Have you ever seen a pearl that looks more like a little flower petal than a perfectly round bead?
Perhaps it has a delicate, irregular shape, with a soft shimmer that seems to come from within.
You may have been looking at a keshi pearl.
Keshi pearls are loved for their distinctive shapes, beautiful lustre and individual character. For anyone who appreciates jewellery that feels a little different, they are particularly fascinating.
What exactly is a keshi pearl?
Keshi pearls are generally understood as non-bead-nucleated cultured pearls that form during pearl cultivation, often as a by-product of the culturing process.
Rather than having a round bead at their centre, they consist predominantly of nacre.
The word keshi comes from Japanese. The term is widely used in the pearl trade, although the exact circumstances under which keshi pearls form can vary by species and cultivation method.
They can develop in different shapes, from small, delicate forms to larger, more dramatic pieces.
Why do keshi pearls have unusual shapes?
Pearl formation doesn't always produce a neat, symmetrical sphere.
Keshi pearls often develop irregular shapes because their growth isn't directed around a round bead nucleus.
Some resemble tiny petals or leaves. Others have folds, curves or organic outlines that make them look almost sculptural.
Their shapes are part of their appeal. Instead of aiming for perfect symmetry, they offer something more individual.
Do keshi pearls have good lustre?
They can have beautiful lustre.
Because they are predominantly nacre, many keshi pearls display an attractive surface glow and reflective quality.
However, lustre and quality vary from pearl to pearl. Shape alone doesn't determine whether a pearl is high quality, and not every keshi pearl has the same brightness or surface condition.
When choosing one, look at how the light reflects from its surface and whether you enjoy its particular shape and colour.
Are keshi pearls genuine pearls?
Yes, keshi pearls are genuine pearls. They are associated with cultured pearl production rather than being imitation plastic or glass beads.
Their exact formation depends on the cultivation process, so buy from a seller who can explain the pearl's origin and classification.
The term keshi describes a type of pearl, not a guarantee of a particular grade, size or quality. To understand more about what determines pearl quality and character, read our guide to what makes a pearl unique. And if you'd like to see how keshi pearls compare to freshwater, Akoya and Tahitian varieties, read our guide to freshwater vs Akoya vs Tahitian pearls.
Why are keshi pearls so lovely in jewellery?
Their irregular shapes can bring movement and personality to a design.
You might use a keshi pearl as a single pendant paired with a delicate sterling silver chain, or combine it with other pearls and natural stones.
They can look soft and elegant in a simple design, or more expressive when used alongside materials with contrasting colours and textures. Browse our keshi pearl jewellery to see how they work in handmade designs.
I particularly enjoy that two keshi pearls can have completely different outlines. That makes selecting and arranging them an important part of creating an individual piece.
If you'd like to explore how keshi and baroque pearls pair with the natural stones linked to each zodiac sign, the series covers all twelve: Aries · Taurus · Gemini · Cancer · Leo · Virgo · Libra · Scorpio · Sagittarius · Capricorn · Aquarius · Pisces
How do you care for keshi pearls?
Keshi pearls need the same gentle care as other genuine pearls.
Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, keep them away from perfumes and harsh chemicals, and store them separately from harder jewellery that could scratch their surfaces.
Avoid soaking them or using ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners or aggressive jewellery-cleaning products.
If a keshi pearl is part of a necklace with silver, gemstones, or other materials, choose a cleaning method that suits the entire piece. Read our full guide on how to clean pearls safely for more detail.
A different kind of beauty
Not every beautiful pearl needs to be round.
Keshi pearls remind us that natural materials can be striking precisely because they don't follow a perfectly uniform shape.
At Pearl Art Nature, I use genuine pearls and natural stones to create handmade jewellery with individual character. Keshi pearls are especially appealing when I want a design to feel organic, distinctive and connected to the natural shapes of its materials.
If you enjoy jewellery that isn't quite like everyone else's, keshi pearls are well worth having.