Adjustable Pendant Necklace with its Circled Baroque Tahitian

Tahitian, freshwater and South Sea pearls are cultured pearls. Their origins, palettes and character differ, while each has its own shades, luster and surface characteristics. On this design, the circled relief becomes a visual signature and catches the light with every movement.

Kalinas & Tainos is a French-Caribbean jewelry brand founded in Saint-Barthélemy in 2011, where every creation draws inspiration from the sea, travel, and the beauty of natural materials.

At the heart of the brand is Jérémy, its founder and creative director, originally from Provence. With a lifelong passion for the underwater world, objects rich in history, and design, his journey naturally led him to the Caribbean, where the colors of the ocean, the unique light of Saint-Barthélemy, and the beauty of cultured pearls continue to inspire him every day.

For over fifteen years, Kalinas & Tainos has been designing and assembling customizable jewelry in Saint-Barthélemy, combining Tahitian, South Sea, freshwater, and Akoya cultured pearls, rare conch pearls, gemstones, ancient coins, kangaroo leather, sterling silver 925, and gold. Each creation is designed to reveal the unique character of these materials through an elegant, timeless style deeply inspired by the art of living in Saint-Barthélemy.

More than a piece of jewelry, Kalinas & Tainos seeks to convey an emotion, a travel memory, and a lasting connection to Saint-Barth. Each creation is designed to accompany its wearer through the years and stand the test of time, like the memory of a precious moment.

Your jewelry is designed to accompany you through everyday life. A few simple habits help preserve the beauty of its materials and the quality of its construction.

For the leather version: to preserve the leather and the pearls’ luster for longer, we recommend removing your jewelry before showering, swimming, exercise and sleep. Perspiration, friction and repeated exposure to water or cosmetics can accelerate wear. Apply perfume and cosmetics before putting on your jewelry, and let them dry. If the leather gets wet, let it dry naturally, away from direct heat.

If the leather becomes paler than its usual shade, dull or less supple, oil it lightly or apply a very small amount of shea butter, then remove any excess. If it stays supple and silky, there is no need to add oil. Also inspect the leather around the pearls: a cut or weakened area should be checked before you wear the jewelry again.

The MOKUBA cord version can be worn when swimming. After the sea or pool, rinse your jewelry in fresh water and let it dry naturally. To preserve the pearls and construction for longer, we nevertheless recommend removing it before showering, exercise and sleep, and limiting prolonged contact with chlorine and cosmetics. The cord can be replaced when it shows signs of wear.

After wear and before storage, gently wipe the pearls, the leather and the cord with a soft, clean, dry cloth. This removes traces of perspiration, cosmetics and other deposits that can affect the materials over time, even while the jewelry remains in its box. Store the jewelry separately to limit friction. If it is damp, let it dry naturally before putting it away.

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not suitable for pearls. A polishing cloth explicitly suitable for pearls can also help remove surface deposits and restore their shine.

How do I choose my necklace size and fit?

First select the recipient, then an estimated neck size: S for a slim neck, M for a regular neck or L for a wide neck. Next choose the desired fit, close to the neck, classic or long. The adjustable construction lets you fine-tune the length.

How should I care for leather jewelry that I wear every day?

Leather responds differently to your skin, perspiration and activities. If it becomes paler than its usual shade, dull or less supple, oil it lightly. Well cared for leather generally keeps a darker, silky appearance, allowing for its original color. If it stays supple and is sufficiently nourished by contact with your skin, there is no need to add oil. If it becomes too oily, wipe it gently with a barely damp cloth. To preserve the leather and other materials for longer, we recommend removing your jewelry before showering, swimming, exercise and sleep.

Which oil should I use, and how often should I nourish the leather?

At our workshop, we mainly use shea butter or monoï oil. A vegetable oil such as olive oil can also be suitable for the leather in our jewelry. Apply a very small amount to the leather, then remove any excess with a soft cloth, avoiding deposits on pearls. Adjust the frequency to its condition: if it dries out quickly, a light treatment about once a week may be suitable. If it stays supple and silky, routine oiling is unnecessary.

When should I have the leather checked?

Inspect the leather regularly, especially around pearls and contact points. A cut, crack or weakened area should be checked by our workshop before you wear the jewelry again. Lightly oiling dry leather may restore some suppleness, but it cannot repair a cut.

How long does the cord last?

For a necklace worn every day, including regularly in water, the cord will generally last around 3 years depending on use. Our workshop can then replace it so you can continue wearing your creation for many years.

Will the overtones be identical to those in the photographs?

Each cultured pearl has its own shades, luster and surface characteristics. The selected color represents a family of shades, rather than a perfectly uniform color. We make every effort to select a pearl or composition as close as possible to the photograph, while respecting the chosen options and the balance of the jewelry.

What does BC quality mean?

In the Kalinas selection, BC means “A few slight imperfections, beautiful luster”. This guide describes the pearl’s luster and surface appearance while preserving the nuances that make each pearl unique.