At Cliveden we offer a variety of Tahitian, Akoya, Freshwater and Mabé pearls. Our selection of products includes a variety of pearl rings, studs, fashion earrings, strands, necklaces, pendants and bracelets. In addition, we offer our pearls in varying price ranges so that you can find the perfect pearl for your style and budget. 

Cliveden Jewellers ensures that each and every pearl we source meets our high quality standards. On this page you will find educational resources related to the pearl types we offer and encourage you to learn more about the qualities of each. 

Click the relevant links on the right of this page for detailed pearl information.

Pearls occur naturally when certain molluscs are infected with parasitic organisms or other such irritants, usually when they burrow through the shell into the tissue underneath. The mollusc's immune system triggers the secretion of a mucus like substance called nacre, which coats the irritant to protect the mollusc from damage. Over time, the layers of nacre coating builds up, resulting in the formation of a pearl within the shell.
Pearls tend to retain the shape of the original irritant, and so most natural pearls are not always round. Naturally occurring pearls are rare, and many thousands of molluscs can be killed in the search for one pearl. This is why natural pearls command the highest prices, as the yield is unpredictable. 

As pearls are so desirable and so rare, pearl farmers have worked out ways to stimulate the pearl formation process, greatly increasing the yield of pearls. Originating in Japan in the early 20th century, pearl farming involves the artificial introduction of an irritant to the pearl yielding mollusc, followed by its return to its aquatic habitat. The pearls are then given between 2 and 6 years to grow, depending on the size of pearl required, before harvest. Each mollusc can produce up to 32 pearls. 

Once occurring only by chance, today most pearls are cultured by man.