Cultured Pearl Jewelry
in Solid Gold

Yes. A freshwater cultured pearl is grown inside a living freshwater mollusk and is made of nacre, the same material as any other pearl. Cultured means a pearl farmer started the growth by placing mantle tissue inside the mollusk; the mollusk builds the pearl from there. Pearls that form with no human help at all are called natural pearls. They are rare, and they are not what Redora sells. Redora also does not use imitation, glass or shell-based pearls.

Freshwater cultured pearls grow in lakes and ponds, mainly in China, and come in the widest range of sizes, shapes and colors at the most accessible price. Akoya cultured pearls are saltwater cultured pearls from Japan and China, and they are the classic white or cream round strand. South Sea cultured pearls come from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines; they are large, white to silver or golden, with thick nacre from a long growth period. Tahitian cultured pearls come from French Polynesia in gray, black and brown with colored overtones.

Saltwater cultured pearls, sometimes called seawater pearls, grow in oysters in the ocean: Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian are all saltwater types. Freshwater cultured pearls grow in mussels in lakes and ponds. At the same size, a freshwater pearl usually costs less and comes in more shapes and pastel colors. Akoya pearls give the classic round white strand, while South Sea and Tahitian pearls give a size and color that freshwater pearls rarely match. For an everyday strand or a first pair of studs, freshwater is the practical choice; for an heirloom strand or a statement pendant, choose saltwater.

Solid 14k or 18k gold, in white, yellow or rose, for every clasp, post, bail and jump ring. A cultured pearl necklace with a gold clasp from Redora is solid gold at the clasp, never gold plated or gold filled. 14k is harder and suits studs and bracelets worn every day; 18k has a richer color next to cream and golden cultured pearls. A clasp can be engraved free of charge, with the font and the wording both chosen by you.

Choker length sits at the base of the throat, about 14 to 16 inches (35 to 41 cm). Princess length, 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm), falls just below the collarbone and is the most common single strand. Matinee length, 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm), reaches the top of the chest, and opera length, 28 to 36 inches (70 to 90 cm), can be worn long or doubled. Every strand is strung to the length you specify.

Simple designs are usually completed within 5 days, most orders take around 7 to 10 days in production after design details are confirmed, and complex pieces can require up to 15 days. Matching a full strand of larger saltwater cultured pearls may need additional sourcing time, which we tell you before you commit. Shipping goes by FedEx, DHL or UPS and usually takes 2 to 5 days, depending on destination and customs clearance.

Pearl is soft, 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and it reacts to perfume, hair spray, cosmetics and perspiration. Put pearls on last, wipe them with a soft cloth after each wear, and store them apart from harder jewelry. Never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Warm soapy water is fine for an occasional clean, as long as a strung necklace dries completely before it is worn again.