Cover Superior craftsmanship in play, featuring rare pink conch pearls (Photo: DeGem)
Superior craftsmanship in play, featuring rare pink conch pearls (Photo: DeGem)
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Get reacquainted with the once forgotten luxury that is the pink conch pearl, revived to its resplendent glory by a renowned luxury jeweller
When it comes to pearls, people automatically think of the classic white and cream Akoya pearls commonly used in necklaces and earrings, or their larger counterpart, the South Sea pearl, known for its stunning range of colours. But have you ever heard of pink conch pearls? These exquisite gems are incredibly rare and highly valued for their delicate pastel pink shades, exuding a porcelain-like glow that sets them apart. As a result, conch pearls are often used in high-end jewellery and sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Conch pearls come in a range of hues, including beige, peach, orange, brown and off-white, but the most prized ones are of the intense pink variety. Whether in a rosy blush, muted magenta, or the sweetest pink hues, these pearls are captivating. With the finest quality possessing flame-like crystal patterns dancing on their surface, it’s no wonder these pearls were highly coveted gems during the Victorian era.
Above DeGem Precious Pearl earrings, 13 carats
DeGem Precious Pearl earrings, 13 carats
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From the 1800s up to the Art Nouveau era between 1890 and 1910, pink conch pearls were the toast of the town when it came to rare gems. However, the popularity of these pearls decreased in the period between the world wars, and they never quite made a proper comeback.
Until now. The pink conch pearl has once again taken the spotlight, its undeniable beauty rediscovered and appreciated for its uniqueness and rarity. In fact, the most expensive piece of jewellery containing pink conch pearls was a bracelet made in the 1920s that fetched US$3.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2012.
Above A haute joaillerie masterpiece of a 10-carat Conch Pearl Scorpion Diamond brooch by DeGem
A haute joaillerie masterpiece of a 10-carat Conch Pearl Scorpion Diamond brooch by DeGem
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To understand just how rare these blush beauties are, consider that a conch pearl is found only in every 10,000 to 20,000 Queen Conch mollusks from the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, only 10 per cent of them are of gem quality. On top of that, pearls weighing 4 carats and above are favoured in the creation of jewellery pieces, making these gems even rarer when considering their quality.
Above DeGem Natural Conch Pearl pendant, 35 carats, matched with green jadeite beads
DeGem Natural Conch Pearl pendant, 35 carats, matched with green jadeite beads
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Definitely a gemstone worthy of any prized jewellery collection, the skilled artisans at DeGem expertly set its pink conch pearls in elegant everyday accessories such as earrings and pendants. These pieces effortlessly complement your daily look without appearing overly flashy—aligning perfectly with today’s preference for understated luxury. Meanwhile, the rarer and more valuable conch pearls, found in unique sizes, find their place in fantastical settings within DeGem’s extravagant brooches, formal dinner earrings and arresting neck pieces.
As a regional mine-to-market jeweller specialising in sourcing directly for rare gems that increase in value over time, rest assured that DeGem brings only the best gemstone discoveries to its collections, including its pink conch pearl pieces.
Discover these beauties for yourself at www.degemdiamond.com or visit a DeGem boutique to find the perfect pieces to round off your own jewellery curation.
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