Ok, on top of being a skincare and makeup junkie I also have an obsession with pearls. Its pretty much the only jewelry I wear minus a ring from my mother and my wedding set! After years of collecting I have found a few amazing places to get amazing pearl jewelry at a fraction of the cost.

One thing I learned is, that the expensive $3000 akoya necklace is usually only that much because Brick and Mortar (BM) stores have to jack up their prices because of things like higher cost to keep the inventory, limited inventory, cost to maintain their store, employees, ext. But if you KNOW about pearls you can find the exact same necklace (or even a higher quality one) for over half the price! Now some people like to buy name brand pieces (from say Mikimoto) and Generally I would say go for this. Mikimoto has some amazing pieces, but before you take the plunge into a set of Mikis, you should get your feet wet and see what you truly want out of your pearl jewelry (do you like larger necklaces, do you like graduated. Do you prefer South Sea to Tahitian to Akoya, how about length?)

The PERFECT place to start educating yourself on pearls is the forum Pearl Guide

This forum has been around for years and features an amazing community of pearl farmers, pearl distributors, jewelry designers, online and BM store owners and pearl collectors. You can ask any question, learn anything about pearls. Have a necklace that was an heirloom and what to know if its real or not without going to your jeweler. Just snap a few pics and ask. Want to compare a few online necklaces to see which looks best and is a better bargain, just ask. Want to share your pictures of your collection and drool over the people amazing pieces, this is the place for you! Everyone is so knowledgable, so welcoming and it is the greatest place to get started if you are green to the world of pearls.

Where to buy online?

I have a few recommendations for purchasing online. These online vendors I have frequently bought from myself AND they have AMAZING return policies and excellent Customer service!

Pearl Paradise– Well know and loved pearl online store. They have sold jewelry to Angelina Jolie, and other a list celebrities. Hisano Shepard who is an award winning Jewelry designer (designs under the name Little H, you can find her stuff at Pearl Collective also) Has Designed Jewelry for the first lady, celebrities, you name it. She designed the necklace I wore on my wedding, and her and her team give every order, big or small the most excellent level of customer service I have ever seen. Jeremy Shepard is the companies founder, and he is pleasant, knowledgeable and passionate about his pearls!

Pearls of Joy– Kevin Canning runs this, and he is always a pleasure to work with. His curated collection of exotic pearls (Maven Collection) is truly stunning. He carries limited quantities of things because he is so picky about finding the most perfect pearl. He will spend hours at gem and jewelry shows in Hong Kong sorting through huge bags of pearls to find the best ones. Don’t believe me? Check out his blog

Kojima Company– Truly one of the most creative use of pearls. Every piece is hand made, and she takes such care to really deliver a powerful statement with pearls. She also carries true Japanese Kasumi pearls and Sea of Cortez pearls. Definitely worth a look!

Below are pictures of a Tahitian Necklace from Pearl Paradise, One of Hisanos creations, the Gorgeous Geode Tahitian Earings, with Black Diamonds and Rubies, some beautiful Chinese ripples from Pearls of Joy and some gorgeous Sea of Cortez Mabe Earring from Kojima!

A Few other places to get gorgeous Pearls

West Pearls,The Pearl Outlet, Pure Pearls

From West Pearls

For the love of Pearls ❤