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“The best pearl brands balance heritage, craftsmanship, and gem-quality pearls—Mikimoto, Tasaki, Yoko London, and Pure Pearls consistently top the list.” – Ashley McNamara, Pure Pearls
Pearls are synonymous with understated yet elegant luxury — a rare gift from nature that transforms into exquisite jewelry through the hands of expert designers and artisans. From high-fashion runways to royal collections, the best pearls in the world have always come from luxury pearl brands that highlight pearls as holding a unique place in the world of jewelry.
Whether you’re searching for high-end pearl jewelry with museum-worthy craftsmanship or simply looking for a brand that offers exceptional quality at a fair price, this curated guide will lead you to the best pearl brands the world has to offer.
| Brand | Pearl Type / Focus | Reputation | Price Range | Best For |
| Mikimoto | Akoya | Luxury, Heritage | $$$$ | Collectors |
| Tasaki | Akoya + South Sea | Modern Design | $$$$ | Jewelry Enthusiasts |
| Yoko London | South Sea + Freshwater | Bold Fashion | $$$$ | Statement Buyers |
| Tiffany & Co. | Akoya + South Sea | Prestige | $$$$ | Brand Buyers |
| Pure Pearls | All Pearl Types | Value & Farm Direct | $$ - $$$ | Everyday Buyers + Collectors |
Mikimoto Pearl Co.
Tasaki
Yoko London
Tiffany & Co.
Pure Pearls
In a world filled with jewelry houses that sell a little bit of everything, PurePearls.com stands out as a true pearl specialist — a brand devoted exclusively to cultured pearls. Every piece of jewelry from Pure, whether it is a pearl necklace or a beautifully matched pair of pearl earrings is handcrafted with meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every item is made to order here at our Los Angeles, CA workshop, where we hand string our pearl necklaces and set every pearl pendant or ring on site.
What Sets Pure Pearls Apart?
Luxury doesn’t need to mean inaccessible; and that’s where Pure Pearls redefines the space. We bring to the table the holy trifecta: an unparalleled selection of pearls to choose from, a #1 Google ranked site dedicated to Pearl Education, and heartfelt, meticulous craftsmanship from crafters dedicated to creating not just pearl jewelry, but heirloom quality pearls that will grow to become a part of YOUR story.
Read More: How To Buy Pearls
Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto Pearl Company
Signature Pearl Type – Mikimoto is best known for its flawless Akoya pearls, though it also offers South Sea, Tahitian, and Freshwater pearl varieties.
Buying Cues – Shoppers can expect exceptional luster, near-perfect roundness, and strict grading standards.
Price Expectations – Prices start in the thousands for simple strands and can exceed six figures for rare or large pearls.
Why It Stands Out – As the pioneer of cultured pearls, Mikimoto blends heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury prestige
When it comes to famous pearl brands, no one carries the heritage and instant brand recognition of Mikimoto. Founded in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto, "The Father of Cultured Pearls", the brand made history by creating the first-ever cultured whole Akoya pearls, saving endangered oysters around the world and revolutionizing the pearl industry forever.
Today, Mikimoto continues to be synonymous with the highest quality Akoya and South Sea pearls, known for their exceptional luster, perfect roundness, and flawless surfaces. While Mikimoto no longer farms their own pearls (they halted the practice during the 1970s,), and they purchase their pearls from the same farms that Pure Pearls does, they do reliably purchase the very top 1% of each pearl harvest. Each pearl undergoes rigorous selection criteria, ensuring only the finest make it into Mikimoto’s exquisite jewelry collections.
As a Top 10 Pearl Jewelry Brand, Mikimoto is celebrated for its unparalleled craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and innovation in design. The brand’s collections range from classic pearl strands to avant-garde high jewelry pieces that blend pearls with diamonds and precious metals in striking, contemporary settings. Mikimoto’s dedication to perfection has made it a favorite among royalty, celebrities, and discerning collectors worldwide.
💎 A note of caution: Mikimoto’s prices reflect its heritage — expect to pay a brand premium for that little "M" charm and stamped logo, often at prices double or triple comparable pearls at Pure Pearls, and even higher.
Read More: 8 Things To Know About Mikimoto Pearls
Tiffany & Co. Akoya pearl necklace from the Essentials Collection
Signature Pearl Type – Tiffany & Co. features classic Akoya and South Sea pearls, often paired with diamonds and precious metals.
Buying Cues – Buyers look for Tiffany’s signature craftsmanship, iconic blue-box presentation, and timeless design appeal.
