Different types of pearls - are they all the same?
Cultured and Natural Pearls
Cultured pearls are created by implanting a small piece of tissue from an oyster into the mantle of another oyster. The implanted tissue then forms a pearl sac around itself, which is then filled with organic material known as nacre. Over time, this produces a lustrous, round pearl that is identical to natural pearls - although the process is much faster and cheaper than harvesting natural pearls from oysters.
Overall, the main difference between cultured and natural pearls is how they are created. Cultured pearls are produced through a more controlled and faster process, while natural pearls are formed through a more natural process and over a longer period. However, both types can be equally beautiful when used in jewellery, so it all comes down to personal
There are 5 different types of cultured pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, Freshwater, and Biwa. Akoya pearls are typically small and round, Tahitian pearls are typically dark with a rainbow of overtones, South Sea pearls are typically large and lustrous, freshwater pearls can come in a variety of shapes and colours, and Biwa pearls are the largest of all the cultured pearls.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are the most common type of cultured pearls and they come from Japan. They are small and round, and their lustre is typically high. The most prized Akoya pearls come from the Atsumi pearl oyster, which is a species of saltwater mollusc. Other types of Akoya pearls can be made with different types of water and other species of saltwater molluscs.
Akoya pearls are one of the more expensive pearl types that you can find on the market today. Their prices can vary widely depending on factors such as colour, size, quality, and rarity. For example, a strand of high-quality white Akoya pearls can cost several thousand dollars, whereas a strand of yellow or orange Akoya pearls may only cost a few hundred dollars. In general, however, the price range for these beautiful pearls is usually somewhere between $300 and $10,000 per strand. If you are looking for high-quality Akoya pearls at an affordable price, it is a good idea to visit an online pearl retailer where you can compare different strands and find the one that best fits your budget.
Although Akoya pearls are quite expensive, they are considered by many to be the most beautiful pearl type in the world. Their lustrous appearance, smooth surface texture, and high level of uniformity make them a popular choice for jewellery, and their classic beauty is sure to stand the test of time.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are the second most common type of cultured pearl, and they are typically larger than Akoya pearls. They also have a deep lustre and subtle overtones that give them their distinctive colour. The different types of Tahitian pearls come from various species of saltwater molluscs that live in Tahiti and other parts of the Pacific Ocean. The highest-quality Tahitian pearls come from the Pinctada margaritifera oyster, which is native to French Polynesia in the South Pacific.
Tahitian pearls are classified as gems, and these black beauties take about two years to fully mature. The shape of a Tahitian pearl is determined by the amount of time it stays submerged; the more sand interference or water friction in the pearl’s creation, the greater variation there will be in its shape.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are considered by many people to be some of the most beautiful cultured pearls. They are typically large and lustrous, with a flawless surface and an intense colour. South Sea pearls come from Saltwater molluscs that live in the Indian and Pacific oceans. The most prized South Sea pearls come from the Pinctada maxima oyster which is native to Indonesia, Australia, Myanmar, and other parts of the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Golden South Sea pearls are some of the most lustrous and beautiful pearls in the world. These large, round pearls have an intense golden colour with a deep lustre that makes them stand out from the crowd. They are typically found in saltwater molluscs native to Indonesia and other parts of Indian and the Pacific oceans.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are typically the most varied type of cultured pearl because different species of freshwater molluscs produce a wide range of colours and shapes. Many freshwater pearls have an oval, teardrop or button shape, but some species can produce perfectly round pearls. The different colours of freshwater pearls can also vary greatly, with white and pastel shades being the most common but natural green, pink, and blue freshwater pearls also exist.
Freshwater pearls are typically less expensive than other pearl types due to their abundance in nature. However, this does not mean that quality freshwater pearls are always easy to find. To find high-quality freshwater pearls at an affordable price, it is a good idea to do some research and compare different types and colours.
Biwa Pearls
These large, round pearls have a lustrous sheen that sets them apart from other pearl types, and they can be found in saltwater molluscs native to Lake Biwa in Japan. Due to their rarity and natural beauty, Biwa pearls are a highly prized addition to any jewellery collection.
There are several differences between South Sea pearls and Biwa pearls. While both pearl types have a lustrous appearance and round shape, South Sea pearls tend to be larger than Biwa pearls, and they also have a higher level of uniformity due to selective breeding practices in the pearl farming process. In addition, South Sea pearls tend to have a more intense colour than Biwa pearls. On the other hand, Biwa pearls are often slightly cheaper than South Sea pearls due to their abundance in nature. Ultimately, the choice between these two pearl types depends on personal preference.
What about Baroque Pearls?
A baroque pearl is a type of cultured pearl that has an irregular or non-round shape. These beautiful pearls are typically found in saltwater molluscs native to tropical and subtropical regions, and they can come in a wide range of colours and sizes. Due to their unique shape, baroque pearls are prized for their natural beauty and can be a beautiful addition to any jewellery collection. However, they may be slightly more expensive than other types of cultured pearls due to their rarity in nature. Overall, baroque pearls are an exquisite and luxurious gem that is sure to delight anyone who wears them.
If you love your pearls and want to find a great addition to your pearls collection we have you covered! Send us your question about a pearl piece of jewellery you are looking for to pearls@covejewellery.store.