size: 32 x 22 mm weight: 2.1 grams material: 18k yellow gold gemstones: natural golden south sea pearls 4mm chain not included Notes from the Curator Golden South Sea pearls are produced by the rare gold-lipped Pinctada maxima oyster and are predominantly farmed in the Philippines, most notably around the islands of Palawan, which are responsible for the majority of the world's golden pearl production. The Golden South Sea pearl is officially the national gem of the Philippines. These pearls are the rarest and most coveted naturally colored pearls in the world, with their warm golden color, thick nacre layers developed over 2-4 years, and extreme rarity making them extraordinarily prestigious. The pendant displays seven matched four-millimeter specimens arranged in a slender cross, a form that marries the symbol's ancient liturgical resonance with the luminous purity pearls have carried since antiquity. During the Middle Ages in Europe, pearls were primarily associated with purity and spirituality, used in religious ceremonies and often incorporated into the garments of clergy members. These particular pearls are larger than average for South Sea pearls, which often range from 10mm to 16mm or more, and possess thick nacre that produces a soft yet radiant luster. At four millimeters, the pearls in this cross occupy a rarer, more delicate niche; such small South Sea specimens demand precise grading and careful matching to achieve uniformity of color and surface. The 18-karat yellow gold amplifies their inherent warmth, echoing the honey and champagne tones the gold-lipped shell imparts naturally.