Expert advice on watches and jewellery
Pearls have been enjoying a comeback as an accessory in recent years, thanks to Alber Elbaz at Lanvin. But why spend thousands on faux ones when you can get the real deal?
Pearls were once regarded as a symbol of wealth, and exclusive to a privileged few. It wasn't until the early 1900s, when Kokichi Mikimoto successfully developed and patented techniques to culture pearls, that they became widely accessible. Of the many types of pearls, including Akoya, Tahitian and freshwater, none is as coveted as South Sea pearls.
Where do they come from? The South Seas lie between the southern coast of Southeast Asia and the northern coast of Australia. The Philippines, Indonesia and Australia are the main producers of South Sea pearls.
Why are they so big? The South Seas are home to one of the largest oysters, called Pinctada maxima. It can grow up to 30cm in diameter, compared with the Akoya oyster in Japan and China whose average size is eight to 13cm. In addition, South Sea pearls are harvested after two years, compared with Akoya pearls, which are harvested after only nine to 16 months.
Things to look for: