ANDREA LI

LIMITED COLLECTIONS

Pearl JewelryAndrea Li Handcrafted Pearl Jewelry

A model with dark hair in a white jacket, one hand raised across her face wearing a gold open circle pearl ring, with a gold pearl bangle and a gold circle pendant with a pearl, beside a close-up of large lustrous pearls
A gold wire collar with a pearl at each open end, on white with soft window shadows

Reclaiming the pearl from its polite, predictable past, this collection transforms nature’s organic treasures into sculptural statements of power and modern rebellion.

Each handcrafted piece serves as a wearable masterpiece for the visionary who rejects the ordinary and views jewelry as a bold extension of their unreplicable identity.

1One of a kind

Every piece is built once. When it sells, it's gone.

Metals

14k gold, 14k gold-filled, and sterling silver.

Pearls

Freshwater, baroque, and Akoya pearls.

Who Do Pearls Flatter?

1. Your skin tone

Pick the closest match.

  1. White pearl

    Fair & Light

    White and cream pearls with rosé overtones create a soft, luminous glow against fair skin. Avoid stark white: it can wash out lighter complexions. Look for pearls with warmth.

  2. Golden pearl

    Medium & Olive

    This skin tone has the widest range: cream, champagne, and golden pearls all work beautifully. The warmth in olive skin brings out a pearl's luster in a way that lighter tones can't match.

  3. Golden pearl

    Warm & Golden

    Golden and champagne pearls harmonize naturally with warm undertones. Baroque pearls with irregular shapes are especially striking: the organic forms catch light from multiple angles against warm skin.

  4. White and golden pearls

    Deep & Rich

    Pearls are at their most dramatic against deep skin. White pearls create a stunning high-contrast effect, while cream and golden pearls glow with a warmth that photographs beautifully in any light.

2. The pearls you are drawn to

Choose up to three. Go on instinct.

Selected 0 of 3

Illustrations of each color, not photographs of specific pearls.

When to Give Pearls

  1. June Birthday

    Pearl is June's birthstone. But a one-of-a-kind sculptural pearl piece from a one-woman studio is a different gift than the generic strand from the department store. The story matters as much as the stone.

  2. Anniversary (3rd & 30th Year)

    Pearl is the traditional gift for both the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries. For the 3rd, a modern pearl piece signals that this isn't your grandmother's marriage: or her jewelry. For the 30th, it's a celebration of something that only gets more beautiful with time.

  3. The Bride Who Wants Pearls: But Not Those Pearls

    She wants the tradition of pearls without the predictability. Baroque pearls, sculptural settings, mixed with gemstones: that's what Andrea Li's pearl work looks like. Explore wedding jewelry →

  4. Milestone Moment

    Graduation, promotion, retirement. Pearls carry weight for marking transitions, but a handcrafted piece turns that moment into something she'll actually want to wear, not just keep in a box.

  5. The "Not Your Grandmother's Pearls" Gift

    For the person who thinks they don't like pearls because they've only seen the classic strand. A sculptural baroque pearl necklace or asymmetric pearl earrings can change that entirely.

Know Your Pearls

PropertyFreshwaterAkoyaBaroque
OriginMussels (lakes & rivers)Oysters (saltwater, Japan)Any pearl with irregular shape
ShapeRound to near-roundRound (most consistent)Irregular, organic, unique
LusterSoft, satiny glowSharp, mirror-likeVaries: often exceptional
Size Range2–12mm typical6–9mm typicalAny size, often large
PriceMost affordablePremiumModerate–high (size dependent)
Best ForEveryday wear, accessible luxuryFine jewelry, heirloom piecesStatement pieces, sculptural design
In Andrea's WorkMost collections: keeps pieces accessibleAglow collection (paired with solid 14k gold)Statement necklaces & earrings

Andrea primarily uses freshwater pearls to keep her one-of-a-kind pieces accessible. Her Aglow collection pairs Akoya saltwater pearls with solid 14k gold for fine jewelry that matches the pearl's premium quality to the metal.

How to Wear Pearls (The Andrea Li Way)

Pearls + Gemstones

Andrea Li's signature move: pearls mixed with colored gemstones in the same piece. Aquamarine and pearl, labradorite and pearl, green amethyst and pearl: the combination elevates both.

Best with: Let the piece do the work

Sculptural Solo

One baroque pearl necklace with architectural metalwork. No layering needed. The irregular pearl shape and the handcrafted setting create enough visual interest to carry any outfit on their own.

Best with: V-neck, off-shoulder, open collar

Casual Power

Pearl earrings with a white t-shirt and jeans. That's it. The contrast between casual clothing and a handcrafted pearl piece is what makes people look twice. Pearls don't need an occasion.

