If you're someone who appreciates the enduring allure and grace of pearls, chances are you're already well-acquainted with their various types. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of round pearls in classic white or ivory hues, or you prefer the distinctive charm of baroque pearls, your journey through the world of pearls has likely shaped your tastes and preferences. However, amidst the familiar, there exists a variety of pearls that remain shrouded in mystery. Keshi pearls are a lesser-known pearl type - for both jewelry enthusiasts and designers. But what precisely are Keshi pearls, and what sets them apart? In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about Keshi pearls as we unravel the secrets behind their unique beauty and charm.
Formation & Occurence
Keshi Pearls, sometimes also called poppy seed pearls, are distinguished by their exclusive composition of pure nacre or mother of pearl, and stand as a fascinating middle ground between natural and cultured pearls. Unlike cultivated pearls, Keshi pearls emerge as by-products of the cultivation of pearls. In the pearl cultivation process, when a mollusk is injected with an irritant leading to the secretion of layers of mother of pearl, the mollusk sometimes produces excess nacre (mother of pearl) beside the actual irritant - giving rise to Keshi pearls. As such, Keshi pearls emerge as a by-product of the pearl cultivation process – and can neither be considered natural nor cultivated.
In the traditional approach to pearl cultivation, pearl-bearing molluscs, whether saltwater or freshwater, are introduced to an irritant. This process encourages the development of mother-of-pearl layers around the irritant, resulting in the formation of a cultured pearl. However, the formation of Keshi pearls takes an unexpected turn. Occasionally, a small piece of mother-of-pearl naturally detaches, acting as an additional irritant within the mollusk. In response, the mollusk envelops it with more mother-of-pearl, giving rise to an extra and unintended pearl — the enchanting Keshi pearl. This unique formation adds to their allure and distinguishes them from conventionally cultured pearls.
Keshi Pearls (left) are non-nucleated, whereas cultured pearls (right) have a nucleus within their layers of nacre
Keshi pearls are distinguished by their lack of a central core or nucleus, and showcase the pure essence of mother-of-pearl. The absence of an internal nucleus enhances their luster, resulting in a remarkable and almost breathtaking glow. The exceptional luster of these pearls contributes to their high value and desirability as purely precious materials, sold by carat weight. When meticulously collected and transformed into magnificent strands or wearable works of art in jewelry, their value further ascends.
History of Keshi Pearls
The term "Keshi" finds its roots in early 20th-century Japan, where it denoted natural seed pearls bearing a resemblance to poppy seeds. In Japanese, "Keshi" translates to poppy seed. Subsequently, as the country engaged in the cultivation of Akoya pearls, "Keshi" came to characterize by-products resulting from the rejection of bead nuclei.
For many years, a significant number of Akoya Keshi pearls were sent to India for processing to save Japanese pearl producers time and money in sorting, drilling, and stringing. While natural pearls were favoured in Indian culture for centuries, debates emerged among gem labs about classifying poppy seed pearls as natural wild-found or not. However, these gemstones are by-products of pearl farming and not strictly natural pearls. As such, most gem labs either classify the as non-beaded cultured pearls, or simply cultured/cultivated pearls.
Pearl farming today occurs across the globe and it is said that over 95% of the pearls in the market today are cultured
Where Are Keshi Pearls Found?
Keshi pearls, being the by-product of pearl cultivation, are ubiquitously found wherever pearl cultivation is practiced. Given that over 95% of the world's pearls are now cultivated rather than naturally occurring, poppy seed or Keshi pearls can be discovered in a multitude of regions where pearl farming is prevalent. These unique pearls can be encountered in various oysters, including those engaged in the production of South Sea, Tahitian, and Freshwater pearls. Regions such as Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which are known for their vibrant pearl farming industries, serve as prime locations for the presence of poppy seed pearls.
While they often originate in smaller-scale pearl farms, larger pearl farming operations in these regions have developed sophisticated methods to identify early in the nucleation process whether an oyster will produce a Keshi or a cultured counterpart. In cases where a Keshi is anticipated, some operations choose to restart the nucleation process to optimize the pearl's development.
Physical Properties of Keshi Pearls
Keshi pearls, in general, have physical properties that are similar to their cultured counterparts – except for the lack of a nucleus and a relatively higher level of luster. In a general sense, Keshi pearls exhibit the following physical properties:
- Shape: These pearls exhibit a diverse array of shapes, encompassing baroque, semi-baroque, round, and teardrop forms. Whether adorned in earrings, bracelets, or other pieces of jewellery, these pearls have a look that stand apart in aesthetics.
- Color: The color spectrum is diverse, encompassing white, cream, silver, grey, black, and pastel shades like rose, lavender, and peach. The specific color is influenced by the type of mollusk and the environmental conditions during formation. For example, Keshi Tahitian pearls are black – much like cultured Tahitian pearls.
