Did you know?
Only 1 in 10,000 wild oysters contains a natural pearl, making them incredibly rare treasures!
Hidden beneath the waves, deep inside the soft body of an oyster, something extraordinary is created — a pearl. What begins as a tiny irritant slowly transforms, layer by shimmering layer, into one of the ocean's most treasured gems. But not all pearls are born the same way. Some are gifts of chance, while others are carefully cultivated by human hands. Welcome to the mysterious journey of a pearl.
Ready to discover your perfect pearl piece? Explore our collection →
How Pearls Are Born: Nature's Perfect Defense
Natural pearls form when a grain of sand or parasite finds its way into an oyster or mollusk. As a defense, the creature coats the intruder with layers of nacre — the same substance that gives the pearl its soft, glowing luster. These wild pearls are incredibly rare. In fact, only one in several thousand wild oysters will ever produce a pearl, and even fewer will be perfectly round or luminous.
Quick Pearl Facts
- Formation time: 2-4 years for cultured pearls
- Nacre layers: Thousands of microscopic layers
- Natural occurrence: 1 in 10,000 oysters
- Oldest known pearl: 7,500 years old
Ocean or Farm — What's the Difference?
Today, nearly all pearls on the market are cultured. Natural pearls are so rare they are mostly found in museums or auction houses. Yet both types can fetch high prices — especially if they're round, large, and have excellent luster.
| Pearl Type | Formation | Rarity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | Completely natural process | Extremely rare | $1,000-$100,000+ |
| Cultured Saltwater | Human-initiated, ocean-grown | Rare | $100-$10,000+ |
| Cultured Freshwater | Human-initiated, lake/river-grown | Common | $20-$2,000+ |
Saltwater cultured pearls like Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls are especially valued. Their size, surface quality, and color can dramatically affect the price. A single South Sea pearl can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars — more if it's perfectly matched in a necklace.
Freshwater cultured pearls, usually grown in mussels, tend to be more affordable but have seen incredible improvements in quality over recent years. Some high-end freshwater pearls now rival their saltwater cousins in beauty and price.
Treasure Hunting: Pearls Found by Chance
Though extremely rare, people still occasionally discover natural pearls while eating oysters. Imagine biting into your dinner and finding a small pink or purple pearl — it has happened! These pearls may not be worth millions, but their uniqueness makes them priceless to those lucky enough to find them.
Have you ever found a pearl by chance? Share your story
What Is a Pearl Worth?
A pearl's value depends on several factors:
- Type (natural or cultured)
- Size - Larger pearls are rarer and more valuable
- Shape - Round pearls are most prized
- Luster - The mirror-like quality of the surface
- Surface quality - Fewer blemishes = higher value
- Color - Some colors are rarer than others
Picture from OYS together with Klemmings Ostron, as Lotta teaches us how oysters create pearls.
A strand of perfectly matched pearls can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. In 2018, a natural pearl necklace once owned by Marie Antoinette sold at auction for over $36 million.
How to Care for Your Pearls
Essential Pearl Care Checklist:
- Wipe with soft cloth after wearing
- Store separately from other jewelry
- Avoid perfumes and lotions on pearls
- Professional cleaning annually
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners
- Avoid storing in plastic bags
The OYS Pearl Story
How Do Oysters Make Pearls? Discover the Natural Beauty Behind Every Gem
Deep beneath the ocean's surface, the oyster begins its quiet work. When an irritant, like a grain of sand or a parasite, finds its way inside the shell, the oyster responds by coating it with layers of nacre — the same lustrous substance that forms its inner shell. Over time, this natural defense becomes a pearl: a symbol of resilience, transformation, and beauty born from the unexpected.
Our Pearl Within Collection is inspired by this remarkable process. Just like real pearls, each piece in the collection reflects the harmony between nature and design — where raw elements are shaped into something timeless. Whether you wear pearl earrings, a delicate oyster shell pendant, or a handcrafted freshwater pearl bracelet, you're carrying a piece of the sea's magic with you.
Let these natural pearl jewelry pieces remind you that even life's smallest challenges can evolve into something radiant. Real beauty isn't flawless — it's formed, layer by layer, over time.
Shop Our Pearl Collection
Discover pieces that capture the essence of the ocean's most precious gift:
💌 Your Pearl Journey Starts Here
Every pearl tells a story of transformation, patience, and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of a pearl necklace or the modern appeal of pearl earrings, each piece connects you to the ocean's ancient wisdom.
What draws you to pearls? Is it their timeless elegance, their natural origin, or the story behind their formation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Ready to find your perfect pearl?
