January Birth Pearl - Sterling Silver & 9ct Yellow Gold Paua Pearl Two-Tone Ring

January Birthpearl - Sterling Silver & 9ct Gold Paua Pearl Two-Tone Ring

A Sterling Silver & 9ct Gold pāua pearl Ring featuring a rare Arapawa blue pearl grown on Arapaoa Island in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds. Selected as the birthpearl for January, this piece offers a meaningful New Zealand interpretation of the traditional pearl birthstone.

Pearls have long been recognised as birthstones, traditionally associated with June. Our birthpearls reflect this heritage through naturally coloured pāua pearls grown over eight years in our land-based tanks, fed by pristine ocean water surrounding the island. Each birthpearl is entirely unique, shaped slowly by layers of nacre and the paua's natural response over time.

Over eight years, layers of nacre form depth, lustre, and the distinctive blues, greens, and subtle rainbow overtones unique to pāua pearl jewellery. No two pearls are ever the same, and these pearls cannot be cultivated anywhere else in the world.

The refined Sterling Silver with 9ct Yellow Gold Shoulder is intentionally understated, designed to highlight the pearl's natural beauty without distraction. This ring reflects a considered approach to pearl jewellery, one that values patience, precision, and longevity.

As New Zealand's only land-based pāua pearl farm, we grow our pearls using ethical, zero-waste practices that support marine conservation. Baby pāua are returned to the wild, and every pearl is cultivated without impacting ocean ecosystems. Each ring is finished with care and comes with a certificate of authenticity detailing your pearl.

About This ring:

• Ring material: Sterling Silver & 9ct Yellow Gold
• Pearl sizes: 11.5mm
• Pearl shape: Mabe round
• Size : O
• Finish: Sterling Silver & 9ct Yellow Gold polished

Features:

• Genuine Arapawa blue pāua pearl, naturally coloured
• Grown on Arapaoa Island, New Zealand
• Pearl grown over an 8-year cycle
• Cultured using precision inserts
• Land-based, zero-waste, sustainable farming
• Certificate of authenticity included
• Worldwide shipping

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

A Grade is a Very good lustre with very little imperfections and a smooth surface. With a strong saturation of colour.

B1 Grade is again very good to good lustre. The surface can have moderate imperfections. With a good level of saturation of colour.

B2 Grade very good to good lustre. The surface may have moderate imperfections however show conchiolin lines. These are the dark lines you sometimes see on Abalone or Paua shells. The colour may be multicoloured.

C1 Grade our most popular grade. The lustre is good to fair. Can have heavier imperfections and have good saturation and colour.

C2 Grade The lustre is fair to poor and has heavy imperfections on the surface including conchiolin deposits.

C3 Grade is our lowest Grade. Luster is poor and dull. The surface has very heavy imperfections and you can feel the blemishes by touch. The colour can be dark.

Additional Information:

Pearl Size: Prices go up as the pearl size increases.

Blue pearls: They are the most valuable.

Orient Pearls: Have a body colour with two or more overtones.

Regular Pearls: Typically have one colour or two colours.

Nacre Pearls: Primarily used in rings or bracelets.

Conchiolin Lines: These mark the boundary between two different layers of nacre.

Wearability: Gem 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!

Pearls require delicate care, here are a few Arapawa tips to ensure your pearls look better for longer!

Enjoy wearing your pearl jewellery often but avoid rough activities where you may knock the metal and the pearls, and make sure you take them off before swimming as chlorine can cause damage to your pearls and the metal of your jewellery to deteriorate or tarnish, and microcrystals in salt water can weaken the integrity of precious metals.

Protect your pearls from heat and chemicals. We recommend that any cosmetics are applied before pearls are put on. Perfume, hair spray, vinegar or lemon juice are not the best friends of your pearls!

Pearls require regular cleaning and should be wiped with a soft cloth that has been dampened in clean water, then dried with a soft cloth or chamois. Cleaning after wear will prevent the dirt from sweat, which is slightly acidic. Avoid detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda or any ammonia-based cleaners on pearls and never use an ultrasonic cleaner or brush to clean your pearls.

Store your pearl jewellery separately to avoid scratches caused by metals or harder gemstones like diamonds. Ensure your pearls are dry before storage and do not wrap them in moisture-absorbing materials, such as cotton wool.

To keep your pearl jewellery looking its best, we recommend having it professionally cleaned by a master jeweller. They have the expertise to gently clean and care for your pearls without using harsh methods like silver dipping, which can damage their delicate surface. A simple professional clean will maintain their natural beauty and lustre for years to come.

We want you to love your Arapawa Blue Pearls jewellery. Not completely satisfied? Return your item within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

A few things to note:

• Return within 30 days of purchase.
• Item must be unused and in original condition and packaging.
• Proof of purchase required.
• Return shipping is at your cost.
• If the item is valued over NZ$75, consider trackable shipping or shipping insurance. We can't guarantee receipt of your returned item.
  

Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll notify you about the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, your refund will be processed and applied to your original method of payment within a certain number of days.
For more details, please read our Full Returns Policy.