Beyond the Pearl Trade

  🎄 Christmas Pearl Scorecard 🎄 To help you choose the perfect pearl gift this Christmas, I created a special Christmas-themed Pearl Scorecard. This guide explains what to look for in a high-quality pearl and the special meaning behind each characteristic during the holiday season. A festive guide to help you choose meaningful, elegant, and artisan-crafted pearl gifts this holiday season. Category Rating Holiday Meaning Luster ✨✨✨✨✨ Bright luster symbolizes hope and light — a perfect Christmas sentiment. Size & Shape ✨✨✨✨☆ Elegant round pearls reflect harmony and completeness — ideal for gift giving. Origin ✨✨✨✨✨ Philippine pearls make meaningful gifts that support coastal families this season. Artisan Craftsmanship ✨✨✨✨✨ Handmade pieces carry the warmth and care of Filipino artisans — a gift with heart. S...

There’s something timeless and powerful about owning a pearl — especially a South Sea pearl from the Philippines . But with so many cultured pearls on the market, how do you know if the pearl in your hand is quality and will last for many years?  As someone who’s passionate with pearls and is learning more every day, I’ve realized that being able to evaluate a cultured pearl of good quality is significant. Having a grasp of the distinct attribute of pearls and able to tell that it is of quality is fundamental. The good news is that it is possible to evaluate pearls without using any tools - we can observe it directly! As Antoinette Matlin writes, "that quality difference can usually be seen with one's own eyes"( The Pearl Book , 2008). So here are five simple ways to tell if you have a good pearl and again — no special tools required. 1. Luster   As the rays of light travels through layers of nacre of the pearl and reflected back, an intense brightness is created.  T...

  I’m not a pearl expert — I am a Filipino who has always been drawn to the quiet beauty and rich history of pearls. Since re-discovering the world of Philippine South Sea pearls , I’ve learned so much about what makes them special — from my fellow countrymen who farm them to the way they’re cherished as jewelry by so many! In this post, I’d love to share some of what I’ve learned — and why these rare gems might matter to you too.   Prized for their unique beauty and timeless elegance, pearls from the Philippines have long captured the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide — from the Philippines to Europe and beyond, enchanting both the young and the young at heart.   However,  beyond its aesthetic value, pearls carry a history - as rich as humankind!  Understanding its origins, characteristics, cultural significance and even its market value can enhance our appreciati on about pearls and may even inspire artists and designers to create beautiful designs....