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.

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.

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.

After wear and before storage, gently wipe the pearls and the leather 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 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 can I wear my jewelry before it needs a repair?

In our workshop experience, jewelry on leather or cord that is worn every day often needs attention after about two to five years. This is an approximate guide: wear depends on the construction, your skin, activities and care. If the leather or cord shows signs of weakness sooner, have it checked promptly. Wear to the leather or cord does not necessarily mean the end of your jewelry: our workshop can assess replacing it while keeping the elements of your piece.

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.