Pearl are one of the most iconic and precious gems, famous for their beauty and symbolism. From the warm waters of French Polynesia to the rivers of China, pearls have fascinated people for centuries. This blog will look at the different types of pearls, their origin, and the mines they come from and why they are so popular. We will explore everything from Akoya pearls to Tahitian pearls, their colors and how they came to be known.
Types of Pearls from A to Z
| Pearl Type | Origin | Mines/Locations | Year Discovered/Popularized | Color Range |
| Akoya Pearl | Japan, China | Pinctada fucata oyster | 1900s (Cultured by Mikimoto) | White, cream, silver, pink overtones |
| Blue Pearl | New Zealand, Chile | Abalone mollusk (Paua) | Modern Era | Blue, red, green, violet, gold |
| Freshwater Pearl | China, USA, Japan | Freshwater lakes, rivers | Ancient times | White, peach, lavender, pastel hues |
| Keshi Pearl | Japan, French Polynesia | By-product of pearl farms | 20th century | White, grey, black, rose |
| Mabe Pearl | Japan, Indonesia | Half-shell growth | Early 20th century | Pink, gold, blue, swirled colors |
| South Sea Pearl | Australia, Philippines | Pinctada maxima oyster | 19th century | White, cream, gold |
| Tahitian Pearl | French Polynesia | Pinctada margaritifera | 1960s | Black, green, blue, grey, peacock |
Description of Pearls
Akoya Pearl
Akoya pearls are classic, small, and highly lustrous, often regarded as the epitome of traditional pearl beauty. Originating from the Pinctada fucata oyster, these pearls are typically farmed in Japan and China. Introduced to the market in the early 1900s by Kokichi Mikimoto, Akoya pearls revolutionized cultured pearl production. These pearls are prized for their near-perfect round shape and beautiful reflective sheen. The most common colors are white and cream, often with subtle overtones of pink or silver, making them a favorite for fine jewelry
(Chroma Gems & Co)(Jewelry Shopping Guide).
Blue Pearl
Blue pearls, sourced from the Paua mollusk found in New Zealand and Chile, are incredibly rare. They display a mesmerizing range of colors, including blues, greens, and golds, depending on the lighting and environment. These pearls are not only visually captivating but also prized for their rarity and unique color-shifting ability. They are relatively modern compared to other pearls, gaining popularity in the last few decades
Freshwater Pearl
Unlike saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are farmed in rivers and lakes, primarily in China. They are usually smaller, less lustrous, but highly affordable compared to their saltwater counterparts. Freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes and colors, ranging from traditional white to pastel hues like peach and lavender. They are often used in more casual or fashion-forward jewelry due to their abundance and range
(Gem Rock Auctions)(Chroma Gems & Co).
Keshi Pearl
Keshi pearls, often described as “poppy seed” pearls, are by-products of the pearl farming process. They are unique because they are composed entirely of nacre, giving them exceptional luster. They come in various irregular shapes and sizes, with colors ranging from white to black. Although small, Keshi pearls are highly valued for their shimmer and irregular beauty
(Jewelry Shopping Guide)(Gem Rock Auctions).
Mabe Pearl
Mabe pearls are distinctive due to their flat, half-spherical shape, formed against the inside of an oyster’s shell. Originating from countries like Japan and Indonesia, these pearls are known for their vivid colors, often displaying pink and gold swirls. Their unique shape and color make them a popular choice for rings and pendants
(Chroma Gems & Co)(Gem Rock Auctions).
South Sea Pearl
The South Sea pearl is the largest and often considered the most luxurious of all pearls. Grown primarily in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, these pearls range in size from 9 to 20 mm and can be cream, white, or gold. Their large size and thick nacre give them a velvety sheen, making them highly prized by collectors. These pearls are farmed from the Pinctada maxima oyster and are among the most expensive pearls in the world
(Jewelry Shopping Guide)(Gem Rock Auctions).
Tahitian Pearl
Tahitian pearls, often referred to as “black pearls,” come from French Polynesia. They are known for their dark, rich colors that range from deep green to grey and even purple. These pearls are not artificially colored; their hues are entirely natural, making them especially desirable. Tahitian pearls are typically larger, ranging from 8 to 16 mm, and are famous for their peacock-colored overtones. They are considered one of the most exotic and striking pearls on the market
(Gem Rock Auctions)(Chroma Gems & Co).
Why Pearls Have Value
Pearls derive their value from various factors: rarity, size, color, luster, and shape. Natural pearls, especially those harvested from the wild, are extremely rare and highly sought after. Cultured pearls, though more abundant, still hold significant value depending on their quality.
The luster, or how light reflects off the pearl’s surface, is one of the most important determinants of value. Pearls with a deep, mirror-like sheen, such as Akoya and South Sea pearls, command higher prices. The thickness of the nacre, or the layers of calcium carbonate that form the pearl, also affects value. Pearls with thicker nacre tend to have greater luster and durability, making them more expensive.
Moreover, pearls from specific regions, like Tahitian or South Sea pearls, are often more valuable due to their unique environmental conditions and longer cultivation times. These pearls are grown in protected areas, often under strict government regulation, adding to their exclusivity and price
(Jewelry Shopping Guide)(Gem Rock Auctions).
FAQs About Pearls
- What is the difference between natural and cultured pearls?
Natural pearls form spontaneously in the wild, without human intervention, while cultured pearls are farmed by inserting an irritant into an oyster to stimulate pearl production. Both are made of nacre but vary significantly in rarity and price(Chroma Gems & Co).
- How are pearls graded?
Pearls are graded based on size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, and nacre thickness. However, there is no universal grading system, with each pearl type sometimes having its own set of grading standards(Gem Rock Auctions).
- Are Tahitian pearls always black?
Tahitian pearls are often called black pearls, but they come in a variety of colors, including green, grey, blue, and even purple. The term “black” refers to their darker tones rather than a pure black hue(Gem Rock Auctions).
- What makes South Sea pearls so valuable?
South Sea pearls are large, have thick nacre, and exhibit exceptional luster. Their natural colors, particularly the golden variety, are rare, making them one of the most valuable types of pearls(Jewelry Shopping Guide)(Gem Rock Auctions).
In conclusion, pearls have fascinated people for centuries, not only for their beauty, but also for their rich history and cultural significance. Whether you are drawn to the exotic allure of a Tahitian pearl or the classic elegance of an Akoya pearl, pearls remain timeless treasures of the sea.