- Luster: They are known for their high luster, reflecting light brilliantly and imparting a shiny appearance. The absence of a nucleus allows for a solid nacre composition, which in turn, contributes to their exceptional shine.
- Surface & Skin: Generally, these pearls have a clean surface, although minor blemishes or irregularities may become apparent during their formation process.
- Density: The solid nacre composition makes them denser than pearls with a nucleus.
Keshi pearls occur in a range of shapes & colours
Types of Keshi Pearls
Keshi pearls emerge in virtually all pearl farms where pearl cultivation takes place. Some popular types of Keshi pearls are:
- Tahitian Keshi Pearls: Hailing from the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, they are by-products of Tahitian Black pearls. Renowned for their captivating green and peacock hues, they serve as a splendid choice for various jewelry forms, particularly long chain necklaces.
- Akoya Keshi Pearls: Originating mainly from Japan, they are derived from natural Akoya pearls, showcasing a remarkable lustrous white. Besides Japan, China and Vietnam also stand as prominent sources for obtaining high-quality Akoya Keshi Pearls. For those seeking substantial quantities, Japan remains the go-to destination for the finest Keshi pearls.
- South Sea Keshi Pearls: Among the most magnificent Keshi pearls, those from Australia and the Philippines stand out. Representing some of the largest of these pearls, they exhibit regal white and golden hues, creating a luxurious appeal on platinum, gold, and silver jewelry. Recognized for their size and coveted golden shade, they undeniably stand as the most extravagant among the various types of Keshi Pearls.
Determining the Value of a Keshi Pearl
The price of individual poppy seed pearls can vary depending on the type and quality of the Keshi pearl. The quality determinants include their shape, size, and color. In general, the following aspects of a Keshi pearl must be taken into consideration to ascertain its price:
- Classification: As mentioned above, there are various types of a Keshi pearl, and its precise classification has a significant impact on its price. For example, South Sea Keshi pearls are abundant (as are cultured South Sea pearls) relative to Akoya Keshi pearls, and as such, would command a price somewhat lower than the latter, ceteris paribus.
- Carat Weight: As is the case with most gemstones, larger carat weights of a Keshi pearl command higher prices, on a per carat basis. Depending on its classification, and in a general sense, a Keshi pearl larger than 10 carats is considered to be a premium size, and as such, carries a higher value per carat.
- Shape: Despite lacking a nucleus and a defined figure, the shape influences their value. Keshi pearls generally occur in baroque and semi-baroque shapes, and in general, the rounder and more symmetric they are, the higher a price they command.
- Color: Keshi pearls occur in a variety of colors, ranging from Tahitian Black Pearls to White and Pink Freshwater Pearls. The deep saturation of black and the greenish secondary overtone on Tahitian Pearls make them popular, while the magnificent golden hue of Australian South Sea Keshi Pearls contributes to their higher price.
Astrological Benefits of Wearing a Keshi Pearl
Keshi pearls, in astrology, are thought to exhibit characteristics that relate to particular zodiac signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are recognized as water signs, characterized by their emotional depth and intuition. Being a birthstone of June, the following are some of the primary astrological benefits of Keshi pearls:
- Spiritual Healing: These gemstones are often attributed to enhancing personal integrity and focus. Symbolizing faith, charity, and innocence, they are believed to contribute to spiritual advancement, promoting wisdom, and fostering contentment.
- Emotional & Mental Well-Being: Linked to calming and balancing effects on emotions, they are said to stimulate the heart chakra, encouraging feelings of love, beauty, and peace. Astrologers suggest that wearers may become more aware of the causes of emotional stress and take steps toward addressing them. These June birthstones are also thought to enhance clarity and wisdom. They may aid in memory enhancement, assist in decision-making, boost creativity, and improve concentration.
- Physical Health: In terms of physical well-being, these gemstones are associated with heart and digestive system health. Believed to support fertility and childbirth, some think they alleviate symptoms related to lung diseases. Additionally, they are thought to enhance skin health and reduce signs of ageing.
Conclusive Reflections
Whether you're a dedicated jewelry enthusiast in search of unique gemstones or simply admire the inherent mystique and charm of Keshi pearls, these gems provide a source of enrichment for the spirit, mind, and soul. They're also believed to possess intrinsic energy that can bring healing on emotional, mental, and even physical levels.
Delving into the enigmatic world of these poppy seed or Keshi pearls allows for a newfound appreciation of nature's subtle wonders. If you’re looking to buy Keshi pearl online, we invite you to explore our collection of Keshi pearls and other exquisite gemstones like blue sapphires (neelam), citrines, opal, and more on Precious Earth. Discover authentic gemstones, carefully curated, and customized to your vision in durable, handcrafted designs.
