DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEARLS

For many years, pearls have proven to be a classic favorite, much prized for their natural beauty, luster, rarity and shine. To find one is invaluable. Out of thousands of oysters, there may only be one special treasure found, a single, natural pearl. Pearls today when incorporated into jewelery such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets or brooches are usually referred to as cultured pearls. Pearl jewelery never seems to go out of fashion and the use of pearls can be seen in antique, vintage, and modern vintage style type jewelery.

AKOYA

Akoya pearls have been grown off the coast of Japan for 100 years and when you think of pearl jewelery, Akoya pearls generally reflect the image of the classic strand of round white pearls. Akoya pearls are known for their round shape and luster, and range from 4mm to 10mm. Although unusual baroque shapes and different colors such as gold and blue-silver do exist, these are rare.

FRESHWATER PEARLS

These pearls are generally more affordable than other types and are known for baroque type shapes, pastel and white colors, and a slightly softer luster than Akoya pearls. These pearls have a variety of natural pastel hues, and shapes varying from totally round to more free type baroque shapes. As for size they generally range from 5 mm to 12 mm although recent developments have led to the production of even larger pearls, with some up to 20mm in size. Click here.

TAHITIAN PEARLS

Tahitian pearls are the only pearls which are naturally dark in color and they are grown in French Polynesia, Often these pearls are referred to as black pearls, however Tahitian pearls come in a wide mixture of colors.
Round shaped Tahitian pearls are quite unusual, however other interesting shapes such as drops, ovals, and baroques are much sought after and their value reflects this. The particular shape of baroque pearls reflects the light, making the color really pop.The majority of Tahitian pearls range from 8mm to 15mm in size.

SOUTH SEA PEARLS

These are primarily grown in Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. The colors range from white through to more gold type hues. South Sea pearls are much prized, are often used as statement pieces in jewellery, and are the largest saltwater pearls produced today.
Because of their large size, absolutely round South Sea Pearls are quite unusual and rare. Common shapes are ovals, baroques, and drops. All of these types are much sought after and quite valuable. The most common sizes are 10mm to 14mm, however they do range in size from 8mm to 18mm.

NATURAL V CULTURED PEARLS

Natural pearls are the most valuable type pf pearl and occur randomly in nature, but these are very rare. Farmed or cultured pearls produced from freshwater mussels and pearl oyster are more widely available and  make up the extent of pearls currently sold today.Imitation pearls are widely used in less expensive jewellery, however the quality of their lustre is usually very poor and they can generally be easily distinguished from real pearls. Pearls have been cultivated primarily for use in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches, however historically they were also used as details on clothing.