Choker Necklace with Tahitian Pearls

About Tahitian Pearls and Kangaroo Leather

The Tahitian cultured pearl is one of the emblematic treasures of French Polynesia. It is produced by the Pinctada margaritifera pearl oyster, also known as the black-lipped oyster, which is primarily cultivated in Polynesian lagoons. Despite what its name might suggest, the Tahitian pearl is not simply black: it naturally displays an extraordinary palette of colors and overtones.

From silver-grey to deep green, with aubergine, bronze and bluish tones as well as the famous “peacock” overtones, every pearl has its own unique light. Its luster, color, shape and natural surface characteristics make each pearl truly individual. No two Tahitian pearls are ever exactly alike, and it is precisely this natural diversity that we seek in our creations.

For this necklace, the pearls are combined with kangaroo leather, particularly valued for its fineness, flexibility and strength. In our Saint-Barthélemy workshop, the leather is hand-rolled to create a fine, supple cord ideally suited to lightweight and comfortable jewelry.

Over time, the leather naturally evolves and develops its own character. This organic material creates a particularly beautiful contrast with the luster of the pearl: the depth and radiance of the Tahitian pearl meet the more natural, textured character of the leather.

This combination of Tahitian cultured pearls and kangaroo leather worked in Saint-Barthélemy has become one of the signatures of the Kalinas & Tainos universe: materials from the Pacific, reinterpreted in the Caribbean to create distinctive contemporary jewelry.

Always believe in the pearl in you!

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 pearls and the leather 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.

How is this necklace worn?

This design was created to enhance both the neckline and the back. It is worn as a choker, with the first Tahitian pearl visible at the front, while the second pearl falls delicately down the back. It is particularly beautiful with dresses, tops and outfits that reveal the back.

Is the necklace adjustable?

Yes. Its sliding knot system allows you to adjust the necklace around your neck and modify the drop of the pearl at the back. This makes it easy to adapt the fit to your body shape and outfit.

Can I choose the color of both Tahitian pearls?

Yes. You can select the color of your pearls from the available shades. As Tahitian pearls are natural organic materials, the selected color represents a family of shades rather than one perfectly uniform tone. Our team carefully selects the pearls to create the most beautiful balance between the two.

Why may the pearls have imperfections?

Small marks, variations in shape and surface characteristics are part of the natural character of cultured pearls. Depending on the quality selected, these characteristics may be more or less visible. They are not manufacturing defects and contribute to the unique character of each piece.

Can I choose a higher pearl quality?

Yes. Several pearl qualities may be available depending on our selection. A higher quality pearl will generally have a cleaner surface and stronger luster. The price of the necklace will vary according to the pearls selected.

Is the leather worked in Saint-Barthélemy?

Yes. The kangaroo leather used for this necklace is hand-rolled in our Saint-Barthélemy workshop. This technique creates a fine, supple cord particularly well suited to this adjustable design.

Can I swim or shower while wearing this necklace?

We do not recommend it. Repeated wet and dry cycles can gradually dry out and stiffen the leather. To preserve both the leather and the luster of the pearls, remove your necklace before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping.

What happens when the leather eventually wears out?

Leather wear is natural and does not mean the end of your jewelry. Our workshop can replace the leather while preserving your pearls and the other elements of the creation. Your necklace can therefore continue to accompany you for many years.

Can I request a combination that is not shown in the available options?

Yes. If you would like a specific length, a particular color, a different pearl size or a special combination, use the “Fully customize this necklace” option. Our team will explore the different possibilities with you.

How should I store my necklace?

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the pearls and the leather 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.