Best with: Denim, basics, minimal makeup

All Black + Pearls

Black creates the ultimate backdrop for pearl luster. The pearl's overtone (rosé, cream, golden) becomes the only color in the frame. Simple, devastating, timeless.

Best with: LBD, turtleneck, blazer

Ask About a Custom Piece →

Pearl Jewelry

Pearl Ear Jewelry

Ear cuffs, climbers and threaders for the unexplored regions aside from your lobes, set with freshwater and Akoya pearls. Each piece is handmade by Andrea Li in her Denver studio.

One of a Kind · Built Once

Shop Pearl ear jewelry →

Pearl Chokers

Pearl accents that appear to float at the collar, on hand-fabricated gold-filled frames. Each piece is handmade by Andrea Li in her Denver studio.

One of a Kind · Built Once

Shop Pearl Chokers →

Pearl Bracelets

Hand-fabricated gold-filled bangles, cuffs and open twists set with freshwater and baroque pearls. Each piece is handmade by Andrea Li in her Denver studio.

One of a Kind · Built Once

Shop pearl bracelets →

Pearl Rings

Freshwater pearls engineered to appear to hover above an open band, from a single stacking pearl to a sculptural frame that spans two fingers. Each piece is handmade by Andrea Li in her Denver studio.

One of a Kind · Built Once

Shop Pearl Rings →

Shop All Pearl Jewelry →

Before You Buy

Bangle Size

  1. 14k Gold-Filled Graduated Two Pearl Bangle, by Andrea Li

    1. Start With Your Hand Circumference

    Measure around the widest part of your hand. Compare measurement with the bangle circumference size chart below.

  2. Single Hammered Gold-Filled Stacking Bangle, by Andrea Li

    2. Get the Bangle Diameter

    Measure the inner diameter of a bangle you already have. Compare measurement with the bangle diameter size chart below.

  3. Sculptural Gold Illusion Three Pearl Cuff Bracelet, by Andrea Li

    3. Looser Fit Is Generally Better

    A looser fit allows the bracelet to slide comfortably over your hand, making it easy to wear and remove.

Bangle Size Guide

All measurements are approximate.

Bangle SizeDiameterCircumference
sizenumberinchescminchescm
XS2.22.125″5.46.67″16.9
S2.42.25″5.77.06″18
M2.62.375″67.46″19
L2.82.5″6.47.85″19.9
XL2.102.625″6.78.24″20.9
2XL2.122.75″78.64″22
3XL2.142.875″7.39.03″22.9
4XL33″7.69.42″23.9

If your measurement falls between sizes, opting for the larger size is usually best, especially since bangles must fit over your hand.

Bangle sizing FAQ →

Ring Styles

14K Open Single Pearl Ring, by Andrea Li

Open Shank & Bypass

  1. Rings feature a gap or opening
  2. Modern and minimalist aesthetic
  3. Symbolize openness and freedom
Statement Gold Two Finger Two Pearl Illusion Ring, by Andrea Li

Two-Finger Rings

  1. Designed to be worn across two adjacent fingers
  2. Minimal styling to keep the focus on the ring itself
  3. Bold, avant-garde styles made popular with contemporary fashion movements
14K Single Pearl Stacking Ring, by Andrea Li

Stacking & Midi Rings

  1. Stackable rings to be worn together
  2. Wearers can experiment with different combinations
  3. Symbolize personal milestones, such as anniversaries or special occasions
A white plastic ring sizer strip printed with ring sizes

Free Ring Sizer

Fill out the form to get your free ring sizer in the mail.

Grab yours today!

Carolyn's doubled-strand pearl commission by Andrea Li, shown flat, on a bust, and from the back: her late mother-in-law's pearl strand with an asymmetrical opal-and-vermeil flourish and a custom 24k gold vermeil cone clasp

Featured Studio Story

When heirloom pearls become a piece she actually wears

Carolyn's late mother-in-law gave her the choice of a full collection. She chose one strand of pearls. The doubled-strand commission, with its custom 24k gold vermeil cone clasp and asymmetrical opal-and-vermeil flourish, is what pearl-specialty work looks like at its most personal: a strand kept, never melted, integrated into a necklace she wears to gatherings of friends.

Read Carolyn's Story →
Close-up of a luminous, creamy-white pearl with soft reflections on a neutral background, overlaid with the text “Pearl Gemstone Guide.

Go deeper

Pearl Gemstone Guide

Pearls are the only gemstones created by living organisms, built layer by layer with iridescent nacre that gives each one its signature luminous glow. No two are exactly alike, making every pearl piece nature's original wearable art.

Inside this guide:

  • How pearls actually form (saltwater vs. freshwater)
  • Natural color variations and what creates them
  • Cultural meaning and historical significance
  • Modern styling tips
  • Care essentials to protect your investment

Whether you're choosing your first pearl piece or expanding your collection, this guide gives you the knowledge to select and wear pearl jewelry with confidence.

