If you want to find pieces that are timeless, elegant and truly worth your investment, choosing the right pearl jewellery brand makes all the difference
Not all brands are created equal – some specialise in delicate everyday studs, while others are renowned for bold statement necklaces or luxurious bridal collections.
Beyond the styles themselves, discerning buyers also pay close attention to the types of pearls – whether they are classic Akoya, radiant South Sea, exotic Tahitian or contemporary freshwater.
Just as important is the way these pearls are sourced. Today’s best brands balance beauty with responsibility, working with sustainable farms and ethical suppliers to ensure each pearl tells a story of craftsmanship and care.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best pearl jewellery brands to help you discover exceptional design, quality and sourcing you can feel good about.
1. Coleman Douglas Pearls
First on the list is yours truly, Coleman Douglas Pearls, where you’ll find a beautiful collection of necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings – plus a range of stylish accessories.
Coleman Douglas was founded by Chrissie Douglas, who has been described as one of the UK’s leading pearl authorities and even the “Pearl Queen” by Lucia Van Der Post. She’s collaborated with HRH Princess Anne, Tiffany & Co and many others – and showcased everywhere from Harrods and Fortnum & Mason to Paris and Japan.
From Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian to Keshi, Natural and Baroque, pearls are hand-selected and paired with a variety of precious metals and gemstones. Everything is hand-crafted at our London atelier. The resulting pieces are elegant and timeless, with something for everyone.
Collections include fine pearls, classic pearls, bridal pearls and rare pearl jewellery. Customers can also benefit from a bespoke one-to-one service, where your pearl jewellery will be hand picked to match your skin tone, face shape and other natural characteristics – a service unique to Coleman Douglas Pearls, created to ensure every client feels beautifully confident in their perfectly matched pearls.
That’s all topped off with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We know all our pearl farmers by name and only source from those who meet our strict ethical standards.
2. Paspaley
Known as the undisputed kings of South Sea pearls, Paspaley has been at the heart of Australia’s pearling industry for more than 90 years. The story began in the 1930s, when 19-year-old Nicholas Paspaley bought his first pearling lugger and set out from the ports of Broome and Darwin in search of the rare Pinctada maxima oyster.
From those humble beginnings grew a pioneering brand that would reshape pearling worldwide. Today, Paspaley’s Australian South Sea pearls are considered among the finest in the world.
Each pearl undergoes a meticulous five-stage process. That begins with the hand-harvesting of wild oysters off the Kimberley coast, before careful seeding, years of nurturing and expert grading against the Five Virtues. These are lustre, complexion, shape, colour and size.
This creates jewellery of extraordinary quality, from show-stopping Lavalier pendants and earrings to bespoke creations exhibited alongside Tiffany & Co. and Christian Tse. Sustainability remains central, with oysters handpicked and returned to the sea to ensure the long-term future of this remarkable craft.
3. Sophia Paspaley
Sophia Paspaley represents the new generation of one of Australia’s most celebrated jewellery families. Growing up surrounded by pearls, she recalls the moment her father first showed her how to harvest one as a child. The lustre and beauty captured her imagination, sparking a lifelong passion for design.
Now in her twenties, Sophia works alongside her family to create fresh, modern interpretations of Paspaley’s hallmark style. She has already designed the Delfini collection, a youthful reimagining of the classic pearl strand. Delfini means “dolphin” in Greek, a symbol of good luck and new life, and a tribute to her grandfather Nick Paspaley Snr.’s own journey from Greece to Australia.
Her designs bring optimism and innovation to the world of South Sea pearls. From vibrant strands to unique stone-set creations, Sophia combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary perspective. Clients can explore her jewellery through the Paspaley brand or directly via her Instagram.
4. Tiffany & Co
Few names in jewellery are as iconic as Tiffany & Co. The brand’s signature blue box has become a global symbol of elegance, quality and timeless style. Their pearl collections are no exception, reflecting the same meticulous craftsmanship and uncompromising standards that define every Tiffany design.
Tiffany offers an extensive selection of cultured pearls, from freshwater to Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea. Classic pieces include pearl stud earrings, drop earrings and simple strands.
