Among Lake Biwa's pearly treasures, the larger pearls are especially prized. These rare gems feature a thicker nacreous layer, resulting in more organic shapes with subtle surface textures, deviating from perfect spheres.

Among large pearls, those formed around a flat, square nucleus (known as 'square type') are exceptionally rare. These unique pearls showcase completely different expressions on their front and back surfaces, offering a truly distinctive character. Wearers can choose which side to display based on the occasion or mood. For this exquisite pendant, we've selected a square type pearl with a smooth surface and brilliant luster, setting it in an original 18K gold fitting designed by Jinbo Pearl Shop.

*Chain sold separately. If you wish to purchase a chain, please click on 'Add chain' below and select 'Add to cart'.

Lake Biwa Pearls

Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan. Its history spans four million years, making it one of the world's oldest lakes. A treasure born from this rich natural environment is the Lake Biwa pearl – a treasure so precious, it was even written about in Manyoshu, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry. Since the start of freshwater pearl cultivation in this lake, Lake Biwa pearls have been captivating enthusiasts from all over the world. Currently, only a few companies produce a small number of pearls, so rare and valuable that they are rarely distributed overseas.

Lake Biwa pearls are characterized by the fact that they are cultivated for a longer period of time than ordinary pearls. It takes three years to grow the shells, and another three years for the pearl’s precious nacreous layer to form. The pearls emit a deep, gentle glow from within, thanks to the many layers of nacre that have been coiled over a long period of time. The pearls are not shaped, colored, or toned by polishing, and instead prized for their natural beauty. Therefore, unlike pearls with a standardized grain size, each pearl is different in color, shape, and brightness. The wide variety of colors, such as pale pink, white, purple, orange, brown, gold, and silver, are naturally formed from the iridescent portion inside the shell. The organic and natural fluctuation in color and form is truly a beautiful sight to behold.

≪Characteristics of Lake Biwa Pearls≫

The only finishing process used on Lake Biwa pearls is washing after harvesting. No polishing, polishing, bleaching, or coloring process is used, preserving the natural texture. Each pearl is unique and no two are alike. Some pearls may have small blemishes, pinholes, wrinkles, etc. Therefore, buyers of these pearls should understand that Lake Biwa pearls are different from standardized pearls. We believe that the individual differences in texture and color are part of the charm of Lake Biwa pearls. Please enjoy the organic beauty of Lake Biwa pearls created through a harmony of the power of nature and human hands.

The thick nacreous layer of Lake Biwa pearls makes them relatively resistant to sweat and water. Basic care, such as wiping off dirt after wearing, is necessary, but compared to ordinary pearls, these beads can be used every day without worrying about deterioration. Lake Biwa Pearls are the perfect lucky beads for daily use.

Jinbo Pearl Shop

Jinbo Pearl Shop is a pearl specialty store established in 1966.

Tomoko Sugiyama, the third-generation owner, opened a physical store in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, in 2014, believing that it was necessary to provide a place where people could actually see and touch Lake Biwa Pearls and learn about their appeal. She also holds events outside of the prefecture where she continues to convey the history and charm of Lake Biwa Pearls and share the producers' stories.