Pearls, the prime jewels of the ocean, are true marvels of character, whose discovery has enthralled audiences with their undying allure and herbal beauty for centuries.
Each style of pearl has a completely unique story associated with it, whether or not it is far-fetched when it comes to their creation or whether or not it is approximately their rarity.
These beautiful gems are available in many shapes, colors and sizes; and each satisfactory has its own charm that attracts the wearer's eye.
Let's integrate together and talk about the 10 most famous types of pearls, the characteristics that make them special, why their demand in the market is excessive, etc.
So shall we begin?
The varieties of pearls
Before we proceed further, let us know the famous varieties of pearls that are ruling the market. They are:
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Freshwater Pearls
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Tahitian Pearls
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Golden South Sea Pearls
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Akoya Pearls
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Mabe Pearls
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Conch Pearls
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Abalone Pearls
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Biwa Pearls
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Baroque Pearls
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Cortez Pearls
Now that we know the names of the top varieties of pearls, let us discuss about them in detail for a better understanding.
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Freshwater Pearls
These variety of pearls are mainly cultivated in the freshwater lakes and rivers that are mostly found in China. They are among the most renowned variety due to their availability in diverse range of colors and shapes accompanied with their affordable prices.
These pearls are mostly cultivated in mussels and produce a variety of pastel hues which includes pink, peach, lavender, and white. They are immensely popular for both contemporary and classic designs due to their accessibility and versatility.
You can gain a much better understanding about the freshwater pearls through the means of the table.
Characteristic Description Origin They are mainly found in fresh bodies such as lakes and rivers. Shape You can find them in various shapes ranging from oval, baroque, round, and button. Size They can range in size from 2 MM - 3 MM to 11 MM - 12 MM. The new experimental varieties have the capacity to attain size up to 14 MM - 15 MM. Color They are available in multitudes of pastel colors which range from cream, lavender, white, peach, and various other hues. Luster Their luster ranges from soft to moderate. Surface Quality Their surface quality might have irregularities or blemishes. Cost The price range mainly depends on jewelry size, type, and quality of the pearls. Cultivation Time Their cultivation time ranges between 1 year to 6 years. Cultivation Method They are cultivated through mental grafting or tissue nucleation. Rarity When compared to saltwater pearls, they are much more common. Durability They are moderately durable as they are susceptible to scratches. Nacre Thickness Their nacre thickness ranges between 0.1 MM to over 2 MM. Pearls with 0.4 MM nacre thickness are highly recommended. -
Tahitian Pearls
They are mainly found in French Polynesia and they emerge from black lipped Pinctada Margaritifera oyster. These pearls are well acclaimed due to their dark, exotic hues.
They are found in various colors, ranging from charcoal grey to peacock green and even black in some rare cases. These pearls exhibit a unique iridescence which is known as orient.
The reason why most people prefer Tahitian pearls for their jewelry is because of their striking colors and large sizes.
The following table will facilitate the better understanding of Tahitian Pearls.
Characteristic Description Color
You can find them in various colors ranging from silver, purple, black, grey, green, peacock hues, and blue Size Their size ranges between 8 MM to 18 MM, making them larger than most of the available pearls. Shape The most common shapes are baroque, round, semi-baroque, and near round. Luster They possess exceptional luster which is often described as mirror-like and sharp and have a beautiful iridescence. Surface Quality They might have some surface imperfections but the high quality pearls display minimal blemishes. Origin They are mainly cultivated in black lipped oyster Pinctada Margaritifera which is mainly found in French Polynesia. Value Factors The value of the pearls is mainly determined by the factors such as size, color, surface quality, shape, luster, and overall rarity. Cultivation Environment They are mostly grown in the pristine waters of South Pacific ocean and are nurtured by unique oceanic conditions. Nacre Thickness They have a minimum of 0.8 MM nacre thickness. -
Golden South Sea Pearls
These variety of pearl mainly originates from the pristine waters of Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia and are celebrated for their remarkable satiny luster and their impressive sizes.
These pearls are mainly cultivated in the Pinctada Maxima oyster and are famed for displaying a range of colors which are white, silver, golden, and even rare champagne tones.
Their rarity and larger sizes have helped them in becoming the most soughed pealrs for decorated jewelry designs.
This table will help you in enlightening your knowledge about south sea pearls.
