The Art and Science Behind Every Pearl
What Defines Pearl Quality
Every pearl tells a story — of time, patience, and the quiet beauty of nature.
At Kikyo Pearl London, we grade our pearls through six key dimensions, ensuring every piece reflects harmony, radiance, and refinement.
The Six Factors of Pearl Quality:
- Lustre — The inner glow and reflection.
- Surface — Smoothness and purity.
- Shape — From perfect rounds to natural baroque.
- Size — A balance between presence and grace.
- Colour & Overtone — Depth and tone harmony.
- Matching — Consistency in multi-pearl designs.
Lustre — The Soul of a Pearl
Lustre is what makes a pearl alive.
High-quality pearls have deep, mirror-like reflections and soft inner glow.
The finer the lustre, the rarer the pearl.
✨ At a glance:
- Excellent: Sharp reflections, luminous depth
- Good: Soft, even glow
- Fair: Dull or chalky surface
Surface — Nature’s Signature
No two pearls are perfectly smooth.
Tiny blemishes are marks of authenticity, but too many may affect beauty and value.
We carefully select pearls with minimal imperfections to balance purity with natural charm.
Shape — From Perfect Symmetry to Organic Beauty
Round pearls are the most sought-after, but modern design celebrates individuality — baroque and oval pearls add personality and movement.
Common Shapes:
- Round: Timeless and classic, perfect for elegant simplicity
- Off-round : Graceful imperfection, slightly organic and natural
- Oval/Rice: Elongated shape, elegant and versatile
- Drop : Feminine and sophisticated, ideal for pendants and earrings
- Button: Subtle and contemporary, sits comfortably against the skin
- Baroque: Artistic and one-of-a-kind, adds a statement character
Size — The Measure of Presence
Pearl size is measured in millimetres (mm).
Larger pearls require longer growth periods and are naturally rarer, making them more luxurious and eye-catching.
Our Standard Range:
- 3–4 mm: Delicate charm, ideal for subtle accents or stacking in layered designs
- 5–6 mm: Everyday elegance, versatile for earrings, bracelets, and lightweight necklaces
- 7–8 mm: Refined sophistication, perfect balance for most classic jewellery pieces
- 9–10 mm: Statement luxury, adds noticeable presence and grace
- 11–12 mm: Bold and striking, ideal for high-impact necklaces or special occasion pieces
- 13 mm and above: Rare and exceptional, for truly standout designs
Colour & Overtone — The Subtle Play of Light
Pearl colour goes far beyond white — each hue carries its own character and emotion.
At Kikyo Pearl London, we curate a refined palette of natural tones — White, Champagne, Pink, Lavender, Blue-Grey, and Black — each layered with gentle overtones that reflect warmth, serenity, or depth.
Every pearl is carefully chosen to complement both the wearer’s skin tone and the spirit of each collection.
Matching — Harmony in Design
At Kikyo Pearl London, harmony is our quiet signature.
Whether crafting a necklace, bracelet, ring, or a complete jewellery set, each pearl is carefully matched for its tone, size, and lustre.
This meticulous process can take weeks — ensuring that every piece reflects a seamless beauty when worn together, from every angle and under every light.
Our Grading Philosophy
We hand-select only AAA to AAAA grade pearls — the highest standards of lustre, surface quality, and nacre depth.
Yet beyond technical perfection, we value natural beauty and emotional harmony.
Each pearl — whether perfectly round or organically shaped — is celebrated as a creation of nature, unique in its subtle character and glow.
While AAAA-grade pearls may be flawless under magnification, a softly imperfect AAA pearl can hold the same quiet elegance when worn.
We believe that true beauty lies not in uniformity, but in authenticity — every Kikyo pearl carries its own life and light.
Conclusion
True pearl beauty lies not in flawless symmetry, but in the quiet dialogue between nature and time.
Each imperfection tells of growth, patience, and touch — a gentle glow shaped by the artisan’s hands and life itself.
It is not just jewelry, but a reflection of calm strength and enduring grace.