THE FIVE VIRTUES
Our South Sea Pearl Range features the most stunning pearls from the pristine waters of coastlines along Australia and Tahiti (black pearls). Renown for their ‘orient’ – a result of their unmatchable lustre and unique display of colours.
Australian South Sea Pearls are a natural gem. Our Australian South Sea Pearls are cultured in the Pinctada Maxima Oyster shell in the pristine waters of Australia’s north western coastline. These pearls are formed over 2 years using modern pearling techniques to produce the finest quality of pearls. Over these years, the oyster coats a nucleus with ‘nacre’ – which forms the revered natural lustre of an Australian South Sea pearl.
South Sea Pearls are very rare in that they require no treatment of any kind, they are a truly natural gem. Each South Sea Pearl differs in value based upon five significant virtues. At Pearls and Boheme, we offer a wide variety of South Sea Pearls to suit your style and budget.
01. Lustre
The depth and shine of a pearl is arguably its most enticing, unique and eye-catching feature. Lustre describes the interaction of light with the deep layers of nacre. This gives an effect of a soft iridescent glow. A pearl that lacks lustre can be described as dull and lacking shine. Pearls of high quality demonstrate a phenomena known as ‘orient’ which is an interplay of this lustre and the depth of colours on a South Sea Pearls surface.
02. Complexion
Flawless pearls that exhibit no imperfections are rare. The number, size and visibility of imperfections influences the quality of a pearl. A pearl that demonstrates noticeable imperfections (such as circles, lines & dents), will compromise a pearl’s allure. For many, small imperfections can add beauty and uniqueness to a pearl.
03. Shape
Pearls come in a variety of shapes including: Drop, Oval, Round, Button & Baroque. Shape does not directly affect the quality of a pearl, however, the demand for certain shapes can influence the value of a pearl. Perfectly symmetrical pearls (Round & Tear-Drop shaped), are most rare.
04. Colour
Australian South Sea Pearls come in various natural colors such as white, silver, cream, gold, champagne, and white with pink overtones. Meanwhile, Tahitian South Sea Pearls display silver to black colors with beautiful blue and green overtones, reflecting the shell's iridescence. Just like shape, color is also subjective, and demand for a particular hue influences its value.
05. SIZE
South Sea Pearls have a generously thick layer of nacre coating, as such they are some of the largest of all pearl kinds. With common sizes ranging from 11mm to 16mm. Size greatly influences value, however it is considered with respect to the other four virtues.
