Pearl Jewelry Buying Guide: Tahitian, Edison, South Sea & Keshi

ALOHA BANGLES · FIND YOUR EVERYDAY ALOHA

Pearls bring their own personality to a piece of jewelry. Color catches your eye first, but luster, shape, size, and how you plan to wear the piece all help you choose.

Tahitian Pearl Floater Necklace - Peacock Colored
Tahitian Pearl Floater Necklace - Peacock Colored · See current options and details

Tahitian pearls: depth and changing color

Tahitian cultured pearls are saltwater pearls associated with French Polynesia. They can show gray, silver, green, peacock, and other overtones rather than a single flat black. Look at more than one image when available: light and surrounding colors can change how those overtones appear.

Edison pearls: freshwater color and presence

Edison cultured pearls are freshwater pearls known for their range of sizes and colors. Pink, peach, lavender, and white tones can give very different moods to the same design. Compare the actual millimeter measurements in the listing rather than relying on a close-up photo.

South Sea pearls: white and golden tones

South Sea cultured pearls are saltwater pearls valued for their luster and their white, silver, or golden colors. If you like a warm palette, look at golden pearls alongside your preferred metal. White pearls offer a lighter focal point that pairs easily with both silver and gold tones.

Keshi pearls: an organic silhouette

Keshi pearls are non-bead-nucleated pearls formed during pearl cultivation. Their freeform shapes make them especially expressive in drops, cascades, and strands. Keshi describes a pearl type rather than one specific color; check the listing for its origin, measurements, and tones.

What to compare before buying

Look for clear reflections and a pleasing glow, then consider surface markings, shape, and how well the pearls work together in a pair or strand. Natural surface features are common. Letter grades are not standardized across all sellers, so use the photos and description alongside any grade.

Choose for your daily style

Studs are a simple starting point. A pendant or floater necklace keeps a pearl near the face, while a pearl bangle brings color into a stack. Confirm whether the listing shows the exact pearl you will receive, and ask us if a particular undertone or shape matters to you.

Helpful before you order

More help choosing your jewelry

Explore more buying guides