For those seeking something different, Tiffany reimagines pearls within contemporary collections such as Tiffany Victoria® and Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams. One standout design combines their original gauge link with luminous pearls for a bold, modern edge.
Every pearl is carefully chosen by Tiffany’s master craftspeople, ensuring perfect lustre, shape and balance. They deliver jewellery that feels both contemporary and eternal. Whether given as a gift or chosen as a personal treasure, Tiffany pearls are made to be cherished for generations.
5. Gellner
Gellner is a name synonymous with bold creativity and a deep respect for pearls. Founded in 1967 by Heinz and Tove Gellner, the company is now led by their son Jörg, who continues the family’s legacy with passion and innovation. Their work was recognised internationally when Gellner, alongside Coleman Douglas, was chosen to showcase designs in a permanent collection in New York.
Known for designs that are both fun and cutting edge, Gellner brings a fresh energy to cultured pearls. The brand combines carefully selected pearls with striking, contemporary settings that stand out from traditional jewellery. This fusion of modern style and timeless natural beauty makes each piece instantly recognisable.
Ethics are also at the heart of the Gellner philosophy. The company believes that true beauty requires responsibility. They are committed to protecting marine ecosystems, caring for employees, and fostering honest, sustainable business practices – a philosophy they call the “Spirit of Pearls.”
6. Mikimoto
Mikimoto is a true pioneer of the pearl industry. The brand began with the vision of Kokichi Mikimoto. His dream was simple yet ambitious – that every woman should own a pearl necklace. In 1893, he succeeded in creating the world’s first cultured half sphere pearl, later followed by the full round pearl. Thanks to his innovation, and the rise of cultured freshwater pearls, that dream has come closer to reality.
Over more than a century, Mikimoto has become a name synonymous with elegance, artistry and craftsmanship. Their jewellery blends Japanese heritage with global influences, creating pieces that are both timeless and modern. Classic strands and earrings sit alongside designs enriched with diamonds and coloured gemstones, each selected with the highest standards of beauty and brilliance.
Sustainability is central to the brand’s philosophy. Mikimoto invests in marine research, cultural initiatives and responsible pearl farming, expressing what they call a “love letter to the sea.” It’s jewellery that balances innovation with deep respect for nature.
7. Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster is known for pushing the boundaries of jewellery design. Since launching his brand in 1989, he has built a reputation for bold, rebellious creations that combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques. While not a dedicated pearl jeweller, his use of mother-of-pearl in the Crystal Haze collection shows just how versatile this natural material can be.
Crystal Haze is Webster’s signature innovation. Using a refined doublet technique, he bonds a thin slice of mother-of-pearl beneath a faceted layer of rock crystal. It creates a mesmerising, holographic effect that transforms each piece into a statement jewel. The collection includes cocktail rings, pendants, cuffs and earrings, each showcasing the play of colour and light unique to this design.
Sustainability is central to the Webster philosophy. All materials are responsibly sourced, and the brand’s RESET initiative reimagines unworn jewellery into modern heirlooms. That results in creativity without compromise – daring, glamorous and ethical.
8. Alain Boite
Alain Boite is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in gem-quality cultured pearls. Trained by his uncle, he founded his namesake house in 1984 with a singular vision – to achieve perfection in every pearl.
Working with only the most renowned farms across Japan, Indonesia, Tahiti, Australia, Burma and China, Boite personally selects each pearl with meticulous care. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are his specialty, chosen for their exceptional lustre, size and rarity. Assembling a perfectly matched set can take years, as his standards allow for nothing less than absolute excellence.
Today, Alain Boite is the preferred supplier for some of the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses in Paris, London, New York and Hong Kong. His offices in the heart of Paris welcome an international clientele, while his expertise is showcased at leading trade fairs across the globe. In every aspect, Boite represents the pinnacle of pearl quality.
9. Kamoka Pearls
Kamoka Pearls are farmed in the pristine waters of Ahe Atoll, 300 miles northeast of Tahiti. This family-run business produces pearls celebrated for their extraordinary colours and natural beauty. Every pearl comes directly from their own farm, making each piece personal, traceable and unique.
Sustainability is at the heart of Kamoka’s philosophy. The farm runs on solar and wind power, collects rainwater for fresh supply and avoids environmentally harmful practices like high-powered oyster cleaning. Instead, oysters are placed in shallow reef zones where tropical fish clean them naturally. This not only maintains healthy oysters but also protects the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem.
