Cultured pearl jewelry

Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed when silica-rich lava cools rapidly. The trade name “Celestial Eye” is used for certain obsidians that can display concentric zones or reflective patterns reminiscent of an eye under suitable lighting and viewing angles. Tahitian pearls are cultured mainly in French Polynesia using the Pinctada margaritifera oyster, with naturally variable colors and overtones.

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.

Remove the necklace before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping. Water, salt, chlorine, perspiration and repeated friction can dry out the leather and accelerate wear. Let it air-dry naturally if it becomes damp.

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the stone, the pearl and the cord with a soft, dry cloth. This removes perspiration, cosmetics and other residues that may affect the materials over time, even while the piece remains in its jewelry box. Store it separately from other jewelry to limit friction.

What does “neck clasp” mean?

The neck clasp is a closure system integrated directly into the necklace at the back of the neck. Unlike an adjustable necklace, the length is determined in advance so that the pendant sits exactly where you want it.
This type of construction is particularly suitable for those who prefer not to have pearls or leather ends hanging down the back or to the side, as can be the case with our adjustable leather designs.
It creates a cleaner, more structured look that can be tailored to your body shape.

What does the measurement requested for my necklace correspond to?

The requested measurement corresponds to the total desired length of the necklace when worn.
For a very precise fit, simply take a piece of thread or string, place it around your neck with a comfortable amount of tension, then adjust it until the imaginary central element sits exactly where you would like the pendant to rest.
Remove the thread, measure it flat and provide us with this measurement when placing your order. We will make your necklace according to this length.

What measurement should I provide if I do not know my exact size?

Don’t worry, there is no need to be accurate to the millimeter. You can choose a measurement close to the necklace length you usually enjoy wearing.
If you would like the pendant to sit in a very specific position, we simply recommend using the thread method described above.

Is the neck clasp secure? I’m worried about losing my necklace.

Yes. We have been using this system since 2011 and take great care with every piece to ensure that the closure is firm and secure.
We also select pearls suited to this type of clasp and carefully adjust the loop so that it remains firmly in place.
The system is not designed to open with a simple pull or normal movement. A specific, deliberate pressure is required to release the pearl from the clasp. This keeps the necklace secure while being easy to open when you want to remove it.

Can the clasp open if the necklace gets caught or pulled?

The clasp is designed to withstand everyday wear and normal movement. It will not simply open because the necklace moves or is subjected to a light pull.
As with any piece of jewelry, however, we recommend avoiding strong tension or significant snagging, which could damage the leather, clasp or other components of the necklace.

Can I wear my necklace every day?

Yes. Many of our customers wear their leather necklaces every day.
To extend the lifespan of the leather, however, we recommend removing your necklace before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping. Water, perspiration, friction and repeated wet/dry cycles can gradually dry out the leather and accelerate wear.

Can I change the length after receiving my necklace?

As the necklace is made according to your chosen measurement, its length is not adjustable like a sliding-knot design.
If you would like to change the length after receiving it, please contact us. Depending on the construction, our workshop may be able to alter the necklace or replace the leather.

What should I do if the leather becomes worn or breaks over time?

Leather naturally wears over time, but this does not mean the end of your jewelry. Our workshop provides repair services and can replace the leather while preserving your pearls, gemstones and other components.
Leather replacement is available for €40, plus €10 for return shipping. Simply contact our team before sending your jewelry so that we can provide you with the appropriate instructions.

Can I request a special customization?

Yes. Use the “Fully customize this necklace” option to send your request to our team.
Would you like a different gemstone, a pearl in a particular color, a specific length or a different combination? Our team will be happy to explore your request and create a piece as close as possible to what you have in mind.

How should I store my necklace?

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the stone, the pearl and the cord with a soft, dry cloth. This removes perspiration, cosmetics and other residues that may affect the materials over time, even while the piece remains in its jewelry box. Store it separately from other jewelry to limit friction.