The pearl obsessed are familiar with many different types of pearl – the perfectly round, both white and colorful pearls (golden, Tahitian), even uniquely shaped baroque pearls, but many are less familiar with Keshi pearls.  What are they? And what makes them so special? Here are three reasons that Keshi pearls are luxurious and lovable.

ALL NATURAL

L to R: Chanel Cruise Wear 2017-18, Assael Golden Keshi Pearl and Diamond Rope Necklace, Chanel Cruise Wear 2017-18

Pearls are formed when a mollusk, like an oyster or a snail, produces layers of nacre (pronounced NAY-kur) around some type of irritant in its shell.  Cultured pearls form around a nucleus placed in the oyster’s soft mantle tissue. Natural pearls, however, form with no nucleus inside.  Keshis are all natural because there is no nucleus inside – meaning the keshi pearl is nothing but pure nacre.  The keshi pearl forms as a by-product of cultivation. Because nacre is precious material, keshi pearls are highly prized, being made up of nothing but pure nacre.  For this reason, they are sold by weight like gemstones.  All natural keshi pearls are unique treasures of rare and precious material.

HIGHLY LUSTROUS

L to R: Alice McCall Runway 2018, 2 Multi-Color Golden Keshi South Sea Pearl Necklaces from Assael, Leanne Marshall F/W 2018 at NYFW.

Because keshis are made up of pure nacre, there is nothing to stop the reflection of light – making them extraordinarily lustrous.  Keshi pearls shimmer and shine with amazing luster.  Similar to precious gemstones, the color and luster of keshi pearls remain unchanged throughout time.  This well-known sheen has been admired for many generations and cultures. Known as “the gifts of the mermaids,” keshi pearls were worn with pride for centuries by the princesses of the Arabian kingdom. Their special luster creates a remarkable radiance when worn on the skin – pile them high near the face in fun, chic styles and/or layers.

ORGANIC STYLE

L to R: Assael Baroque Fiji Pearl Necklace and Multi-Color Keshi Fiji Pearl Necklace, Chanel F/W 2018/19

Because keshi pearls are formed without a nucleus, their shapes tend to be more baroque, with round keshis being exceedingly rare. Other shapes include rice, oval, flat and semi-round. The word keshi is actually Japanese for poppy seed, hence the nickname the “Poppy Seed Pearl”. Designers and pearl lovers alike fall in love with the many unique and organic shapes of keshi pearls.  They stand out and catch the eye with their natural shapes and are featured in all different types of jewelry design.  Pearl devotees appreciate keshis as very unique and valuable pearls, unlike any other.  Many like to enhance their traditional pearl jewelry by adding keshi pearl brooches, strands, bracelets or rings. Fusing the organic appeal of keshi pearls with more classic pearl jewelry designs creates a fresh, fun and very individualized look.

Whether you prize their unique shapes, their radiant luster or their all natural value, keshi pearls are a necessary part of any pearl lover’s fine jewelry wardrobe. Discover your favorite Assael keshi pearls design here https://assael.com/product-category/keshi/.

Related article about Keshi Pearls:

Keshi Pearl Craze – For the Love of Luster