Kamoka also uses renewable mother-of-pearl nuclei rather than imported mussel shells, a pioneering technique that yields pearls of higher quality while preserving biodiversity. Independent studies have shown their eco-friendly methods boost local fish populations. The result is jewellery that reflects both the vivid beauty of Tahiti and a deep respect for the ocean.
10. Perlas del Mar de Cortez
Perlas del Mar de Cortez is a unique pearl farm in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. Run by a team of passionate scientists, it is the only farm in the world cultivating the native Pteria sterna oyster. This rare species produces pearls with a natural iridescence, shifting in colour from soft pastels to vibrant metallic tones.
The farm’s origins lie in years of research at the Tec de Monterrey in Guaymas, where technology was developed to make pearl cultivation possible without harming wild oyster beds. Today, each harvest takes up to four years, with constant care required to protect the oysters from storms, climate challenges and predators.
Sustainability and fairness guide every stage of the process. Pearls are never chemically treated, ensuring their colours remain natural and authentic. The farm is also Fair Trade certified, supporting both environmental conservation and the local community. These pearls are true gems of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.
11. Margot McKinney
Margot McKinney is one of Australia’s most celebrated jewellers, known for designs that are bold, vibrant and full of joy. A fourth-generation jeweller, she brings a playful sense of whimsy to her creations while ensuring they always make a grand statement.
Her signature pieces often feature Australian South Sea pearls, the rarest and largest pearls in the world. In her acclaimed Marina Collier, created for TEFAF Maastricht, McKinney combined 25 extraordinary baroque pearls with green beryls, aquamarines and tourmalines. Inspired by Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, the design evokes the colours and movement of the sea, underscored by the lustrous backdrop of pearls.
McKinney’s jewellery is a celebration of nature’s most vivid landscapes, from coral reefs to rainforests and the red earth of the outback. She often spends years sourcing gems for a single piece, working closely with pearl farmers, miners and cutters. Each jewel is luxurious, sustainable and designed to inspire delight.
12. Jewelmer
Jewelmer is one of the world’s most recognised names in South Sea pearls. Founded in 1979 by a French pearl farmer and a Filipino entrepreneur, the brand has become an international high jewellery Maison, celebrated for its golden and white South Sea pearls. Based in the Philippines, Jewelmer now sells across the globe, blending heritage and innovation.
Classic strands and earrings remain central to the brand, but Jewelmer also embraces modernity with youthful, playful designs. This balance of timeless elegance and contemporary style has made their jewellery a mainstay for collectors and new admirers alike.
Craftsmanship is at the core of Jewelmer’s philosophy. Inspired by French high jewellery traditions and refined in Philippine ateliers, each piece is meticulously crafted to perfection. Sustainability is equally important, with pearls farmed in harmony with the sea. Jewelmer’s creations embody rarity, beauty and poetry, making them treasures that bridge tradition with a fresh, modern vision.
13. Melanie Georgacopoulos
Melanie Georgacopoulos is a designer celebrated for her modern, architectural approach to pearls. With a background in sculpture, she brings clean lines, geometric forms and a fresh perspective to jewellery. Above all, she creates pieces that are elegant, wearable and instantly recognisable.
Her fascination with pearls began during her Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art in 2007. This exploration grew into an enduring career, with her own label launching in 2010 and later a successful collaboration with Japanese jeweller Tasaki. Together they created M/G Tasaki, a line that blends Georgacopoulos’ design flair with world-class Japanese craftsmanship.
Her work challenges preconceptions of pearls and mother of pearl, reimagining them with a contemporary sensibility. From carved and sliced pearls to structured statement earrings, every piece is carefully crafted with precision and quality. Today, Melanie continues to explore new techniques and materials, offering jewellery that feels fresh, innovative and timeless all at once.
Find out more with a personal consultation
If you’re looking for the perfect pearls or simply need some advice, Coleman Douglas is on hand to help. We provide one-to-one consultations to help you choose pearls that accentuate your complexion and quite literally light up your face. With our help, everyone can find the right pearl colour, shape and size to enhance their natural beauty.
