Schmittgall is a French house dedicated to cultured pearls. Founded in Paris in 1926, this Fine Jewelry house has been supplying French Haute Joaillerie for over a century.
Founded in 1926 in the Marais district of Paris, Schmittgall is today the leading French authority on cultured pearls. The premier supplier to French fine jewelry and Haute Joaillerie houses, it has upheld an artisanal expertise rooted in the rigorous selection of the world's finest cultured pearls for nearly a century. Its commitment goes beyond aesthetics: Schmittgall is RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) certified, a guarantee of responsible sourcing at every stage of the supply chain.
Japanese elegance Cultivated off the coast of Japan in the cold waters of the Sea of Japan, Akoya pearls are prized for their perfect roundness, dense nacre, and incomparable luster. Rose-white or silver-white, they embody the cultured pearl in its most classic and refined form, set in yellow or grey 18 karat gold.
Sourced from Chinese pearl farms, freshwater pearls captivate with the richness of their shapes - baroque, button, rice, semi-round - and the diversity of their natural colors, from creamy white to powdery pink. With diameters ranging from 2.5 to 10 mm, they lend themselves to a wide variety of 18 karat gold designs, worn as easily for everyday as for special occasions. Their particularly thick nacre also makes them exceptionally long-lasting.
the prestige of the deep Tahiti pearls, with their signature peacock overtones - black, grey, green - and Australian South Sea pearls, exceptional in both size and nacre, represent the pinnacle of the Schmittgall range. These 18 karat gold creations are crafted for connoisseurs of high-end fine jewelry in search of something truly rare and precious.
the finish that makes the difference Schmittgall also offers a range of clasps in yellow gold and grey 750/1000 Gold - lobster claw, toggle - designed to enhance cultured pearl necklaces. A technical detail that speaks to the house's comprehensive approach across the entire jewelry chain.
To explore your options further, check out our complete guide on cultured pearls.
Schmittgall is not a distributor - it is a specialized fine jewelry manufacturer, founded in Paris in 1926, that supplies directly to French Fine Jewelry houses. This unique position allows it to guarantee a level of selection quality and traceability that few houses can match. RJC certification confirms its commitment to responsible sourcing, from the pearl farm to the finished creation.
For a classic occasion - anniversary, Mother's Day, wedding gift - the Akoya pearl remains the safe choice: elegant, timeless, and effortlessly paired with dressy attire. For a more accessible gift or a first pearl jewelry piece, freshwater models offer outstanding value for money. For a truly exceptional moment - a birth, a milestone birthday, a family heirloom - Tahiti or South Sea pearls stand apart for their rarity and character.
These three families differ in origin, size, and nacre. The Akoya pearl, cultivated in Japan, is the roundest and most lustrous, with diameters ranging from 5 to 9 mm. The freshwater pearl, farmed in China, comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with thicker nacre but a different kind of luster. South Sea pearls - Tahiti, Australia - are the largest (9 to 15 mm and above) and the rarest, with unique natural hues: peacock overtones for Tahiti, golden white or cream for Australia.
Cultured pearls are organic gems that are sensitive to chemicals, heat, and impact. It is recommended to put them on after applying perfume and cosmetics, to gently wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, and to store them separately in a fabric pouch. An annual visit to a jewelry store allows you to check the strength of necklace threads and the condition of the clasp.
Ocarat is an authorized retailer of Schmittgall. Every jewelry piece ships in its original case, with the brand's full guarantees. Free delivery throughout mainland France and Belgium*, 4 interest-free installment payment available, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee included.
The Schmittgall freshwater range offers access to 18 karat gold jewelry starting at a few hundred euros. Akoya styles sit in the mid-range bracket, while Tahiti and South Sea creations are aimed at a more substantial budget, reflecting the rarity and size of the pearls. In every case, the 4 interest-free installment option available on Ocarat makes it easy to spread the investment with no added cost.