"Charming Designs and Recommended Brands for Pearl Engagement Rings that Look Stunning on Your Finger at Any Age, Even 100!"
2021.05.15 published
What about engagement rings other than diamonds?
Engagement rings = diamonds
This is a common understanding worldwide, but of course, there are people who choose other gemstones too.
(Diamonds are chosen as "symbols of eternal love" because they are the hardest mineral on earth and shine forever without breaking.)
Princess Diana and Catherine's engagement rings are sapphires♡
Lady Gaga’s engagement ring is a pink sapphire♡
Among the many who choose diamond engagement rings, those who choose other gemstones seem to have a strong sense of self and inner strength♡
I admire the strength to say "I like what I like" without being caught up in trends or long-standing customs, especially when it comes to engagement rings, as everyone tends to choose diamonds...!
Cute pearl engagement rings♡
Admittedly, I chose a diamond engagement ring, but
“If I were to choose an engagement ring now”
“If I could get a ring for my sweet ten,”
I think a “pearl” ring would be nice♡
(Recently, Emma Stone's pearl engagement ring from La La Land gained attention for being cute♡)
The symbolic meanings of pearls include “innocence,” “wealth,” “purity,” “harmony,” “completion,” “health,” and “longevity,” all of which are fitting for marriage milestones.
Pearls are also said to be a "symbol of affection," representing the romantic notion of bringing together and loving the person you love♡
It is often said that “small diamonds don’t look good when you become a grandmother (they only suit the petite hands of those in their 20s and 30s).”
Pearls, in terms of "size," are cheaper than diamonds (though not necessarily a comparison to be made...) hence, for those who want a big piece of jewelry that will also look good when they become a grandmother, I recommend pearls for engagement rings.
For example, this TASAKI ring features a pearl with a diameter of 8.5mm for 200,000 yen. A diamond of the same size would weigh approximately 2.25 carats, making it unattainable...! (Even a loose one would be around 2 million yen at the least.)
I personally think choosing "a big pearl over a small diamond" is a very good choice♡
➡TASAKI ring
Moreover, pearls are natural gems that take a long time to form from oysters.
Diamonds can also be artificially created in what are known as "synthetic diamonds" (since diamonds are composed entirely of carbon, it is said that synthetic diamonds can be manufactured that are indistinguishable from natural ones physically, optically, and scientifically), and there are whispers that diamond values might fall in the future (due to the ability to purchase cheaper diamonds that look just like natural ones), which makes natural pearls, created by nature, even more special and wonderful.
<Types and Sources of Pearls>
There are various types of pearls, and their harvesting locations are generally established, so let me introduce them.
✅ Akoya Pearls: The most commonly seen type of pearl. Most of the pearls cultivated in Japan are Akoya pearls. They come in various colors such as white, pink, green, cream, and gold.
✅ South Sea Pearls: Pearls harvested from the silver-lipped oyster. They are sourced from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, etc., and can sometimes grow to be larger than 30cm!♡
✅ Black Tahitian Pearls: Pearls from the black-lipped oyster. Many are harvested in Tahiti, and they typically come in dark colors like black, gray, and green.
✅ Mabé Pearls: Uniquely shaped half-spherical pearls harvested from the mabé oyster. They have an aurora-like shimmering champagne cream color and are mainly harvested in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
✅ Freshwater Pearls: Harvested from mussels and river shells. They usually have an oval shape, and small ones are often used in accessories.
✅ Conch Pearls: Pink pearls harvested from pink conchs.
✅ Melo Pearls: Rare pearls harvested from the melo melo snail, found along the South China Sea coast.
I want such rings♡
Here are some cute designs for pearl engagement rings* I hope this inspires your imagination♩
【1】
A single pearl engagement ring is a classic and elegant choice. Pairing it with a gold band gives it a lovely classical appearance♡
【2】
A design where the pearl is supported from both sides by two arms. It looks as if it gently cradles the pearl.
【3】
A design where a large pearl is surrounded by small diamonds set all around it. This luxurious engagement ring features both diamonds and pearls♡
【4】
A design where a small diamond sits delicately underneath the pearl. The arms form a V shape, making the fingers look slender and long.
【5】
A design that features small diamonds on either end of the pearl. It's sparkly and glamorous♡
【6】
A tiara-like design centered around the pearl♡
【7】
Pair a pearl engagement ring with a wedding ring that features a leaf design. I admire such combinations♡
【8】
The pearl rests on a high pedestal. It seems to be carefully protected by diamonds*
【9】
A luxurious design reminiscent of a royal wedding tiara♡
【10】
Pearls are also called "tears of mermaids." (There’s a legend that a mermaid's tears for her lover turn into jewels when they hit the waves.) The lustrous jewel that shines with an aurora is elegant and lovely.
Brands for Pearl Engagement Rings♡
Next, I’d like to introduce brands where you can buy pearl engagement rings. Japan is one of the world’s largest producers of pearls, and brands that focus on pearls have immense popularity worldwide.
① kataoka
The brand “kataoka,” chosen by Emma Stone for her engagement ring. Established in 2011 by designer Yoshizumi Kataoka, it is a brand that’s currently gaining attention.
The appeal of kataoka rings lies in the way the pearls are not rigidly fixed but rather seem to be delicately attached.
The setting showcases the beautiful spherical shape of the pearls so that their beauty is maximally displayed♡
Many of the designs feature thin bands, which makes the pearls appear even larger.
➡kataoka Official Website
② Mikimoto
When it comes to pearls, Mikimoto is iconic♡
Mikimoto's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, was the first person in the world to successfully cultivate pearls. Carrying forward his dream of “adorning women all over the world with pearls,” this brand is globally renowned.
Mikimoto offers many fashionable rings featuring pearls, and most designs are suitable for everyday wear.
If you’re looking for “not the typical engagement ring, but a pearl ring for daily use♡,” this is a brand to consider♩
➡MIKIMOTO Official Website
③ TASAKI
Another globally recognized Japanese pearl brand, TASAKI. Their “Balance” series, featuring rows of pearls, is exceedingly popular♡
A luxurious ring that juxtaposes pearls and diamonds of the same size. It beautifully fulfills the dream of wanting both diamonds and pearls in one piece.
➡TASAKI Official Website
④ Wako
Known as a landmark in Ginza, “Wako.” Many of Wako's rings feature classic designs that highlight pearls, with a timeless beauty that lasts for decades.
Starting with pearl engagement rings, you’ll want to collect earrings, bracelets, and necklaces for every anniversary!
By the way, Wako offers a service where you can take pictures at the clock tower when you purchase wedding and engagement rings. Accessing the clock tower is a privilege reserved only for couples who purchase their rings.
➡Wako Official Website
Pearl engagement rings are also cute♡
I introduced pearl engagement rings*
I’ve come to think that using the ocean's gem, the pearl, which signifies purity and innocence, as an engagement ring might be wonderful…♡
Whether it’s a diamond, a pearl, or another gemstone,
I want to select an engagement ring design that continues to excite me years down the line with “how cute♡” it is*