Natural, authentic, unique....
The Pearl Guide
At ELLA PALM, we celebrate the timeless beauty of sustainably sourced, AAA-grade freshwater pearls. Learn about the distinctive characteristics of every pearl variety in our collection, from lustrous baroques to delicate rice and seed pearls. Ella Palm celebrates the beauty of imperfection while offering a touch of everyday luxury.
Keshi Pearls
Keshi pearls are nature's happy accidents – small, irregular pearls formed when an oyster rejects the implanted nucleus during the culturing process. The result is a pearl made of pure nacre with no nucleus. Their organic, one-of-a-kind shapes and exceptional luster make each Keshi pearl truly unique. Often featuring intricate ridges and valleys, these pearls possess an intense inner glow that larger cultured pearls sometimes lack. Our designers cherish Keshi pearls for statement pieces that celebrate nature's perfect imperfections.
Potato Pearls
Potato pearls are freshwater pearls with distinctive oval or rounded shapes reminiscent of small potatoes. Unlike perfectly round pearls, they embrace natural imperfections with gentle dimples and subtle asymmetry. Their soft, creamy lustre creates a luminous glow across varied surfaces, making them ideal for layered designs like the multi-strand necklace and bracelet shown in the image. Prized for their accessible luxury and natural elegance, potato pearls offer unique character in both classic and contemporary jewelry, celebrating nature's beautiful variations at a more approachable price point.
Seed Pearls
Delicate and petite, seed pearls typically measure under 2mm in diameter. These tiny luminous gems create a stunning effect when used in multiples. At Ella Palm, we showcase seed pearls in various designs – from delicate double-strand bracelets that catch the light with every movement to statement hoop earrings where clusters of seed pearls create textural dimension against gold settings. We also feature them in minimalist gold chain anklets and elegant single-strand bracelets that offer just a whisper of iridescence. Their understated elegance makes seed pearls perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions, adding a refined luminosity that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Baroque Pearls
Perhaps the most expressive of all pearl varieties, baroque pearls feature free-form, non-spherical shapes that defy uniformity. Each baroque pearl tells its own story through asymmetrical contours and unique character. These pearls celebrate the beauty of imperfection, with no two ever exactly alike. Their irregular surfaces reflect light in unexpected ways, creating a dynamic play of luster that regular round pearls cannot match. Our baroque pearl pieces embrace individuality and artistic expression.
Coin Pearls
Coin pearls are nature's medallions – distinctive freshwater pearls with flat, disc-like silhouettes and substantial presence. Each pearl features a smooth, circular shape with gently rounded edges and displays remarkable iridescence across its broad surface, creating a play of light that shifts with every movement. Their pure white to cream coloration offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic while maintaining the classic luminosity pearls are treasured for. Unlike perfectly round pearls, these coin-shaped gems celebrate subtle organic variations, with delicate ripples and unique surface patterns making each one impossible to replicate. ELLA PALM showcases these natural treasures in minimalist and statement designs that highlight their natural elegance and distinctive character.
Biwa Pearls
Originally from Lake Biwa in Japan, Biwa pearls are non-nucleated freshwater pearls known for their distinctive flat shape and high lustre. These pearls often feature remarkable iridescence with champagne overtones dancing across their surfaces. Their unique silhouette makes them ideal for statement bracelets and pendants where their natural beauty can take center stage.
Rice Pearls
Rice pearls, named for their elongated oval shape resembling a grain of rice, offer a contemporary twist on classic pearl designs. Their distinctive silhouette creates visual interest and movement in jewellery pieces. These pearls typically feature a soft, satiny lustre that catches light beautifully from all angles. We love incorporating rice pearls into simple chokers and delicate bracelets and layered designed where their unique shape adds character and dimension.
The Ella Palm Difference
Our commitment to sustainability means each pearl in our collection is ethically sourced and carefully selected. Our sustainably cultured freshwater pearls represent nature's artistry at its finest.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
We honour artisanal craftsmanship in every piece we create. Lovingly handcrafted in our UK studio by skilled artisans, each pearl is hand-selected for its unique beauty and character. This meticulous selection process ensures that every Ella Palm creation is truly exceptional.
Sustainable Cultivation
Unlike their saltwater counterparts, these pearls are cultivated in freshwater lakes and rivers across Southeast Asia and Japan. The cultivation process is more environmentally friendly, allowing for the creation of beautiful pearls without excessive harm to aquatic ecosystems.
We work exclusively with freshwater pearl farms that prioritise environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. This commitment to responsible sourcing allows us to create beautiful jewellery while respecting the delicate balance of aquatic environments.
Caring For Your Pearls
Remember that pearls, being organic gems, require special care:
Keep them away from perfumes, cosmetics, and harsh chemicals
After wearing, gently wipe them with a soft cloth to remove oils and moisture
Store your pearl jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratching
With proper care, your Ella Palm pearl jewelry will remain a treasured heirloom for generations, carrying with it the natural beauty and sustainable values that define our brand.