Explore the World of Pearl Varieties: What are the 4 Main Types of Pearl?

What are the 4 Main Types of Pearl?

Today's pearl jewellery market offers a bewildering array of options, potentially perplexing to the uninitiated pearl enthusiast. This guide swiftly navigates through the four principal pearl types, detailing their appearance, typical characteristics, pricing spectrum, and purchase considerations. By the end, you'll possess the requisite insight to make a well-informed pearl acquisition.

Akoya Pearls

These are the quintessential, lustrous white pearls, hailing from the waters of Japan and China. Renowned for their unparalleled sheen and perfectly spherical shape, Akoya pearls are the epitome of elegance.

Akoya Pearl Essentials

Sizes: Range from 2.0-3.0mm to 9.0-9.5mm, with rare specimens reaching 9.5-10.0mm.
Colours: Predominantly white, with natural Silvery-Blue and Golden tones.
Treatments: Commonly dyed to achieve a Midnight Blue-Black hue.
Shapes: The highly prized Round, alongside the freeform Baroque.
Price Range: From $75 to several thousand dollars.
Interesting Fact: The finest Akoya pearls are termed “Hanadama”, translating to “Flower Pearls” in Japanese.

Tahitian Pearls Originating from French Polynesia, these black pearls are as enigmatic as they are rare. Their larger size and brilliant luster make them highly coveted.

Tahitian Pearl Essentials

Sizes: Typically 8.0-9.0mm to 15.0-16.0mm, with larger sizes being exceptionally rare.
Colours: Vary from Dove Greys to Charcoal, with iridescent Overtones like Peacock and Green.
Treatments: Almost always natural, sans any enhancement.
Shapes: Perfect Rounds are rare; mo
st are baroque or circled baroque.
Price Range: From $80 to several thousand dollars.
Interesting Fact: Export requires a minimum nacre thickness of 0.8mm.

White & Golden South Sea Pearls

The pinnacle of rarity and desirability, these large, satiny pearls hail primarily from waters near Northern Australia and South-East Asia.

South Sea Pearl Essentials

Sizes: Among the largest, typically 8.0-9.0mm to 20.0mm.
Colours: Natural White and Gold from the Silver-lipped or Gold-lipped oysters.
Treatments: Almost exclusively untreated.
Shapes: Round pearls are rare; most are baroque or circled baroque.
Price Range: $200 to tens of thousands of dollars.
Interesting Fact: Known for the thickest nacre, imparting a unique satin lustre.

Guide to Pearl Types: Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater Pearls Once regarded as the less luxurious alternative to Akoya pearls, Freshwater pearls have surged in quality and esteem, offering a wide array of choices in terms of size, shape, and colour.

Freshwater Pearl Essentials

Sizes: Ranging from 2.0-3.0mm to 11.0-12.0mm, with some varieties reaching 14.0-15.0mm.
Colours: Natural pastel hues of pink, peach, lavender, and white.
Treatments: Dyed options available in a spectrum of colours, including the iridescent Peacock.
Shapes: The round shape is most valued, but baroque shapes are also common.
Price Range: From $30 to several thousand dollars.
Interesting Fact: These pearls are nearly 100% nacre, making them exceptionally durable.