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New to pearls? Start here

Cultured pearls are real pearls, grown inside living oysters and mussels. There are four great families: Akoya (the classic mirror-bright white), Freshwater (the most variety and the best value), Tahitian (naturally dark and modern), and South Sea (the largest and rarest, with a satin glow).

Which one is for you?

If you want the timeless classic: Akoya. An everyday piece at a kind price: Freshwater. Modern, confident drama: Tahitian. A future heirloom: South Sea. And when in doubt, a white 7–8 mm strand at 18 inches suits almost everyone.

Care fits in one sentence: pearls go on last and come off first, stay away from perfume, get a wipe with a soft cloth after wearing, and live separately from harder jewellery. Real pearls at honest prices, shipped from Montréal.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a pearl is real?

A real pearl feels slightly cool at first touch, and rubbed gently against a tooth its surface feels very finely gritty rather than perfectly smooth. Small natural variations from pearl to pearl are also a good sign — flawless uniformity is what plastic looks like.

What is the difference between cultured and natural pearls?

Both are real pearls formed by a living mollusc. In a cultured pearl, the process is simply started by people; fully natural pearls are so rare they belong to auction houses, not jewellery shopping.

How do I care for pearls?

Put them on last and take them off first, keep them away from perfume, hairspray and household chemicals, wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, and store them flat, separately from harder jewellery.