Price Expectations – Pieces start around the low thousands and scale up considerably for larger pearls and fine jewelry settings.
Why It Stands Out – Tiffany blends heritage and global brand prestige, making its pearls symbols of luxury and status.
Tiffany’s place among the world’s most prestigious jewelers is undisputed — and their meticulously crafted pearl jewelry collections uphold that reputation.
The brand primarily offers Freshwater and Akoya pearl pieces, often blending pearls with their signature clean, contemporary design language, set in Sterling Silver, 14 and 18K Gold and accented with sparkling diamonds.
Like Mikimoto, Tiffany’s pearls are beautiful — but the Tiffany name comes with a luxury price tag that exceeds what equally high-quality pearls would cost from a specialist like Pure Pearls. We recently did a side-by-side comparison of our classic pearl jewelry against Tiffany & Co., and the quality and value of pearls from PurePearls.com came out equal or ahead in nearly every metric with the exception of some exclusive designs.
However, if you are looking for a signature design from Tiffany & Co., you will never not be totally satisfied with purchasing from this iconic brand with its signature Little Blue Box!
Read More: Tiffany vs. Mikimoto Pearls
Golden South Sea pearl stud earrings by Jewelmer
Signature Pearl Type – Jewelmer is world-renowned for its golden South Sea pearls, cultivated in the pristine waters of the Philippines.
Buying Cues – Customers value their pearls’ rich golden hues, large sizes, and flawless surfaces, often set in elegant, nature-inspired designs.
Price Expectations – Strands and pieces begin in the luxury range and can climb into six figures for rare, exceptional golden pearls.
Why It Stands Out – Jewelmer stands apart as the global authority on golden South Sea pearls, uniting sustainability, rarity, and Filipino artistry.
A luxury pearl brand unlike any other, Jewelmer is the name for rare Golden South Sea pearls. Cultivated in the pristine waters of the Philippines, Jewelmer’s pearls have a warmth and glow that is unmatched.
Pairing these exceptional pearls with contemporary French design, Jewelmer is known for pairing their glowing Golden South Sea pearls with diamonds and precious gemstones to create dazzling couture designs. Another claim to fame for this luxury brand is designing the Miss Universe “Light of Infinity” crown in 2024, set with 23 Golden South Sea pearls and diamonds.
Jewelmer creates fine jewelry with an emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability. Jewelmer is not just a couture jewelry house, they are also the largest Golden South Sea pearl farm in the world, so their focus on maintaining clean oceanic environments is a top priority for the brand.
💎Expect luxury-level pricing — Jewelmer is an investment-level brand, suitable for serious collectors.
Nicholas Paspaley shows off a magnificent strand of White South Sea pearls
Signature Pearl Type – Paspaley is celebrated as the premier source of Australian South Sea pearls, known for their exceptional size and luster.
Buying Cues – Buyers look for the pearls’ natural white to silver hues, rare large sizes, and Paspaley’s meticulous craftsmanship.
Price Expectations – Prices range from high-end luxury strands in the tens of thousands to rare masterpieces valued well into six figures.
Why It Stands Out – Paspaley is regarded as the pinnacle of South Sea pearl luxury, blending rarity, heritage, and uncompromising quality.
For lovers of luminous White South Sea pearls, Paspaley is a household name. Paspaley Pearls is one of the most prestigious pearl jewelry brands in the world, renowned for producing some of the finest South Sea pearls.
Founded in Australia, Paspaley has been at the forefront of the pearl industry for over 80 years, cultivating exquisite pearls from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters off the northern coast. The brand is synonymous with quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, ensuring that each pearl meets the highest standards of luster, size, shape, and surface perfection.
As a Top 10 Pearl Jewelry Brand, Paspaley stands out not only for the exceptional quality of its pearls but also for its breathtaking designs. The brand seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with timeless sophistication, creating high jewelry pieces that showcase the natural beauty of South Sea pearls. Paspaley's artisans use innovative techniques to craft necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings that elevate pearls to a new level of luxury.
Celebrities, royalty, and discerning jewelry enthusiasts alike covet Paspaley pieces for their unparalleled beauty and rarity. With its dedication to excellence, heritage, and sustainability, Paspaley continues to set the standard for South Sea pearls, securing its place among the world's most prestigious pearl jewelry brands.
