Why a White South Sea Pearl Necklace Is the Perfect Holiday Look
Some jewelry sparkles. A white South Sea pearl necklace glows. When the holidays fill every room with candlelight, string lights and the warm flicker of a fireplace, no other jewelry catches that light quite like large white South Sea pearls. This season we're featuring one of the most striking strands in our collection: our 12–16.5mm White South Sea Pearl Necklace.
The 12–16.5mm white South Sea pearl necklace worn with deep brown silk. A rich holiday color lets the white pearls shine.
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Why South Sea pearls glow in holiday light
White South Sea pearls grow in the silver-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl oyster in the world. The oyster takes years to build up a pearl, layer by layer, so South Sea pearls carry an unusually thick coat of nacre. That thick nacre gives white South Sea pearls their soft, deep, satiny glow. It looks as if the light is coming from inside the pearl.
Holiday light is warm, low and soft, and that is exactly the light that brings out the glow in a South Sea pearl. Under candles and string lights, a strand of white South Sea pearls looks luminous all evening, and it photographs beautifully in every holiday picture.
Meet the strand: 12mm to 16.5mm white South Sea pearls
This is a one-of-a-kind strand. The near-round white South Sea pearls graduate from 12mm at the back of the neck to an impressive 16.5mm at the center, so the largest pearls sit right at the front. The pearls are AA quality, with a superb, clear luster and excellent nacre, hand-knotted on silk.
The strand closes with a 14K white gold brushed-finish ball clasp set with 20 diamonds (0.18 ct t.d.w.). The clasp's soft brushed finish adds a little sparkle without competing with the pearls. At 17½ inches, the necklace rests just below the collarbone, a flattering length for open collars, scoop necks and strapless gowns.
The full strand, from the 12mm pearls at the clasp to the 16.5mm pearls at the center. The 14K white gold diamond ball clasp is at the top.
How to wear a white South Sea pearl necklace this holiday season
Holiday dinners and parties
Pair the necklace with a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater in a deep holiday shade: chocolate, burgundy, forest green or navy. Dark, rich colors make white South Sea pearls look even brighter.
Black-tie and New Year's Eve
With a little black dress or an evening gown, a strand of large white South Sea pearls is all the jewelry you need. Add simple pearl or diamond studs and let the necklace do the rest.
Winter white
For a soft, all-white look, wear the necklace with an ivory knit or a winter-white suit. The pearls' glow adds depth to a tone-on-tone outfit.
A holiday gift to treasure
A white South Sea pearl necklace is the kind of gift that is worn for a lifetime and passed down. Every American Pearl piece arrives gift-ready in our signature American Pearl gift box. Because this strand is one of a kind, there is only one available. If it is the one you love, don't wait.
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Frequently Asked
Why are white South Sea pearls so large?
White South Sea pearls are so large because they grow in the silver-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl-producing oyster in the world. Its size lets it grow pearls of 10mm to 16mm and more, much larger than Akoya or freshwater pearls.
Is a white South Sea pearl necklace good for the holidays?
A white South Sea pearl necklace is a wonderful holiday choice. The thick nacre of South Sea pearls glows softly in candlelight and string lights, and white pearls pair with every holiday color, from black and navy to burgundy, green and winter white.
What length is the 12–16.5mm white South Sea pearl necklace?
The 12–16.5mm white South Sea pearl necklace is 17½ inches long. This length sits just below the collarbone and works with most necklines.
What clasp does the 12–16.5mm white South Sea pearl necklace have?
The 12–16.5mm white South Sea pearl necklace has a 14K white gold brushed-finish ball clasp set with 20 diamonds, 0.18 carats total diamond weight.
Shop South Sea pearls
See the 12–16.5mm White South Sea Pearl Necklace, or browse all of our South Sea pearl necklaces to find your holiday look.
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