South Sea pearls are the largest cultured pearls we handle, and their satiny luster makes them a natural centerpiece. Set next to a single colored stone, a clean white pearl becomes a backdrop that makes the color sing. Below are several pieces that show how that pairing works, with notes on what to look at in each.

Discovering South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are grown by the Pinctada maxima oyster in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are the largest pearls in cultured production, commonly 9 to 16 mm and occasionally larger, with naturally white, silver, or golden body colors, none of them dyed. Their nacre is thick and their luster soft and satiny rather than sharp, which is why a white South Sea pearl pairs so well with a faceted stone: the contrast between the pearl's gentle glow and the stone's bright facets is the whole effect.

Jewelry Highlight: South Sea Pearl with London Blue Topaz

A clear example is the South Sea Pearl, Precious Stone London Blue Topaz, 18K White Gold pendant. It sets a 9 mm round AAA-grade white South Sea pearl beside a high-clarity 6x6 mm London Blue Topaz, in solid 18K white gold. The deep teal-blue of the topaz reads cleanly against the white pearl, and the 42 cm white gold chain sits the pendant at a length that works on most necklines.

The Allure of Amethyst

The South Sea Pearl, Amethyst Precious Stone and 18K White Gold Pendant takes the same 9 mm round white South Sea pearl and pairs it with a deep purple amethyst, also 6x6 mm. Purple against white is a strong, classic contrast, and the soft luster of the pearl keeps it from reading harsh. Like the topaz pendant, it is set in solid 18K white gold and works for both day and evening.

Embracing the Freshness of Peridot

The South Sea Pearl, Precious Stone Peridot and 18K White Gold Pendant sets the same 9 mm white pearl with a 6x6 mm peridot. The bright lime green is the freshest of the three pairings and the one people reach for in warmer months. It is set in solid 18K white gold.

Adorning Your Ears with Elegance

To match the pendants, the South Sea Pearls and Precious Stones Blue Topaz Earrings pair 9 mm round white South Sea pearls with square-cut London Blue Topaz, roughly 2 carats of topaz per earring. Set in 18K white gold, they carry enough size and color to stand alone as a statement, or to complete a set with the topaz pendant.

Choosing the Perfect South Sea Pearl Jewelry

When you are choosing South Sea pearl jewelry, judge it in this order:

• Luster and surface: This is the pearl. Look for the satiny, even glow of thick nacre and a clean surface. AAA is the top producer grade for luster and surface cleanliness; remember the AAA-AA-A scale is a trade convention, not a single official standard.
• Stone pairing: A single colored stone reads best against a clean white pearl. Choose a stone color you actually wear.
• Metal: 18K white gold suits the cool tone of a white pearl; yellow gold gives a warmer, more classic feel. Either should be solid, not plated.
• Form: Decide whether you want a pendant, earrings, or a matched set, and how it fits what you already own.

Final Thoughts

A white South Sea pearl set with one colored stone is a simple idea that works because the pearl does the quiet part and the stone does the loud part. Whether you choose the London Blue Topaz, the amethyst, or the peridot, you are buying a real Pinctada maxima pearl with natural color and a stone chosen to set it off. Pick the color you will wear most, check that the pearl's luster and surface are right, and it will earn its place in your collection for years.