Royal Hummingbird Studio

Pearls are for anytime, but June is for Pearls. Catch our stories this month to learn more, and if you're currently searching for your perfect strand or studs, you need to see what we've got! Sit down with Susan, GIA Pearls Graduate and your Local Pearl Expert, to find the ones for YOU.

Welcome to Pearl Month! You don't have to be a June baby to love pearls, and for many people, when you say 'pearls' one image immediately comes to mind - Grandma's classic strand. Pearls can be so much more, and carry more than just a family story. Read on to learn about the story of this unusual strand....

This strand of pearls belongs to our designer Susan. Years ago around her first anniversary, she had to take a trip for work to New Orleans, so she and her husband made plans to stay the weekend after the conference to celebrate their anniversary.

While walking around town, they came across a neighborhood craft fair, and that's where Susan fell in love with this strand of freshwater stick pearls accented with austrian crystals, with a vintage inspired silver toggle clasp. She learned from the artist that they were sourced from mussels (freshwater pearls are created by mussels, not oysters) in the local rivers in the area, and carefully matched for size and shape. Not expensive at all, but just the kind of casually elegant unusual Susan loves, and a spur of the moment "Hey, would you like those?" suggestion from her husband Billy. He saw something in her eyes that told him they were perfect for her and a great way to remember their trip.

22 years later, they are still a summer favorite of hers (yes, pearls can have seasons!) and just one of many of her pearl finds over the years. She will tell you "There is a pearl in every price range, and you can upgrade a pearl purchase many times over a lifetime" which makes them a perfect anniversary gift!". She would know....

Susan's love for pearls lead to her pursuing her studies at GIA, completing her Graduate Pearls course and grading lab last year. She is your local pearl expert, and loves to share her knowledge (and her pearl collection) with you! Since education takes time, treat yourself to an appointment with Susan to learn all about them, and see the variety of pearls the world has to offer. You can book it on our website at royalhummingbirdstudio.com.

Stay tuned all month long to learn more about these organic gemstones (yes pearls are considered gemstones), and the different varieties and where they come from, and the 7 value factors to consider in purchasing pearls. Embrace your inner pearl-girl....