Characteristic Description Origin They are mainly cultivated in the South Pacific regions of Indonesia, Australia, and Philippines. Size They are larger in size when compared to other variety of pearls and their average diameters range between 8 MM- 9 MM to 16 MM - 17 MM and larger. Color They are found in various hues such as silver, gold, white, and cream. They also possess overtones of green, blue, or pink. Luster They are distinguished because of their exceptional luster which gives them a glowing, soft appearance. The sanity deep sheen is a hallmark of their exceptional quality. Shape Even though the round shapes have a higher value, they are also available in Baroque or Semi Baroque shape. This shows their irregular and unique shape. Surface Quality They possess a smoother surface with minimal perfections when compared to the other variety of pearls. Value They have a longer cultivation time that ranges between 2 to 4 years. The longer cultivation time contributes significantly to their thicker nacre and larger size. Cultivation Time Their cultivation time ranges between 1 year to 6 years. Nacre Thickness They are famous due to their thick nacre layer with average size of 2.3 MM. The thick nacre layer provides a beautiful deep luster accompanied with durability. Cultivation Process They are grown in Pinctada Maxima oyster which is one of the largest pearl producing oyster. Their cultivation process requires careful nurturing and monitoring. Market Availability They are limited available when compared to other types of pearls. -
Akoya Pearls
The Akoya Pearls mainly hail from Japan and are celebrated for their perfectly round shape and stunning luster. They are mainly cultivated in Pinctada Fucata oyster and typically exhibit a creamy white hue.
The pearls are also found in the shades of cream, pink, or silver. They are considered as staple in elegant and classic jewelry pieces because of their flawless appearance and consistent size.
For proper understanding, we have summarized a table for you.
Characteristics
Description
Origin They are primarily cultured in Japan. Size They typically have a diameter size ranging between 2 MM to 11 MM with the average size being 7 MM.
Shape They are mostly found in round or near round shapes.
Color They are mostly available in cream or white colors and have overtones of green, silver, or pink.
Luster They possess very high luster and known for their mirror like shine.
Surface Quality They have very smooth surface with minimal blemishes.
Cultivation Duration It takes up to 1.5-2 years to cultivate one pearl.
Cultivation Technique They are mainly cultivated in Pinctada Fucata oyster.
Value Factors The value of the pearl is determined by color, size, luster, shape, rarity, and surface quality.
Uses They are mostly used for making necklaces, jewelry, earrings, and other accessories.
Nacre Thickness
These pearls have the nacre thickness of 0.6 MM and below. -
Mabe Pearls
The process of cultivating Mabe Pearls is performed by attaching a nucleus to the inner shell of the oyster. They can be recognized easily because of their domed fronts and flat backs.
These variety of pearls are mainly found in Indonesia, Japan, and Australia and are commonly used in pendants, earrings, and rings because of their unique shape.
The Mabe Pearls have the ability to showcase a spectrum of colors and possess a reflective and captivating luster.
The following table will facilitate your understanding about the Mabe Pearls.
Characteristics
Description
Origin They are mainly formed by implanting a nucleus in the inner shell of a mollusk rather than within the tissue. Shape They are typically found in dome-shape or hemispherical shape and have flat back because of their cultivation against the shell.
Size They are found in various sizes ranging from around 8 MM to 20 MM. The demand for larger sizes is high in the market.
Color They are available in both natural and dyed colors. The common shades in which they are available are cream, silver, white, pink, and various iridescent tones.
Luster They have good luster but may vary depending on the quality of the nucleus and the environment of mollusk during cultivation.
Surface They can have growth marks, minor blemishes, or irregularities on their surface because of the cultivation process. In certain cases, some imperfections are accepted as they add character to the pearl.
Value The value of the pearl is influenced by shape, surface quality, size, color, luster, and overall appearance. Rounder, larger, and well-matched pearls enjoy high prices.
Use They are mostly used in pendants, rings, and earrings. They are considered suitable for distinctive designs because of their unique shape.
Care They require gentle care and you must avoid their exposure to harsh chemicals, prolonged sunlight, and perfume. They must be cleaned with a damp, soft cloth.
Nacre Thickness Their nacre thickness ranges between 0.25 MM - 0.30 MM
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Conch Pearls
Conch pearls are demand in the public because of their high covetness as they are exceptionally rare and mainly found in the Caribbean waters. They are produced by Queen Conch mollusk and lack layers of nacre like other pearls.
They are composed of fibrous crystals which gives them a unique flame like appearance and are found in orange, vibrant pink, or peach hues. They are considered as prized collector’s item owing to their scarcity.
