What Are Keishi Pearls?

Keishi originates from the Japanese for "poppy seed."

Keishi, sometimes called Keishi pearls, are seed pearls. The name originates from the Japanese for "poppy seed," indicating the pearl's size. Keishi pearls are formed by two processes but are not classified as natural pearls, as they are a bi-product of a cultivation process rather than something that occurs naturally.

Identification

Keishi pearls form when an oyster rejects and then ejects the piece of shell embedded in it before it has time to form a complete freshwater or saltwater pearl. Another way they form is when the nucleus of the developing pearl splits to form two pearl sacs, each without a nucleus. All pearls classified as "natural" have a nucleus.

Sources

Keishi pearls are most frequently found in Tahiti and the South Seas. These pearls were previously widely available at bargain prices. However, the pears have become rarer because pearl farmers now X-ray their oysters and renucleate any pearls that have rejected the nucleus. This process prevents the development of Keishi pearls.

Popularity

Keishi pearls are popular with jewelers as their luster and variety in shape and size offer designers the opportunity to produce distinctive and original pieces.

References

• Pure Pearls: Keshi Pearls
• Pearl Market: Pearl Shapes and Colours