💎 Luxury level pricing alert. You will absolutely pay a high premium for Paspaley pearl jewelry. For signature designs, or one of a kind pieces (and aren't they all??) the price points for a serious pearl lover is absolutely worth it! But for a simple pair of White South Sea pearl studs? Maybe we can look at more budget-friendly alternative brands.
The House of Assael specializes in exotic pearls and coral. Photo courtesy of Steven D.Elliot Photography
Signature Pearl Type – Assael is renowned for its South Sea and Tahitian pearls, along with fine coral and other rare gems.
Buying Cues – Customers recognize Assael for exceptional pearl quality, elegant European design, and a reputation for connoisseur-level curation.
Price Expectations – Prices span the luxury range, from several thousand for refined pieces to six figures for rare and investment-grade jewels.
Why It Stands Out – Assael distinguishes itself through its heritage as a trusted pearl house, known for uncompromising quality and timeless sophistication.
A name often spoken in luxury circles, Assael is one of the best pearl brands for those who demand nothing but perfection. Specializing in exquisite Tahitian, Akoya, and South Sea pearls, Assael pairs exceptional pearls with world-class gem-setting and design.
Salvador Assael was instrumental in introducing the world to the luxurious South Sea pearl from Australia during the 1950s and 1960s, and later fell in love with the mysterious and exotic Tahitian pearl during the 1970s, investing in two pearl farms and working to bring the wonder and mystery of Tahitian pearls into the world.
Salvador Assael passed away in 2011, leaving his wife to helm the luxury brand. Today, the House of Assael is a luxury pearl brand that deals in couture designs featuring Tahitian, South Sea and Japanese Akoya pearls, along with being the largest purveyor of rare Coral jewelry often set with precious colored gemstones and diamonds, often in custom fantasy cuts.
House of Assael pearl jewelry often appear at major auctions, cementing their status as a collector’s favorite.
Tasaki Pearls is well known for its Balance Collection, amongst it's other more classic offerings.
Signature Pearl Type – Tasaki is known for its Japanese Akoya pearls and innovative designs that often feature bold, modern aesthetics.
Buying Cues – Customers recognize Tasaki for impeccable pearl quality paired with avant-garde, fashion-forward settings.
Price Expectations – Pricing ranges from luxury-tier strands in the thousands to high-jewelry pieces that command significantly higher figures.
Why It Stands Out – Tasaki merges traditional Japanese pearl mastery with contemporary, artistic design leadership.
Tasaki is a globally renowned pearl jewelry brand from Japan, celebrated for its exquisite Akoya and South Sea pearls. Founded in 1954, Tasaki has established itself as a leader in pearl cultivation and high jewelry design, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Unlike many other luxury brands, Tasaki owns and operates its own pearl farms, ensuring the highest quality standards in luster, shape, and surface perfection. The brand is also known for its meticulous selection process, choosing only the finest pearls to be incorporated into its stunning collections.
As a Top 10 Pearl Jewelry Brand, Tasaki is distinguished by its avant-garde approach to pearl design. Collaborating with visionary designers such as Thakoon Panichgul, the brand creates bold, contemporary pieces that challenge conventional pearl jewelry aesthetics. Signature collections like the Danger and Balance lines redefine pearls with edgy, sculptural settings that appeal to modern luxury enthusiasts. This fusion of Japanese precision, innovative artistry, and commitment to sustainability has made Tasaki a favorite among collectors, fashion icons, and celebrities, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious pearl jewelry brands.
For those who see pearl jewelry as wearable art, Tasaki offers the ultimate creative expression.
Yoko London magazine advertisement courtesy of Christy Lee Howells and Vogue
Signature Pearl Type – Yoko London specializes in rare and exceptional pearls, from South Sea to Tahitian and freshwater varieties.
Buying Cues – Customers seek their emphasis on size diversity, vibrant colors, and nontraditional, fashion-forward settings.
Price Expectations – Their pricing spans mid-range luxury to very high-end, with statement pieces often reaching tens of thousands.
Why It Stands Out – Yoko London is celebrated for pushing creative boundaries and offering some of the largest and rarest pearls in the world.
A brand that has become synonymous with glamorous, red carpet-worthy pearls, Yoko London is known for its innovative designs, unique color combinations, and focus on rare, large pearls. Founded in 1973, the brand specializes in sourcing the world’s finest pearls, including rare natural color South Sea, Akoya, and colorful Freshwater pearls.
Yoko London stands out for its commitment to craftsmanship, with each piece meticulously designed in-house to showcase the unique beauty of every pearl. Their jewelry often features pearls in unconventional colors, such as deep lavender, pink, and golden hues, set in intricate, diamond-accented designs that redefine luxury pearl jewelry.