Explore My Pearl Guide →

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Frequently Asked Questions

01What is a pearl and how is it formed?

Pearls are timeless treasures, formed naturally by mollusks such as pearl oysters and freshwater mussels. When an irritant, like a grain of sand, enters the mollusk, the creature coats it with layers of nacre, a radiant substance that gives pearls their unmistakable glow.

Over time, this process transforms the irritant into a stunning pearl, creating the natural beauty we see in real pearl jewelry today.

Whether you prefer the modern elegance of contemporary pearl jewelry or the classic appeal of traditional pieces, each pearl tells a story of nature's craftsmanship.

02What are the different types of pearls?

Pearls come in a range of types, each offering something unique.

  • Natural pearls, which form without human intervention, are known to be extinct. Any specimens found would be considered incredibly valuable and rare.

  • Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are grown with the help of humans but follow the same natural process.

  • Freshwater pearls, known for their affordability and variety, offer a beautiful and versatile option.

  • Saltwater pearls (like Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls) are admired for their luxurious quality.

Whether you lean toward dainty pearl jewelry or the bold statement of baroque pearl jewelry, there’s a type of pearl that will perfectly match your personal style.

03How do I care for my pearls?

To keep your pearl jewelry looking its best, it’s important to care for it properly.

  1. Avoid exposing your pearls to harsh chemicals found in perfumes or cosmetics.

  2. Use a soft cloth and wipe them gently to remove oils and dirt after wearing your pearl necklace or pearl ring.

  3. Place your pearl jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches when it comes to storage.

  4. To clean your pearl jewelry, a simple damp cloth, and mild water solution will help maintain their natural luster.

04How can I tell if a pearl is real?

Real pearls have a distinct luster and often carry small imperfections that make each one unique.

A quick test to check authenticity is to rub the pearl gently against your tooth. A real pearl will feel slightly gritty, while imitation pearls glide smoothly.

Whether you’re admiring a pearl gold jewelry ring or a choker necklace, knowing you’re wearing genuine pearls adds a sense of specialness to each piece.

05Are cultured pearls real pearls?

Absolutely. Cultured pearls are very much real, with one small difference: the formation process is initiated by humans.

Once an irritant is introduced to the mollusk, the natural process of nacre production begins, just as it does with natural pearls.

Whether it’s Akoya pearl jewelry or freshwater pearls, these cultured gems share the same beauty, charm, and elegance as naturally occurring pearls.

06Why are freshwater pearls cheaper than saltwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable because freshwater mussels can produce several pearls simultaneously and take less time to develop. They are also farmed in more accessible bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers.

In contrast, saltwater oysters, such as those that produce Akoya or South Sea pearls, typically create only one pearl at a time, making them rarer and more expensive. These pearls are farmed in ocean estuaries and are subject to much harsher and unpredictable environments.

For those seeking unique pearl jewelry that is both stunning and budget-friendly, freshwater pearls are an excellent option.

07Can pearls be worn every day?

Yes, pearls can be worn daily with a little extra care. These delicate gems are best protected by avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme environments.

If you wear a pearl necklace daily, consider taking it to a professional jeweler to have it restrung once a year.

Pearls can easily be incorporated into your daily signature looks, both formal and casual. Whether you’re donning gold and pearl jewelry for a wedding or a pearl necklace for a casual evening, pearls always add a touch of timeless elegance.

08How long does it take for a pearl to form?

Freshwater Pearls: Generally take about 6-18 months to develop.

The top factors contributing to their growth process are -

  • Growth Environment: Freshwater pearls are cultivated in mussels living in lakes and rivers.

  • Nucleation Process: Freshwater pearls are nucleated by implanting a small piece of mantle tissue into the mussel without an additional irritant. This allows the mussel to begin secreting nacre immediately, forming a pearl sac.

  • Nacre Production: Freshwater pearl nacre layers are typically less dense, allowing for faster accumulation.

  • Production Capacity: A single freshwater mussel can produce up to 25 or more pearls at once.

Saltwater Pearls: Take 3-5 years or even longer to reach maturity.

The top factors contributing to their growth process are -

  • Growth Environment: Saltwater pearls are produced by oysters in ocean estuaries.

  • Nucleation Process: Saltwater pearls are implanted with a piece of mantle tissue and an irritant (usually a bead) into the oyster. The oyster must first coat the bead with nacre before forming a pearl sac, which takes longer.

  • Nacre Production: Saltwater pearl nacre layers are denser and take longer to form, resulting in a higher luster but slower growth.

  • Production Capacity: Saltwater oysters typically produce only 1-3 pearls at a time.