Pearls have been a symbol of beauty and elegance for centuries. Pearl jewellery is a timeless classic that brings elegance to every outfit. This luminous gemstone has a unique charm making it also a popular choice for bridal jewellery.  Once reserved for special occasions or your grandma’s jewellery box, they have come a long way and are now big on trend featuring contemporary and modern designs, reimagined for the runways and everyday wear. They appeal to both, the fashion forward or the classic wearer. Pearls are one of the three birthstones for June.

What are pearls?
Pearls are the only gemstone to come from a living creature. Pearls are produced by molluscs, which are oysters or mussels. When a small grain or bead finds its way into the mollusc, it secretes a soothing substance called nacre over the irritant and over time, this forms the pearl. It takes several months, sometimes years to form a pearl. An estimated 99% of available pearls are now cultured. This is not surprising as less than 1 in every 10,000 wild oysters contains a pearl, which resulted in overfishing and severe depletion of wild oyster beds. Our pearls are of course cultured pearls.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are made by freshwater mussels cultivated in freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds. At Neola we handcraft jewellery pieces from natural freshwater pearls that are sustainably farmed. Each pearl has its own unique shape and beauty making each piece one of a kind.

Baroque Pearls
They are named after the French word baroque, meaning irregularly shaped. The term refers to shape of the pearl, which has an irregular organic shape, in contract to the perfectly round shape of classic pearls.

A brief history of pearl jewellery

The origin of pearl jewellery dates back to ancient Egypt. Pearls were associated with royalty and power, often gifted from kings to their queens or from royals to their loyal subjects. Pearl jewellery remains deeply rooted in many cultures. The first cultured pearl was created in Japan in the late 19th century making them more accessible. Coco Chanel made them fashionable in the 1930s and let’s not forget Audrey Hepburn with her iconic outfit in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

How to care for your pearl jewellery

Taking proper care of pearl jewellery can help maintain its natural beauty and stand the test of time. Pearls should be cleaned regularly to remove any dirt or oils that may have accumulated on the surface. To clean your pearls, simply wipe them gently with a soft cloth soaked in water, soapy water or a mild pearl cleaner. Allow the pearl jewellery to air dry naturally on a soft cleaning cloth, as towel drying may cause damage. Pearls should be stored in a cool, dry place away from other jewellery that may scratch their surface. We recommend to store them separately in a lined jewellery box or pouch to avoid contact with other jewellery pieces.

Things to avoid

Due to the delicate nature of pearls it is best to avoid the following to maintain their lustrous beauty over time:

Harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures

Pearls are sensitive to alkaline substances and acids, avoid exposing them to perfume, household cleaners, and hairspray. Extreme temperatures can cause pearls to dry out and crack. 

Harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials that can scratch the surface of the pearls.

Rough surfaces

How to Wear Your Pearl Jewellery

Pearls were once thought of as formal gems only, but contemporary pearls can be worn with casual outfits and every day. They are no longer reserved for special occasions. For a modern take opt for a layered look featuring a single pearl necklace with layered necklaces. Alternatively, you could wear your pearl necklace alongside vibrant gemstones to contrast the pale hues of the pearl. We also like the simplicity of a single pearl pendant necklace.

Interesting fact
In ancient Rom pearls were considered to be a symbol of wealth and prestige. Julius Caesar created a law that allowed only the ruling class to wear the fine jewels. Thankfully this law is no longer enacted.

We've got the perfect luxury pearl jewellery for you to add timeless elegance to your look. Explore our range from pearl earrings to pearl bracelets and pearl necklaces.