Pearl Jewellery
Discover our timeless collection of real pearl jewellery at Sarah Beth Jewellers, carefully selected for its lustre, quality and enduring elegance. From classic designs to more contemporary styles, our pearls are set in sterling silver, white gold and yellow gold — offering something beautiful for every taste and occasion. Pearl jewellery has a sophistication that is truly timeless: whether worn as a necklace, a pair of earrings or a bracelet, pearls add an effortless elegance that complements everything from everyday wear to the most special of occasions.
What Makes Pearls Special?
Pearls are the only gemstone created by a living organism rather than formed in rock or mineral deposits. They grow inside a mollusc when an irritant — such as a piece of grit or a grain of sand — becomes lodged inside the shell. The mollusc responds by coating the irritant in a substance called nacre, which builds up in hundreds of microscopic layers over time to form a pearl. It is this layered nacre that gives pearls their characteristic soft, glowing lustre — a quality unlike any other gemstone in the world.
Cultured freshwater pearls are created through careful human intervention, by implanting a small foreign body into the mollusc to trigger the same natural process. The result is a pearl with the same beautiful nacre and lustre as a natural pearl, produced in a more sustainable and consistent way. Every pearl — whether natural or cultured — is unique, shaped by the individual mollusc and the conditions in which it grew.
The History of Pearls
Pearls have captivated hearts for longer than written records began. Across ancient civilisations — from the Persian Gulf to the courts of Imperial China — pearls were among the most prized of all gemstones, worn as symbols of purity, wealth and divine favour. The word “pearl” itself has become a universal metaphor for something rare and precious.
In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and status. Julius Caesar is said to have passed a law restricting the wearing of pearls to the ruling classes. Cleopatra, according to legend, dissolved a pearl in vinegar and drank it to win a wager with Mark Antony that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in a single meal.
In Renaissance Europe, the period from roughly 1500 to 1650 is often called the “Age of Pearl” — portraits of the era’s nobility are filled with ropes of pearls, pearl-encrusted gowns and elaborate pearl jewellery. Queen Elizabeth I of England was famously devoted to pearls, and her portraits show her adorned with thousands of them.
The discovery of pearl oyster beds in the Americas brought a flood of pearls to European markets in the 16th and 17th centuries. By the early 20th century, the development of cultured pearl techniques by Mikimoto in Japan democratised pearl jewellery, making it accessible to a far wider audience without diminishing its elegance or appeal.
Unlike any other gemstone, pearls have never gone out of fashion. From the elaborate pearl ropes of the Edwardian era to the simple, elegant strands favoured today, pearl jewellery has remained a constant in fine jewellery collections throughout history.
Types of Pearls
Not all pearls are alike — the type, origin and cultivation method all affect the appearance, lustre and character of the pearl. Here are the main varieties you will encounter:
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Freshwater Pearls — grown in freshwater mussels, primarily in China. The most widely available cultured pearl, offering excellent lustre and a wide range of shapes and colours. Our collection features high-quality freshwater pearls selected for their nacre depth and surface quality.
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Akoya Pearls — the classic Japanese cultured pearl, renowned for their perfectly round shape and exceptionally bright, mirror-like lustre. Typically white or cream with rose or silver overtones.
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South Sea Pearls — among the largest and most valuable cultured pearls in the world, grown in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Known for their satiny lustre and natural white or golden colour.
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Tahitian Pearls — grown in the black-lipped oyster of French Polynesia, these are the only pearls that occur naturally in dark colours — ranging from charcoal grey and peacock green to deep aubergine and midnight black.
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Baroque Pearls — irregularly shaped pearls with an organic, sculptural beauty. No two baroque pearls are alike, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate individuality and natural character in their jewellery.
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Keshi Pearls — small, freeform pearls formed as a by-product of the culturing process. Composed entirely of nacre, they have an exceptional lustre and a wonderfully organic shape.
The Meaning & Benefits of Pearls
Pearls carry a rich symbolic history and are associated with a number of positive qualities — though as with all gemstone beliefs, these are traditional rather than scientifically proven:
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Calm & relaxation — pearls are said to soothe emotions, ease stress and bring a sense of inner peace to the wearer
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Clarity & focus — thought to help clear the mind and support positive thinking
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New beginnings — pearls are associated with discovery, hope and the promise of a long and prosperous life
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Purity & wisdom — long considered a symbol of purity, pearls are a traditional gift for weddings, christenings and milestone birthdays
Pearl is also the birthstone for June, making pearl jewellery a particularly meaningful gift for anyone born in that month. Read our blog on the pearl birthstone for June.
Why Buy Pearl Jewellery from Sarah Beth Jewellers?
We know that buying jewellery online requires trust — especially when it comes to something as personal as pearls. Here’s what makes shopping with us different:
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You receive the exact piece you choose — every item is individually photographed and filmed so you can see precisely what you’re buying, not just a stock image
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Full money-back guarantee — if you’re not completely happy with your purchase, we offer a full refund (not a credit note). You only cover the return postage
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Free UK delivery — all orders are dispatched with care and arrive beautifully presented
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Over 37 years of jewellery expertise — our team has the knowledge and passion to help you find the perfect piece
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Personally selected pieces — every item in our collection has been hand-picked for its quality, lustre and beauty
Caring for Your Pearl Jewellery
With reasonable care, pearl jewellery can last a lifetime and be passed down through generations. Here’s how to keep your pearls looking their best:
- Store pearls in a soft cloth bag, away from other jewellery that could scratch the surface
- Remove before bathing, swimming or applying perfume or hairspray — always allow products to dry fully before putting pearls on
- Clean gently with a soft microfibre cloth after wearing to remove skin oils and residue
- Never use harsh abrasives, bleach, ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners on pearl jewellery
- Have pearl necklaces restrung periodically if worn regularly, to prevent the thread from weakening
Shop Pearl Jewellery at Sarah Beth
Browse our full collection of real pearl necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings below — each piece individually selected by the team at Sarah Beth Jewellers for its lustre, quality and beauty. Whether you are looking for a classic strand of freshwater pearls, a pair of elegant drop earrings or a contemporary pearl pendant, we have something to suit every style and budget. For help choosing the perfect piece, please do not hesitate to get in touch — we are always happy to help.
