Buy Loose South Sea Pearls

The value of loose South Sea pearls varies depending on the size, lustre, surface quality and shape of the piece. At Volle Jewellery, we individually select each pearl to ensure it meets our standards of quality and appearance.

No two of our natural South Sea pearls have formed in exactly the same shape. Some are almost perfectly round, while others display a more oval shape. The collection also features the distinctive baroque shape, a unique organic form with an appeal all of its own.

Lustre is one of the key indicators of a pearl’s quality. Our loose South Sea pearls are individually selected for their soft, satin-like glow. The high-quality pure surface displays a refined, natural radiance rather than an overly sharp shine.

Loose South Sea pearls can be crafted into a wide range of jewellery, from pendants, rings and earrings to bespoke designs created in conjunction with our expert jewellers. The final piece is designed around the individual pearl, ensuring a high-quality piece with aesthetics that balance size, shape and proportion.

The four different types of pearls are:

• Freshwater Pearls: Cultivated in freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers, freshwater pearls are known for their affordability and versatility. These pearls come in irregular shapes and different sizes. Freshwater pearls display a wide array of colours, including white, pink, lavender and peach.
• Akoya Pearls: Akoya pearls are renowned for their classic elegance and are primarily cultivated in Japan and China. They are usually round and have a smooth surface, making them highly desirable for jewellery. Akoya pearls have a creamy white or ivory colour and possess a high lustre, giving them a brilliant and reflective shine. Their size generally ranges from 6 to 8 millimetres, although larger specimens can be found.
• South Sea Pearls: There are three types of South Sea Pearls: Black Tahitian, Australian White and Gold South Sea Pearls from the Philippines. These pearls are renowned for their exceptional size, ranging from 9 to 20 millimetres. They exhibit a radiant, satin-like lustre and are renowned for their natural colours, including creamy white, silver and gold. The larger size and exceptional quality of South Sea pearls contribute to their reputation as some of the most coveted pearls in the world.

Pearls are formed inside certain species of molluscs, such as oysters and mussels, as a defence mechanism against irritants. When a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the mollusc, it secretes layers of nacre (a combination of calcium carbonate and protein) around the irritant, gradually forming a pearl.

Yes, cultured pearls are real pearls. They are formed through a process called pearl cultivation, where humans intentionally introduce an irritant into a mollusc to stimulate the pearl-forming process. Cultured pearls have the same organic composition as natural varieties, with the only difference being the introduction of the irritant by human intervention.

Loose pearls are graded based on several factors, including their size, shape, lustre, surface quality, colour and matching. The grading system creates a standardised assessment of a pearl’s quality that helps determine its value in the market.

Our South Sea pearls are sourced from reputable farms in Australia, French Polynesia and the Philippines. Each region produces a distinct variety of pearl, from Australia’s soft white stones to the loose golden South Sea pearls of the Philippines.

Designing jewellery pieces featuring loose pearls opens up a world of creative possibilities. Here are some design tips to consider:

• Elegant Contrasts with Pink Diamonds: Combining lustrous loose pearls with the brilliance of loose pink diamonds adds a touch of romantic allure to your jewellery. Create a classic pendant or pair of earrings with a single pearl suspended beneath a cluster of pink diamonds for a unique piece with a captivating focal point.
• Opulent Opal Combinations: Loose pearls and opals complement each other due to their iridescent qualities. The play of colours in opals pairs wonderfully with the timeless lustre of pearls. Incorporating loose opals as accent stones in pearl rings or as vibrant halos around a central pearl in necklaces and earrings creates a mesmerising and unique look.
• Embrace Baroque Beauty: Baroque pearls have a distinctive charm, making them perfect for artistic and avant-garde designs. Consider using them as the centrepiece in statement necklaces or as focal points in asymmetrical earrings.
• Consult with Our Experts: Whether you’re looking for a classic, contemporary or entirely bespoke design, Volle’s experts can assist you in bringing your vision to life.