and not just exhaustively, but also very engagingly explained, demonstrated, and narrated. There's even a certain danger of getting quite 'hooked' on her subject, so to speak—but it's a pleasant addiction. You expand your horizons and begin to understand things you had no idea about before. Secondly, you have the rare opportunity to assemble a unique collection of real treasures! And, after all, is there really a need to explain why people need beauty in their lives? 🙂"
~ Laura K.
While you're here, I'd love to stay in touch. Here's what being part of my circle looks like:
- In-person events — intimate gatherings that celebrate pearls, up close.
- Loyalty rewards — for the collectors who keep coming back.
- Newsletter — pearl knowledge, new arrivals, and stories, straight to your inbox.
- Early access to sales — new drops and promotions before anyone else.
- Comprehensive Pearl Guide — everything you need to buy pearls with confidence.
- Want to talk pearls? Book a Private Consultation with me.
- Ready to explore? Shop Pearl Jewelry
See you in pearls,
Marina
