Pearl Teardrop Necklace - Sterling Silver
A Pearl Eight Years in the Making
In our land-based tanks on Arapaoa Island, fed by the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds, this New Zealand blue pearl spent eight years slowly layering nacre, building depth, lustre, and the signature blues and greens that make paua pearl jewellery among the rarest in the world.
Now, suspended from a simple, elegant Sterling Silver Teardrop Necklace, this blue pearl necklace becomes something timeless: a piece that catches light, shifts colour, and carries the quiet beauty of Arapaoa Island wherever you go.
The Pearl
Each paua pearl is unique; no two share the same colour pattern or iridescence. This handcrafted pearl necklace features a hand-selected pearl displaying rich ocean blues, coastal greens, and flashes of rainbow overtones that dance as you move. Grown with patient precision over eight years, each pearl's beauty is unrepeatable, shaped by time, nacre, and the paua's natural response to our carefully placed inserts.
The Craftsmanship
Handcrafted on Arapaoa Island by our family, this piece of sustainable luxury jewellery pairs the pearl's natural elegance with a refined design that drapes beautifully along the neckline. The design is intentionally simple, letting the pearl take centre stage while offering effortless, everyday wearability.
Sustainably Grown, Ethically Crafted
We are New Zealand's only land-based paua pearl farm, growing pearls in tanks fed by ocean water, using a zero-waste philosophy that honours every part of the paua. Baby paua are released back into the wild to support marine conservation, and our rare New Zealand pearls are grown without impact to ocean ecosystems. This is ethical jewellery you can feel good about.
For Milestones & Memory
Perfect for marking a 30th pearl anniversary, as "something blue" jewellery for a wedding, or simply as a treasured heirloom pearl necklace that tells your story. This necklace is more than jewellery, it's a symbol of patience, rarity, and connection to New Zealand's coastal beauty.
Features:
- Large, hand-selected pāua pearl – deep blues, greens, and rainbow iridescence
- Sterling Silver Teardrop Necklace – elegant, simple, and timeless design
- Handcrafted on Arapaoa Island – New Zealand-made by our family
- 8-year growing cycle – every pearl is rare, unique, and unrepeatable
- Cultured using precision inserts – each pearl develops uniquely over time
- Land-based, sustainable farming – zero-waste, conservation-focused
- Worldwide shipping – includes certificate of authenticity
Benefits:
- Own one of the world's rarest pearls, unique to you
- Wear a piece that shifts colour with light and movement
- Feel connected to New Zealand's pristine marine environment
- Support ethical, transparent, family-led craftsmanship
- Mark meaningful milestones with jewellery that becomes an heirloom
- Experience guilt-free luxury, sustainably grown and ocean-friendly
- Receive personalised service from the family who grew your pearl
Pearl Grades Explained
Pāua pearls are graded on lustre, surface, and colour saturation. No two pearls are identical, grade reflects character, not worth.
A Grade
Exceptional lustre with a mirror-like surface and very few imperfections. Deep, even colour saturation throughout. Our finest.
B1 Grade
Very good to excellent lustre with minor surface imperfections. Strong colour saturation, a beautiful everyday pearl.
B2 Grade
Very good lustre with moderate surface markings, which may include conchiolin lines, the natural growth rings visible on pāua and abalone shell. Colour can be multicoloured and vivid.
C1 Grade
Our most popular grade. Good lustre with more visible surface character and rich colour. Loved for its warmth and individuality.
C2 Grade
Fair lustre with heavier surface markings, including conchiolin deposits. Each pearl is distinctly its own.
C3 Grade
Our most characterful grade. Lustre is soft and surface markings are pronounced, you can often feel the texture by touch. Deep, complex colour.
A Note on Colour
Blue Pearls
The rarest and most valuable. Prized for their deep, oceanic hue.
Orient Pearls
Carry two or more colour overtones, shifting in the light.
Regular Pearls
Show one or two colours, classic and consistent.
Nacre Pearls
Thicker pearls used in rings and bracelets.
Conchiolin Lines
The natural boundary between two layers of nacre, visible as dark markings on the pearl's surface. A sign of the pearl's growth, not a flaw.
Wearability: Gems and mineral hardness, their resistance to scratching and abrasions is measured on the Moh's scale from 1 to 10. Like other pearls, Abalone Paua Mabe pearls require care because they can be scratched or abraded, as they have a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Moh's scale. Therefore, it is crucial to know that popular gemstones with higher hardness like diamonds, sapphires or emeralds can be susceptible to fractures and damage if worn without consideration. However, some people may be surprised to discover that a high hardness on the Moh's scale does not mean that these gemstones are indestructible. Therefore, we always recommend taking care of precious pieces of jewellery.
Pearl stability: Industry experts have estimated that a range between 85 to 95% of the global pearl production may be subject to a specific type of treatment, so it is better to stay away from dyed, impregnated, or coated pearls, as these treatments might alter their appearance or stability over time.
No treatments: Arapawa Blue Pearls are proud to disclose we do not treat our cultured Abalone blister pearls. So, you can enjoy the stability of your Paua pearl engagement ring. We would love to hear about your ideal proposal and dream engagement ring design. If you would like a cultured mabe pearl with no treatments, a certified and sustainable New Zealand origin, and set in a piece of jewellery made locally, we are ready for you! Learn more
The Pearl Farm Tour
A 90-minute guided walk through the only pāua pearl farm in New Zealand. You'll see the growing tanks, watch a live pearl grading demonstration, and browse pieces straight from the farm collection.
Rated 5.0 stars across 180+ visits.
Getting Here
Arapaoa Island is reached by water or air, both are part of the experience.
- By water taxi: Beachcomber Cruises depart from Picton, approximately 45 minutes through the Sounds. Our exclusive transport partner. beachcombercruises.co.nz
- By helicopter: Helicopters Nelson depart from Nelson Airport, approximately 20 minutes with views across the top of the South Island. helicoptersnelson.co.nz
- By ferry: Sail the Interislander or Bluebridge to Picton, then connect with Beachcomber Cruises.
- Private boat: Moorings are available. Please contact us in advance.
- One of a Kind
- FREE Shipping Worldwide, purchases $1,799 and over