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Published June 6, 2025
Pearl jewelry has long been revered for its timeless elegance and unmatched beauty. As June’s birthstone, pearls hold a special significance for those born in this month, making them a perfect choice for gifts. In this guide, we explore the different types of pearls, the current trends in pearl jewelry for 2025, and why pearls remain a stunning option for wedding jewelry. Whether you’re buying for a June birthday or a wedding, pearl jewelry is a classic gift that never goes out of style.
Historians trace the discovery of pearls back to India, where hungry foragers stumbled upon these iridescent treasures. Their rarity made pearls a symbol of luxury, and for centuries, they were reserved for the ultra-wealthy. In ancient Rome, wealthy individuals even adorned their furniture and clothing with pearls, showcasing their immense value.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and pearls were worn by royalty and aristocrats alike. Queen Elizabeth I famously adored pearls, wearing them in numerous portraits, including the iconic Ermine portrait, where she proudly displays her beloved black pearl necklace once owned by the Medici family.
Today, pearls remain as coveted as ever, thanks to their enduring beauty and their significance as June’s birthstone. Pearls continue to be a symbol of elegance and luxury, making them the perfect addition to any jewelry collection.
Different Types of Pearls: What Makes Each One Unique?
When shopping for pearl jewelry, understanding the types of pearls available is essential for selecting the perfect piece. Pearls are classified based on their origin, and each type has distinct characteristics. Learn more from GIA – Gemological Institute
Natural Pearls
Natural pearls are created when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters the mollusk. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant to form a pearl. However, only about 1 in 10,000 wild oysters produces a pearl, and fewer still are large enough and of the right quality to be used in jewelry. Due to their rarity, natural pearls are considered highly valuable and unique.
Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are grown in controlled environments, where an irritant is deliberately introduced to the oyster to initiate the pearl formation process. The Japanese Mikimoto family pioneered modern cultured pearl production in 1895. The Akoya oyster, used for many cultured pearls, rarely produces pearls larger than 10mm, making larger Akoya pearls particularly valuable.
Today, Akoya pearls are produced in larger quantities, which has made them more affordable for jewelry enthusiasts. Cultured pearls are now available in various colors, shapes, and sizes, offering a range of options for buyers.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are cultivated in freshwater mussels, primarily in lakes and rivers. They tend to be more irregular in shape compared to their saltwater counterparts, giving them a unique and organic look. Freshwater pearls are often more affordable, making them an ideal choice for those seeking high-quality pearl jewelry without breaking the bank.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are cultivated in the lagoons of French Polynesia and are known for their exotic colors, including black, green, and silver. These pearls are larger and rarer than freshwater and Akoya pearls, making them more expensive. Their unique color palette and high luster make them a highly sought-after choice for luxury pearl jewelry.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are some of the largest cultured pearls available, ranging in color from white to golden. These pearls are primarily farmed along the northern coast of Australia and around the Philippine Islands. Their large size and stunning luster make them highly prized, often used in statement necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Sea of Cortez Pearls
Sea of Cortez pearls are the rarest cultured pearls in the world. With only about 4,000 produced annually, they come from the rainbow-lipped oyster in the Gulf of California, Mexico. These pearls are prized for their rainbow-like color variations and their extraordinary rarity. Due to their unique appearance and limited availability, Sea of Cortez pearls are highly valued in the pearl jewelry market. Learn More at American Gem Society
Notable 2025 developments in the pearl industry that would captivate contemporary jewelry enthusiasts:
Tiffany & Co.’s “Bird on a Pearl” Collection
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled the “Bird on a Pearl” collection, a reimagining of Jean Schlumberger’s iconic design. This capsule collection features rare natural saltwater pearls, showcasing Tiffany’s exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to high jewelry. The collection exemplifies the brand’s commitment to blending nature’s treasures with artistic design. (fluxurymagazine.com)
