Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about choosing, wearing and caring for pearls. Can't find your answer? Contact us and we will help.

Freshwater pearls are cultivated in mussels and come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and natural colors at accessible prices. Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls known for their perfectly round shape and mirror-like luster, which makes them the classic choice for a formal strand.

Pearl size is measured in millimetres. 6–7 mm is delicate and youthful, 7–8 mm is the classic everyday size, and 9 mm and up makes a bold statement. When in doubt, 7–8 mm suits almost everyone.

40 cm sits snugly as a choker, 42–45 cm rests on the collarbone and suits most necklines, 50 cm falls just below the collarbone and 60 cm or longer can be worn doubled. Bracelets are 18–19 cm as standard; most pieces can be made to measure on request.

Put your pearls on last and take them off first, so they never touch perfume, hairspray or make-up. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, keep them away from water and store them flat in their box, separate from harder jewelry.

Orders ship within 1–2 business days. Delivery takes 2–4 business days within the United States and 3–7 business days to the rest of the United States. Shipping is free on US orders over $100; below that we charge $6.95. Every parcel is tracked and insured.

Yes. You have 30 days from delivery to return or exchange any unworn item in its original packaging, free of charge. Register your return on the Returns page, use the prepaid label and we refund you within 5 business days of receipt.

Every piece arrives in a signature jewelry box with a care card, and prices are never shown on the packing slip. Add a personal message at checkout and we will include it on a handwritten card.

All jewelry comes with a two-year warranty on clasps, settings and stringing. Should a strand need restringing within that period, send it back and we will take care of it free of charge.

About our pearls

What kind of pearls do you sell?

Freshwater cultured pearls. They grow in mussels in freshwater lakes and rivers and are prized for their soft luster and wide range of natural shapes: round, potato, rice, button, coin and baroque.

What do the pearl grades mean?

Grades such as AAA or AAAA describe the supplier's assessment of luster, surface cleanliness, shape and matching. A higher grade means rounder, cleaner and better-matched pearls. Grades are not standardized across the industry, so we always describe what you will actually see as well.

What size should I choose?

Pearl size is given in millimeters. 3–5 mm reads delicate and modern, 6–8 mm is the classic everyday size, 9–11 mm makes a statement, and 12 mm and up is for occasions.

Which necklace length suits me?

Most strands are 16–18 in (40–45 cm), sitting at or just below the collarbone. Longer 22–24 in (55–60 cm) necklaces fall to the chest; 40 in (100 cm) and up can be doubled. Most necklaces come in 16, 18 and 20 in; see the necklace length guide.

Metals and finishes

Is the silver real?

Yes. Clasps, posts and settings are 925 sterling silver as stated by our supplier. Some designs are 18K gold-plated over sterling silver; this is always stated on the product page.

Will gold plating wear off?

Plating is a surface layer. With normal wear and good care (kept dry, away from perfume and lotion) it keeps its color for a long time, but it is not permanent.

Care

How do I care for pearls?

Put them on last and take them off first. Keep away from perfume, hairspray, lotion and water, wipe with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store them separately from other jewelry.