Cultured pearls are a fascinating and exquisite form of jewellery renowned for their beauty and elegance. Unlike natural pearls, which occur spontaneously in oysters in the wild, cultured pearls are deliberately created through a process known as pearl farming. The farming process involves carefully inserting a nucleus or irritant into a mollusc, such as an oyster or mussel, which then triggers the creation of a pearl. Over time, the mollusc coats the irritant with layers of nacre, a combination of minerals and proteins, ultimately creating a lustrous and iridescent pearl. Cultured pearls come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, making them a favourite choice for jewellery designers worldwide. With their enchanting allure and storied history, cultured pearls continue to captivate and adorn casual and formal wear.
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What are cultured Akoya Pearls?
Akoya pearls are cultured pearls produced explicitly in Japan, primarily in the regions of Ise Shima and the surrounding areas. These pearls are known for their exceptional quality, lustre, and round shape, making them highly sought after in the jewellery industry. Akoya pearls’ annual arrival refers to when freshly harvested pearls are brought to market. This arrival typically occurs once a year and is eagerly anticipated by jewellery designers looking for the latest and finest pearls for their creations.
Shizuku pearls are a specific type of Akoya pearl that is highly regarded for its unique lustre and pastel colours. These pearls are known for their delicate and refined appearance, often exhibiting a gentle shimmer or glow. Shizuku pearls are highly desired for their beauty and rarity.
Ise Shima, a region in Japan, is renowned for its long-standing tradition of pearl farming and has gained a global reputation for producing high-quality Akoya pearls. The pristine waters and optimal growing conditions in Ise Shima contribute to these pearls’ exceptional beauty and quality, making them highly valuable in the world of pearl jewellery. Ise Shima, Japan, is not only the birthplace of cultured pearls but the origin of world-renowned
female pearl divers.
Pearl Falco Opens its door to the Public at its new location.
Pearl Falco established its first office in Singapore in 2015 and launched its first gallery in River Valley in 2019. But the company has been around in Japan for much longer than that. The company was founded by the Makito family in Ise Shima in 1985, so the family-run business understands what it takes to produce a beautiful pearl. The new Downtown Gallery showcases some of the company’s latest pearl designs. With five new additions to the festive collection, which include Signature Wedding, Shizuku, Festive Classic, Festive Irodori and Festive Way, anyone in the collection would be perfect for anyone’s Christmas stocking.
What makes Pearl Falco stand out from the rest?
There is more to this company than pearl jewellery; once you step inside the Downtown Gallery showcase, you are shown some of the most exquisite Akoya pearl jewellery and educated by staff about the farming process. It is incredible how much time and effort goes into one of the beautiful Akoya pearls, and you walk out appreciating the exquisite jewellery that little bit more.
The story of Pearl Falco
Pearl Falco has specialised in crafting luxury pearls since 1985, when it was first established in Isobe, Shima City, Japan. 2018 Pearl Falco initiated the Pearl Of Hap charity dedicated to providing educational scholarships to underprivileged children throughout Asia. Here, they established the Annual Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery, ensuring to put Ise Shima on the map by producing beautiful Akoya pearl jewellery. In 2019, Pearl Falco opened its first Singapore gallery, bringing clients to see some of the most beautiful Akoya pearl jewellery, including pearl earrings, pearl necklaces and pearl pendants.
This year, the annual Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2023 Singapore Edition will feature 64 pearl jewellery designs from 10 countries, including entries from talented Singaporean students from 16 to 25
Who is Maiko Makito?
Maiko Makito is the Co-owner and Managing Director of Pearl Falco. Maiko was born in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls, so she knows a thing or two about cultured pearls. Maike first took over the role in 2016 and has expanded the company in Southeast Asia and looks to keep growing. Upholding her father’s legacy, Maiko devotes herself to many causes worldwide, which caused her to launch the Pearl of Hope charity in 2018.
Pearl Falco – familiar love and confidence
Downtown Gallery OUE Downtown – 6a Shenton Way #01-05
Monday – Saturday Opening hours are from 11 am to 7 pm.
River Valley Gallery 33 Mohamed Sultan Road #02-03
By appointment only
Want to know more? Check out the website here.
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