A matched pair is two pearls hand-selected for the same size, shape, colour and luster — the starting point for custom earrings and twin-pearl designs, and harder to assemble than it sounds: pearls are individuals, and finding two that read as identical on the ear takes sorting through far more than two. This collection currently holds 6 matched pairs in the 9–11mm range, drawn from both of our saltwater species. Three pairs are Tahitian (Pinctada margaritifera, the black-lipped oyster of French Polynesia) in natural dark colours, including 9mm rounds and a 10.3mm AAA pair. Three pairs are white South Sea (Pinctada maxima) in button and off-round shapes at 9mm, 10mm and 11mm. Prices run from $58 to $282 per pair depending on size, shape and grade — buttons and off-rounds cost meaningfully less than rounds of the same size, which makes them a practical choice for stud earrings where the flat back sits against the setting anyway. Each pair ships with certificates stating species, size and natural colour.

Prefer to match your own? Browse loose Tahitian pearls and loose South Sea pearls sold per piece.