Tahitian Keshi pearls on specialty 14k gold-filled adjustable chain Keshi pearls are small non-nucleated pearls typically formed as by-products of pearl cultivation. A Japanese word also meaning "poppy", it is used in Japanese for all pearls that grew without a nucleus. Keshi Pearls are highly prized and very valuable because of their remarkable luster. Since they are pure nacre and formed without a nucleues, keshi are formed purely of precious material and are sold by weight like a gemstone. When collected and designed into a magnificent strand or a wearable work of art as jewelry, they become even more valuable.