Pearl Jewelry — Natural, Handcrafted in Atlanta
Pearl is the only organic gem in the popular-gemstones list — produced inside mollusks (oysters or freshwater mussels) as a defense response to an irritant. Pearl sits at just 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale — soft, delicate, and requiring careful wear.
ATL Luxury Jewelers stocks Akoya, freshwater, Tahitian, and South Sea cultured pearls across pendants, stud and drop earrings, strand and station bracelets, and statement necklaces. Modern pearls are almost universally cultured (nucleus-grown in farmed mollusks) — natural wild pearls are extraordinarily rare and museum-grade.
Pearls grade on luster, surface clarity, shape, color, and size. Akoya: 6–9mm, classic white-rose, sharp luster. Freshwater: 4–12mm, white/peach/lavender, more affordable. Tahitian: 8–14mm, dark gray to peacock to black. South Sea: 10–18mm, white or golden — the largest and most expensive.
Pearl Types & Pricing
- Akoya — classic white pearl, 6–9mm, sharp luster. Strands $500–$5,000+
- Freshwater — 4–12mm, white/peach/lavender. Strands $200–$1,500
- Tahitian — dark gray/peacock/black, 8–14mm. Pendants $300–$5,000+
- South Sea — white or golden, 10–18mm, largest & most expensive. Strands $3,000–$30,000+
Pearl studs from $300 (freshwater) to $10,000+ (matched South Sea 11mm+).
Pearl Care & Restringing
Pearls are organic — gentle care required:
- Apply last when dressing (after perfume, lotion, hair products)
- Clean with soft damp cloth only. Never ultrasonic, steam, or chemicals
- Store separately to prevent scratching by harder stones
- Restring every 2–3 years for regularly worn strands (with knots between pearls)
We restring pearl strands purchased from us at no charge — policy held since 2009.
