Pearls are a semi-precious gemstone admired for their unrivalled lustre and soft hues. With a rich history, pearls have adorned the ensembles of royals and highly acclaimed socialites for thousands of years. At Hogans, we proudly offer seven distinct pearl varieties within our showroom, each crafted meticulously and thoughtfully into enduring jewellery pieces. Join us as we explore the characteristics of South Sea, Tahitian, Akoya, Mabe, Freshwater, Keshi, and Baroque Pearls.

South Sea Pearls
Among the most coveted of their kind, South Sea Pearls are renowned for their impressive size and lustrous beauty. Although South Sea Pearls are farmed throughout Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, our network of pearl farmers culture their pearls in the ocean waters off the coast of Broome, Western Australia. The unique oyster species that produce South Sea Pearls can accommodate larger nuclei, resulting in pearls ranging from 9mm to an extraordinary 20mm. Seen predominantly in white, gold, silver, aqua, and blue overtones, their rarity and grandeur make them a cherished possession for pearl connoisseurs.

Tahitian Pearls
Originating from the pristine waters of French Polynesia, Tahitian Pearls are celebrated for their rich and exotic colours. Their naturally occurring shades include dark green, peacock, silver, and deep black, often exhibiting stunning overtones. The oysters that cultivate Tahitian Pearls have a distinct ability to absorb surrounding minerals, giving these pearls their striking hues. Their mesmerising shades and larger average size, ranging from 8mm to 16mm, make them a captivating choice for contemporary jewellery designs.

Akoya Pearls
Cultured in the salt waters of Japan, Akoya pearls are famed for their incredible shine and remarkable lustre. These pearls exude rarity, with each oyster rarely producing in excess of two pearls each harvest. In contrast with the aforementioned South Sea and Tahitian pearls, the oysters in which Akoya pearls are cultured are much smaller, resulting in a slighter pearl, typically ranging between 2mm and 9mm in size. Commonly seen in shades of white and cream with a rose or ivory undertone, Akoya pearls are foundational for those who prefer quality.

Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearls are renowned for their affordability, versatility, and abundance. Cultivated in freshwater lakes and rivers across the globe, these pearls present a comprehensive colour range, including white, cream, peach, pink, and lavender, as well as a variety of fashion shades achieved through colour treatment. Their petite size, typically ranging from 2mm to 12mm, makes them ideal for classic and contemporary jewellery designs.

Mabe Pearls
Mabe pearls, also known as blister pearls, possess a distinct hemispherical shape. These pearls are cultivated by placing a flat nucleus against the inner shell of the oyster, resulting in a half-pearl that is flat on one side. The pearl is cut from the inner oyster shell, and the nucleus is filled with resin, before being capped with a mother of pearl layer to complete. Mabe Pearls are highly valued for their large size and smooth, lustrous surface. Their unique shape makes them an excellent choice for earrings, pendants, and rings, providing a comfortable fit and a striking visual impact.

Keshi Pearls
A by-product of the pearl culturing process, Keshi pearls are a non-nucleated pearl, meaning they are entirely formulated of nacre. This most commonly makes for an irregular shaped pearl, and one which is highly lustrous. The colour is entirely dependent on the host mollusc, seen predominantly in hues of white, cream, silvery-grey, and Tahitian shades like peacock. With the current trend of asymmetry, Keshi pearls make for the perfect contemporary adornment.

Baroque Pearls
Characterised by their irregular and non-spherical shapes, baroque pearls exude a unique charm that sets them apart from other pearl varieties. These pearls can be found in freshwater and saltwater environments, and their shapes can vary from asymmetrical to elongated, and even abstract. Their natural forms inspire creative jewellery designs, offering a touch of artistic expression. Baroque Pearls have gained popularity due to their individuality and the stunning organic appeal they bring to jewellery pieces.

At Hogans, we have a grand and elegant range of pearl adorned jewellery, with designs to suit a range of personal styles. From classic strands, to dazzling drop earrings, and simple pendants, our pearl collection is designed and curated with intention. We invite you to explore our pearl set pieces via our online showroom or in store at 241 Margaret Street Toowoomba.