Organic freshwater pearls form in pure freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. These precious natural gemstones are created by mollusks and bivalves – over many years, layers of lustrous mother-of-pearl nacre forms around a natural irritant such as a grain of stand or piece of seaweed. Our freshwater pearls can take anywhere from 3 – 5 years to reach maturity before they are turned into elegant jewelry pieces, and up to 7 years for our larger rare baroque designs.

Freshwater pearls are not only round, but they often come in a dazzling array of unique shapes and textures. Over 90% of freshwater pearls are known as baroque pearls or keishi pearls. Little bumps, free-form silhouettes, and abstract textures are what in-part makes each pearl so beautifully special, just like its wearer. These natural gems are found in an array of one-of-a-kind shapes, sizes, color, symmetry, texture, and luster – all important characteristics that can increase or decrease a pearls value.

Compared to other gemstones, pearls often go by an A system of grading. A is the lowest rating whilst some specialists will go up to AAAA for more rarer South Sea or Tahitian Pearls. All of our pearls are of the highest AAA grade, and are all hand selected with a strict 7 Pearl Value Factor by a GIA certified gemologist to guarantee you only receive the truest quality.

Organic freshwater pearls form in pure freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. These precious natural gemstones are created by mollusks and bivalves – over many years, layers of lustrous mother-of-pearl nacre forms around a natural irritant such as a grain of stand or piece of seaweed. Our freshwater pearls can take anywhere from 3 – 5 years to reach maturity before they are turned into elegant jewelry pieces, and up to 7 years for our larger rare baroque designs.

Freshwater pearls are not only round, but they often come in a dazzling array of unique shapes and textures. Over 90% of freshwater pearls are known as baroque pearls or keishi pearls. Little bumps, free-form silhouettes, and abstract textures are what in-part makes each pearl so beautifully special, just like its wearer. These natural gems are found in an array of one-of-a-kind shapes, sizes, color, symmetry, texture, and luster – all important characteristics that can increase or decrease a pearls value.

Compared to other gemstones, pearls often go by an A system of grading. A is the lowest rating whilst some specialists will go up to AAAA for more rarer South Sea or Tahitian Pearls. All of our pearls are of the highest AAA grade, and are all hand selected with a strict 7 Pearl Value Factor by a GIA certified gemologist to guarantee you only receive the truest quality.

Freshwater Pearls in Filipino History

Worldwide, pearls have been used by ancient Roman royalty, in ornate Chinese jewelry, and has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs among pharaohs and princesses. Freshwater and saltwater pearls have widely influenced not only jewelry and fashion – but ancient beauty as well. Pearls shimmering nacre was highly sought after, and pearls were then crushed and added into water and oils to create sparkling eyeshadows and glimmering body lotions.

As early as the 1400’s, the Philippines was paving the way for the worlds most sought after luxury pearls and pearl jewelry. Catching the eye of the newest colonists, many Filipino pearls would adorn Spanish Colonial Jewelry, and would be worn by native Filipina and Mestiza women alike. Everyday essentials like Pantoche (hairpins), Peineta (decorative combs), and Creolla (earrings) were worn lovingly.

During the disagreement and breakage against Spanish colonialism, an uprising occurred, and Filipino women island wide wore this beautifully abundant gemstone as a national symbol of pride and reverence – becoming a world leader in pearl culture, fashion, and earning it’s well known title as the Heart of the Sea.

Our Connection

With sustainability at the forefront of our jewelry vision, we make a long-term commitment to using cultured pearls from authentic Filipino communities that care for aquatic life and their natural environment – cultivating in only clean clear waters that are rich in nutrients, with habitat stability at its core. Celebrating her own unique Filipino heritage and culture, Artist Theresa Capell sources her freshwater pearls from Manila, Palawan, and Bellatan Halu Island in the Pacific Islands of the Philippines.

With the heart of the ocean in her soul, east coast born and an islander at heart, artist Theresa Capell incorporates these unique gemstones of the water within her designs. Using the inspiration from her born coastal regions, she incorporates the beauty of natures imperfections to celebrate her Filipino and Canadian coastal heritage.