Choker Necklace with its Circled Baroque Tahitian Pearl

Tahitian pearls are cultured pearls produced mainly by the Pinctada margaritifera oyster. Although commonly called black pearls, their natural palette is much broader, ranging from silvery grey and anthracite to pearls with green, blue, aubergine or bronze overtones. Circled baroque pearls have irregular silhouettes and natural rings that make every pearl visually individual.

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.

Our workshop has used 1.5 mm MOKUBA cord, made from polyester reinforced with an inner nylon thread, since 2011. Supple and durable, it can last around three years with daily wear, depending on use and care.

Swimming is possible with MOKUBA cord. After the sea or pool, rinse the necklace with fresh water and let it dry naturally. To preserve the pearl and construction, remove it before exercising, showering and sleeping. Avoid applying perfume, cosmetics and household products directly to the pearl.

For the leather version, remove the necklace before swimming, showering, exercising and sleeping. Repeated wetting and drying, as well as perspiration, can dry out the leather. If it becomes dry, condition it very lightly with a suitable oil or shea butter, then remove any excess without leaving oil on the pearl.

The workshop can replace worn cord or leather while preserving the pearl.

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the pearl and the cord or leather with a soft, dry cloth. This removes perspiration, cosmetics and other residues that may affect the nacre or construction over time, even while the jewelry is kept in its box. Always let a damp cord dry naturally.

What type of cord do you use for your jewelry?

Since 2011, we have used a 1.5 mm MOKUBA polyester cord reinforced with an inner nylon thread. This construction provides flexibility and excellent durability while significantly reducing the risk of breakage during everyday wear.

Is the necklace adjustable?

Yes. Our cord necklaces feature sliding knots that allow you to easily adjust their length. You therefore do not need to know your exact neck measurement.

How do I choose the right necklace size?

Simply choose the size that best matches your body type and preferred fit. The sliding knots then allow you to fine-tune the length.

Can I wear my cord necklace in the water?

Yes. Our jewelry mounted on MOKUBA cord can be worn in water. After swimming in the sea or a pool, simply rinse it with fresh water and allow it to dry naturally.

Can I wear my necklace every day?

Yes. MOKUBA cord is particularly well suited to everyday wear. A few simple precautions will nevertheless help preserve the beauty of the pearls or gemstones for longer.

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.

What happens if my cord becomes worn or breaks?

The workshop can replace the cord while preserving the pearl. Contact our team before sending the jewelry so that we can arrange the repair.

Can I choose the color of the cord?

Yes. Current colors are shown in the product selector. For another combination, use “Fully customize this necklace.”

Can I choose a leather version?

Yes. Our adjustable necklaces can also be made with leather, depending on the options offered or upon request.

Can I wear the leather version in the water?

We do not recommend it. As leather is an organic material, water, perspiration and repeated wet/dry cycles can gradually dry it out. Remove leather jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising or sleeping; when dry, it can be lightly conditioned with a suitable oil or shea butter.

What is the difference between MOKUBA cord and leather?

MOKUBA cord is durable, lightweight and suitable for everyday wear, including in water. Leather offers a different character but requires more care.

Can I personalize my necklace further?

Yes. Use “Fully customize this necklace” to request another size, color, cord, leather version or, depending on the design, an adaptation of the composition.

Will my creation look exactly like the photographs?

Cultured pearls, gemstones and other natural materials may present subtle variations in shape, color, surface or tone. These differences make each creation slightly unique.

Can this necklace be made for a child?

When this option is available, yes. Thanks to the sliding knots, an exact measurement is not necessary. Simply select the recipient and the size that best matches their body type.

Where is my necklace assembled?

Our creations are designed and assembled in Saint-Barthélemy. Each necklace is prepared and adjusted according to the options selected when you place your order.

How should I store my necklace?

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the pearl and the cord or leather with a soft, dry cloth. This removes perspiration, cosmetics and other residues that may affect the nacre or construction over time, even while the jewelry is kept in its box. Always let a damp cord dry naturally.

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.

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.