what in the world is a keshi pearl?!

While showing at various gift shows these past couple weeks, there have been couple reoccurring pearl questions, one of which is “what in the world is a keshi pearl?!”  Keshi pearls are unusual Japanese pearls.  These gorgeous guys are organic in shape, almost like a paint brush stroke, and have an amazing luster to them.

Unlike freshwater or saltwater pearls, keshis have no center nucleus and are formed by the oyster naturally  – meaning that they are without the central irritant typically used in farmed cultured pearls.  This lack of a nucleus means that keshi’s are made entirely of nacre – thus their amazing coloration and sheen.

Needless to say, keshi pearls are some of my favorite pearls to design with: and they are a beautiful addition to any pearl lover’s collection!