Sometimes referred to as “cornflake” pearls, Keishi pearls are flat and irregular in shape. They are formed when the mollusk ejects its pearl bead nucleus but continues to make a pearl. When pearls are formed, the mineral aragonite typically arranges in sheets of flat, six-sided crystals. The mollusk then coats these sheets with the protein conchiolin.

In the late 1800s, Bohemian Daniel Swarovski perfected and patented a machine that perfectly cut jewelry stones. In so doing, he took leaded glass crystal to a near-flawless level.

The porous nature of Keishi pearls demands extra care. To maintain their luster: 1) avoid exposure to household chemicals like hair spray, perfume and cleaning products; 2) gently wipe them gently with a warm damp cloth to remove body oils and perspiration; 3) when storing, keep them separate from other gemstones and metals that may scratch them.

Avoid vigorous polishing of your vermeil jewelry so as not to destroy the gold coating, and never expose it to moisture. Keeping it in a zip-lock bag will prevent moisture and humidity from attacking it.