Pearls and the Hatton Garden Tradition of Fine Pearl Jewellery

Pearls hold a special place in Hatton Garden, London's historic diamond quarter in the EC1N postcode, where specialist dealers have traded in fine pearls for generations. Timeless, elegant and endlessly versatile, the pearl remains one of the most beloved of all gems, and the quarter is home to brands that fly the flag for British pearl jewellery on the world stage. From classic strings to contemporary designs set with coloured gemstones, the choice is remarkable. This explainer celebrates the pearl jewellery tradition of Hatton Garden, the main types of pearl, and how to choose a piece that lasts a lifetime.

Hatton Garden's Pearl Heritage

Hatton Garden has long been a centre for fine pearls as well as diamonds, with respected houses operating from its streets. Brands such as Yoko, which has traded from the Hatton Garden area for decades, have built international reputations while proudly championing their London heritage.

That heritage matters, because pearls demand specialist knowledge to grade and match. Stringing a flawless strand of evenly matched pearls is a craft in itself, and the quarter's expertise runs deep.

For buyers, it means access to genuine specialists rather than mass-market imitations, and to pearl jewellery of real quality and provenance.

The Main Types of Pearl

Several kinds of pearl appear in fine jewellery, each with its own character. Akoya pearls are classic, round and lustrous, the traditional choice for a white pearl necklace. South Sea pearls, from Australia and Indonesia, are larger and prized for their satiny glow.

Tahitian pearls bring dramatic dark tones, from grey to peacock green, while freshwater pearls offer wonderful variety and value. The finest contemporary collections often marry these pearls with coloured gemstones and diamonds for a modern look.

Understanding the differences helps you match a pearl to your taste, budget and the occasion.

Fun fact: Natural pearls were once so rare and valuable that a single perfectly matched strand could be worth more than a grand house, which is why the cultured pearl, developed in the early 20th century, transformed the trade.

Choosing Pearl Jewellery That Lasts

When choosing pearls, judge them by lustre first, the deep, mirror-like glow that separates a fine pearl from a dull one. Surface smoothness, shape, colour and matching across a strand all play a part too.

Pearls are soft and organic, so they need gentle care, kept away from perfume, cosmetics and harsh chemicals and wiped with a soft cloth after wear. A treasured strand may also need restringing every few years, a service the quarter's jewellers provide.

Whether you want a classic string of white pearls or a bold contemporary design, the pearl specialists of Hatton Garden can help you choose a piece to treasure and pass on.

For our most complete and up-to-date advice on this topic, read pearl earrings and how to choose them.