Technological Advancements in Freshwater Pearl Cultivation
In China, Zhejiang Ming Huang Jewellery Co. Ltd. has made significant strides in freshwater pearl cultivation. Through nucleation techniques, they’ve produced high-quality “Bai Sheng Li” white freshwater pearls, comparable in luster and roundness to saltwater pearls but at a more accessible price point. This advancement caters to the growing demand for affordable yet luxurious pearl jewelry. (news.jewellerynet.com)
Market Dynamics and Price Fluctuations
The pearl market has experienced notable price fluctuations. For instance, the price of South Sea pearls has risen significantly, with strands of 9mm pearls increasing from approximately $400 to over $2,800 since the pandemic. This surge is attributed to factors such as climate change affecting pearl-producing oysters and increased consumer demand. Despite recent price adjustments, pearls remain a valuable investment in the jewelry market. (stellarmr.com, voguebusiness.com)
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Brands like Tasaki are leading the way in sustainable pearl farming. By investing in technologies to enhance the quality and lifespan of Akoya oysters, Tasaki contributes to marine conservation efforts. Their commitment to ethical sourcing resonates with consumers increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. (voguebusiness.com, stellamargarita.com)
Trends in Pearl Jewelry Design
The jewelry industry is witnessing a shift towards bold and innovative designs. Baroque pearls, with their irregular shapes, are gaining popularity for their unique and artistic appeal. Designers are embracing these natural forms to create statement pieces that reflect individuality and contemporary style. (bondeyejewelry.com)
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the pearl industry in 2025, reflecting a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability that continues to shape the future of pearl jewelry.
Pearls in Wedding Jewelry: The Perfect Gift for June Brides
Pearls are the perfect choice for wedding jewelry, especially for June brides. Their timeless elegance makes them an ideal complement to any bridal look, and they also hold special significance as the June birthstone. Whether you’re the bride, a guest, or the mother of the bride, pearls are an exquisite addition to any wedding ensemble.
For the Bride: Pearls complement a variety of wedding dresses, particularly white or cream-colored gowns. For a simple yet elegant touch, consider estate diamond and pearl e
arrings that pair beautifully with up-do hairstyles. These clip-on earrings offer a luxurious look without distracting from the gown.
For the Mother of the Bride: A classic piece like the Bvlgari Diamond Pearl 18K Gold Necklace is a perfect choice for the mother of the bride. Its timeless design makes it a cherished piece that can be worn on future special occasions.
For Wedding Guests: A Diamond Mother of Pearl Chalcedony 18K Gold Cuff Bracelet is a stunning piece that complements a formal pantsuit or cocktail dress. Its dramatic design and luxurious appearance make it an ideal accessory for any wedding guest.
Destination Weddings: If you’re attending a beach wedding, Estate Sunflower Diamond Pearl 18K Gold Clip-on Stud Earrings are the perfect choice. These earrings exude a sense of elegance while keeping the look light and breezy for a beach wedding.
Pearls for June Birthdays
If you’re celebrating a June birthday, pearls make a thoughtful and elegant gift. As the birthstone for June, pearls symbolize purity, beauty, and wisdom. They are versatile enough to suit any style, from classic strands to modern, statement pieces.
Check out our Birthstones Celebration Collection for a curated selection of the Perfect Gift Giving Gem. These exquisite pieces make for perfect birthday gifts and are available at a special promotion this month.
Why Dover Jewelry for Your Pearl Jewelry?
At Dover Jewelry, we specialize in offering a wide selection of fine pearl jewelry, including vintage, estate, and modern pieces. Our collection features pearls from the finest sources around the world, including South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, and rare Sea of Cortez pearls. We work with only the most reputable suppliers to bring you pearls of the highest quality.
Explore Dover Jewelry’s Collection of Pearls:
Conclusion
Pearls are an enduring symbol of elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re purchasing pearl jewelry for a wedding, a special birthday, or simply to add to your collection, pearls are a timeless choice. From natural and cultured pearls to the rarest Sea of Cortez pearls, Dover Jewelry offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and occasion.
Visit us at our Brickell Showroom to explore our exclusive collection of vintage, antique, and modern pearl jewelry, or browse online to discover the perfect piece for yourself or a loved one.