A personal favorite of ours which we regularly feature in our Weekly Newsletter, Yoko London is celebrated for its contemporary yet timeless creations that appeal to modern fashion enthusiasts and pearl connoisseurs alike. The brand’s signature collections, such as Raindrop, Starlight, and Serendipity, highlight its dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional pearl jewelry.
By blending classic elegance with bold, statement-making designs, Yoko London has attracted a global clientele, including celebrities and royalty. With a focus on innovation, quality, and luxury, Yoko London continues to set new standards in pearl jewelry, securing its position as one of the most prestigious brands in the industry.
A Freshwater pearl bracelet from Blue Nile on a resale site.
Signature Pearl Type – Blue Nile offers a wide selection of Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls, catering to a broad audience.
Buying Cues – Shoppers value their transparent online shopping experience, detailed product descriptions, and certification.
Price Expectations – Prices are highly competitive, starting in the low hundreds and ranging into the thousands for premium strands.
Why It Stands Out – Blue Nile is known for accessibility and trust, making quality pearl jewelry more approachable through its online-first model.
As a major online jeweler, Blue Nile offers a practical entry point into pearl jewelry for mainstream shoppers. They offer Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls — but with a focus on simplicity and pre-fabricated designs over couture craftsmanship.
Big box retailers like Blue Nile focus more on mass sales, speed and warehouse storage over creating every pearl jewelry item to order. While convenient, Blue Nile lacks the specialist expertise and curation of luxury-focused brands like Pure Pearls.
A matched suite of Freshwater pearl jewelry sold by Zales
Signature Pearl Type – Zales primarily offers freshwater and Akoya pearls in accessible, fashion-oriented jewelry designs.
Buying Cues – Customers look for affordability, frequent promotions, and easy availability in malls and online.
Price Expectations – Prices start under $100 and typically stay within the low hundreds, making them highly budget-friendly.
Why It Stands Out – Zales is known as “The Diamond Store” but stands out in pearls for offering widely accessible, everyday styles at entry-level pricing.
For shoppers on a budget, Zales provides a moderate range of pearl jewelry brands and designs to choose from. Their offerings are limited to lower to medium quality Freshwater and saltwater Akoya, though their designs are mass-produced and quality varies.
Often, you’ll find settings pre-fabricated in 10K or 14K Gold, set with diamonds ranging in the I-2 to SI grades; this helps the jewelry stay more affordable for customers and protects the bottom line for this large, big box retailer.
While Zales can be a good place to find starter pieces, serious pearl lovers seeking heirloom quality should look to specialists like Pure Pearls for true craftsmanship and lasting value.
For collectors who appreciate named designers, these three stand out for their originality, creativity and craftsmanship.
AGTA Spectrum Design Award Winner 2024, First Place Bridal Wear: Christina Penuel of Mark Loren Designs
Melanie Georgacopoulos is a visionary jewelry designer known for redefining pearl jewelry through her innovative and contemporary designs. As a longtime collaborator with Tasaki, she has brought a fresh, avant-garde perspective to the brand, challenging traditional pearl aesthetics. Her work seamlessly blends fine craftsmanship with bold creativity, often incorporating geometric shapes, unexpected cuts, and unique combinations of pearls and precious metals.
Collections like M/G Tasaki showcase her ability to deconstruct and modernize pearls, turning them into sculptural, wearable art. Georgacopoulos' designs have helped Tasaki appeal to a new generation of luxury jewelry enthusiasts, reinforcing the brand’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge pearl jewelry.
Mizuki Goltz is a pearl jewelry designer that deals in modern avant-garde pearl jewelry.
Mizuki Goltz is the designer and founder behind Mizuki Jewelry, a brand celebrated for its modern, minimalist approach to pearl jewelry. Born in Japan and raised in New York, Mizuki seamlessly blends Eastern elegance with contemporary Western aesthetics, creating pieces that are both sophisticated and effortlessly wearable.
Her designs often feature freshwater and Akoya pearls set in delicate gold settings, accented with diamonds and fluid, organic shapes. With a focus on versatility, Mizuki’s jewelry embodies a chic, understated luxury that appeals to fashion-forward women. Her brand has gained a strong following among celebrities and style icons, solidifying her reputation as a leading innovator in modern pearl jewelry.
Baroque Pearl and Chalcedony Pearl Earrings by Ashleigh Branstetter, winner Spotlight Award 2024
Ashleigh Branstetter is a distinguished jewelry designer known for her exquisite work with pearls and fine gemstones. With a background in art and a passion for craftsmanship, she creates elegant, sophisticated designs that highlight the natural beauty of pearls in contemporary yet timeless settings.
Her jewelry often features South Sea and Akoya pearls, complemented by intricate goldwork and diamond accents, reflecting a refined aesthetic that appeals to collectors and luxury enthusiasts. Branstetter’s dedication to quality and innovation has positioned her as a respected name in the world of high-end pearl jewelry, with her designs sought after by those who appreciate both classic and modern elegance.
If you love pearls for their natural beauty, cultural significance, and unmatched elegance, you deserve a jeweler who shares that passion. PurePearls.com has earned its place as a Top 10 pearl jewelry brand by offering high-quality, luxury pearls at competitive prices while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship and customer service for over two decades.
Specializing in a wide range of pearl types—including Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and Freshwater pearls—Pure Pearls is known for its carefully curated collections that cater to both classic and contemporary tastes. By sourcing pearls directly from pearl farms and cutting out traditional retail markups, the brand provides customers with exceptional value without compromising on quality. Each pearl is hand-selected for its luster, surface quality, and shape, ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of elegance and refinement.
What sets PurePearls.com apart is its commitment to transparency, education, and customer satisfaction. CEO Ashley McNamara believes in empowering shoppers by providing detailed information about pearl grading, origins, and care, making luxury pearls more accessible to both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors.
With a dedication to craftsmanship, Pure Pearls offers a variety of customizable jewelry options, from classic strands to modern, trend-driven designs. The brand’s strong online presence, seamless shopping experience, and glowing customer reviews further reinforce its reputation as a leader in the pearl industry. With its blend of affordability, quality, and trust, PurePearls.com continues to be a go-to destination for those seeking timeless and elegant pearl jewelry.
✨ Pure Pearls offers:
Mikimoto – Renowned as the originator of cultured pearls, Mikimoto offers some of the finest pearl necklaces in the world, with unmatched craftsmanship and prestige.
Tiffany & Co. – A global luxury icon, Tiffany’s pearl collections combine timeless elegance with their signature design aesthetic, making them highly coveted.
Pure Pearls – Known for offering one of the widest selections online, Pure Pearls provides exceptional quality at outstanding value, with styles ranging from everyday elegance to investment-worthy heirlooms.
Mikimoto – Pioneer of cultured pearls, symbol of luxury.
Tasaki – Japanese brand known for innovation and fine design.
Tiffany & Co. – Global icon with timeless pearl collections.
Mikimoto – Pioneer of cultured pearls, symbol of luxury.
Tasaki – Japanese brand known for innovation and fine design.
Tiffany & Co. – Global icon with timeless pearl collections.
Pure Pearls (#1 Choice) – Offers the widest online selection of fine pearl jewelry at truly affordable prices. Direct sourcing cuts out middlemen, ensuring exceptional value without compromising quality. Ideal for shoppers seeking heirloom-worthy pearls at a fraction of luxury brand prices.
Mikimoto – The most prestigious pearl brand in the world, celebrated for flawless craftsmanship and heritage, but often comes with a high luxury price tag.
Tiffany & Co. – Globally iconic and timeless, Tiffany’s pearls are beautifully designed but priced at a premium for the brand name.
Mikimoto – World’s most prestigious pearl brand, known for its heritage, flawless quality, and timeless elegance, though often at higher prices.
Tasaki – Equally respected for its own pearl farms and craftsmanship, but offers more modern, fashion-forward designs with unique flair.
Clear return policies – Trustworthy brands stand behind their jewelry; Pure Pearls offers a 90-Day Return and Exchange policy for complete peace of mind.
Transparency – Reliable jewelers provide detailed information about pearl origin, quality, and grading.
Reputation – Established brands like Pure Pearls, Mikimoto or Tiffany & Co., earn consistent praise for quality, value, and customer care.
Certifications & guarantees – Look for authenticity certificates or quality guarantees to ensure your pearls are genuine.
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Our Pricing Explained
Luxury Grade Pearls. Lower Prices.
Luxury Grade Pearls.
Lower Prices.
The true value of pearls lies in their quality. We sell true luxury grade pearls without traditional luxury store markups.
We source the worlds finest pearls and sell direct to customers like you. You can expect to save about 1/2 the cost of traditional retail.
Pure Pearls Pricing
Traditional Retail Pricing
