Pewter Keshi Pearl Beads

As the cultured pearl industry in Japan developed, pearl farmers engaged in the industry often noticed, that while harvesting their products after the stipulated grow out period, small seed-like pearls had developed in pearl sacs adjacent to the nucleated pearl. Often several of these seed pearls were found in a single oyster. These seed pearls were found to be made of nacre only, and in that respect resembled natural pearls, and had a luster surpassing that of cultured pearls. Such seed pearls made of nacre only and formed as a by product of culturing Akoya pearls came to be known as "keshi"pearls.

Each string of beads is approx 400mm long.

Each string is unique and may appear slighty different from the photo above.