Pearl is an exquisite piece of jewelry that has been every woman’s favorite for years. The rarity of natural pearls has led to the cultivation of cultured pearls. Unlike naturally occurring pearls, cultured pearls are the outcome of human intervention. They come in a broad spectrum of colors, like their natural counterparts. That said, there is the obvious question of how to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls. Simply put, natural pearls form in the water body or mantle tissue of a mollusk, while cultured pearls need human efforts and care since they are produced in an environment that emulates their natural setting.
Furthermore, cultured pearls are broadly classified into freshwater and saltwater pearls. As the name suggests, freshwater pearls form in the oceans, while saltwater pearls are grown in streams and atolls in various parts of the world.
Today, we will talk about different types of cultured whole pearls and the types of pearl colors they are available in. So, without further ado, let’s get acquainted with the pearl types to assist you in making a better buying decision.
Go through the key differences between types of pearls below:
Akoya Cultured Pearls: With their white and creamy color, Akoya makes for a classic jewelry choice. These saltwater cultured pearls are cultivated on farms in Japan and China. People in the West, particularly in the US, easily identify with Akoya pearls, mainly because of their pink overtone and round shape, that which make them stand out.
Tahitian Cultured Pearls: Fondly called black pearls, Tahitian cultured pearls have a distinct beauty of their own. Tahitian derives its name from the region of its origin, which is around the French Polynesian Islands (Tahiti).
They are produced in alluring shades of gray, black, and brown. Often, its primary color body is altered by overtones like green, purple, and blue, which make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Due to their rarity and mysterious appeal, Tahitian pearls are one of the most sought-after pearls on the market. If you have an inclination towards dark-hued pearls, you won’t find a better option than Tahitian pearls. Rosec Jewels uses Tahitian pearls to craft different jewelry, from classic necklaces to charming stud solitaire earrings. So, don’t wait to lay your hands on the finest Tahitian cultured pearls in the industry. Go ahead and check out our website.
Freshwater Cultured Pearls: Freshwater pearls are known for their broad spectrum of colors, shapes, and sizes. Typically, they are grown in freshwater lakes and ponds. Earlier, they enjoyed the same status as Akoya, but with the passage of time, their demand has been that high. However, they are still a common sight in jewelry pieces like bracelets, necklaces.
South Sea Cultured Pearls: South Sea pearls have the traditional look of a pearl and a luster that is second to none. They come in big sizes that make it easier to identify them. The Golden hue South Sea Cultured Pearls are greatly admired by enthusiasts the world over. While the most commonly found freshwater pearls are white and champagne. South Sea Pearls are not just every wearer’s go-to pearl choice, but they are also a favorite of jewelers.
Now that you have learned some basics about cultured pearls, let’s dive deep into the types of pearls:
Place of Origin: The foremost point of distinction of pearls is where they are formed. The majority of Akoya Pearls is grown in farming waters in Japan, additionally, China, Australia, and Vietnam also produce these pearls. Tahitian pearls, on the other hand, are cultivated in the French Polynesian archipelagos. Most of the South Sea Pearls are farmed in South Australia, and Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Thailand also account for their occasional production. Freshwater pearl originates in freshwater lakes and ponds.
Size: There are no specific criteria to identify the 9 types of pearls. But size could be considered as a reliable difference in separating your pearls from each other. Akoya pearl is the smallest with a 3 mm size that could occasionally go up to 9 mm. While the size of Tahitian pearls can vary greatly from 8MM to 18MM. South Sea pearls are the largest of all pearls with a varying size of 9 to 20 MM. Even a Freshwater pearl has an impressive range of sizes.
Color or Hue: The simplest way to identify pearls apart from looking at photos of different types of pearls is their color. Every pearl has a unique color. For instance, Tahitian pearls come in black with gray or dark green overtones. Akoya, on the other hand, emanates a white or cream color with an overtone of pink. South Sea Pearls could be golden, white, or champagne. On the other hand, a freshwater pearl exhibits mostly pastel hues like pink, lavender, and white.
Treatment: Freshwater and Akoya pearls undergo treatments to attain dyed black pearls. Dyed colors like gold, red, purple, and blue in freshwater pearls are usually the results of enhancements. Whereas the hue of Tahitian is natural, i.e., it is not prone to any type of color treatment. Similarly, most South Sea pearls retain their natural color.
Shape: Akoya with a round shape carries the most value. It is also available in free-form baroque and symmetrical shapes, similar to Tahitian and south sea pearls. Perfectly round shape Tahitian and South Sea Pearls are a rare sight to behold but are also regarded as highly valuable. Freshwater is mostly available in round, free foam baroque, with a round freshwater pearl considered of high value.
Price : When it comes to value, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are more expensive compared to freshwater and Akoya. Thus, freshwater and Akoya are pocket-friendly options, but they lack the luster and sparkle of the South Sea and Tahitian. South Sea pearls are the most expensive type of pearl that you will ever find. Moreover, you must keep in mind that the price of a pearl is determined by various factors like its source, weight, and size.
The demand for South Sea and Tahitian pearls has risen greatly over the years. While some jewelry lovers lean toward more affordable options such as Freshwater and Akoya pearl. If we are asked our preferred choice, it has always been South Sea and Tahitian Pearls.
We hope you find this blog informative. In case of any doubts, feel free to connect with our jewelry experts.