The following table will facilitate a better understanding about the conch pearls.
Characteristics
Description
Color They are basically found in pink hues and the color ranges from pale to deep hues. In some rare cases, they are found in cream, brown, or white hue. Shape The pearls are found mostly in the baroque shape but in certain cases, they are available in irregular shapes such as button, oval, or drop.
Luster They possess glossy and vibrant luster with a reflective sheen.
Size They are generally small with a size range of about 1 MM to over 10 MM.
Surface Quality They have slightly bumpy or smooth surface and may have lines and natural blemishes.
Rarity They are extremely rare making them highly valuable and sought after pearls.
Origin They are produced by Queen Conch Mollusk in the Caribbean seas.
Value Factors Their value is determined by multiple factors such as shape, surface, color intensity, and size.
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Abalone Pearls
These pearls are primarily found in California, New Zealand, and South Africa and are harvested from the inner shell of the Abalone mollusk.
These pearls are famous for exhibiting a kaleidoscope of colors which ranges from purples and pinks to blues and greens, thus displaying vibrant iridescence.
Their huge demand among the collectors can be attributed to their stunning hues and their irregular shape.
You can gain a proper understanding about the abalone pearls through the means of the table.
Characteristics
Description
Color They are available in various hues ranging from pink, blue, purple, and green. Size They are typically small in sizes with a size range between few millimeters to up to 20 MM+
Shape They are mostly found in baroque or irregular shapes.
Luster They are renowned for displaying a vibrant iridescence.
Texture They possess smooth surface with occasional natural imperfections.
Rarity They are relatively rare and are prized among the collectors owing to their uniqueness.
Value Their value is decided by factors such as luster, size, color, and overall quality.
Formation They are formed within the abalone mollusk due to irritation.
Cultivation
They can be naturally or culturally cultivated through abalone farming.
Symbolism
They symbolize strength, emotional balance, and beauty.
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Biwa Pearls
These pearls originally hail from Lake Biwa in Japan and are cultivated in other freshwater bodies as well. They are famed for their unique luster and elongated shapes.
You can find them in various shades of cream or white and various pastel hues as well. Even though there is scarcity of natural Biwa pearls due to pollution in Lake Biwa, there is no need to worry as the cultured varieties have been captivating the audience with their distinctive charm.
Let’s gain better knowledge about Biwa Pearls through the means of the table.
Characteristics
Description
Shape These pearls are available in various shapes, most common shapes in which they are available are baroque or irregular. Size Their size ranges from small to large.
Color They are available in multiple hues ranging from pink, white, lavender, cream, or many more.
Luster They typically have high luster and reflective surface.
Surface Quality They might have some imperfections on their surface.
Origin Their main source of cultivation is Lake Biwa in Japan. But in recent times they are cultivated in freshwater bodies also.
Cultivation Environment They are found in freshwater mollusks in Lake Biwa,
Rarity They are rare because of the rising pollution level in Lake Biwa.
Value
Their value is determined based on their color, size, luster, and shape.
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Baroque Pearls
These pearls are celebrated due to their distinctive charm accompanied with their availability in irregular and non-symmetrical shapes. They are available in various colors and sizes making them an unique aspect.
Their asymmetry is celebrated in both artistic and contemporary jewelry which allows for creative designs and futuristic designs.
Let us gain a proper insight about the baroque pearls through the means of the table.
Characteristics
Description
Shape They are found in non-spherical and irregular shapes. Size They are available in various sizes and ranges from small to large.
Surface They have uneven surface with unique luster and texture.
Color They are available in diverse range of colors ranging from pink, white, grey, and cream.
Luster They have rich, reflective sheen accompanied with captivating iridescence.
Value Their pricing is determined by their individuality and uniqueness.
Uses They are mainly used for making accessories, jewelry, and embellishments.
Rarity They are prized for their uniqueness and is less common than the round pearls.
Formation
They are organically formed within various mollusk species.
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Cortez Pearls
They are a type of cultured pearl that is produced by Pinctada Mazatlanica Oyster that is found in the Gulf of California.
They are famous for their unique iridescence and colors that range from green and blue to pink and lavender. The pearls derive their name from the Cortez Sea, where they are cultivated.
These pearls have gain popularity owing to their natural beauty and rarity, making them a sought after choice in the world of fine jewelry.
The following table will facilitate in knowing more about the Cortez Pearls
Characteristics
Description
Origin They are cultivated in the Cortez sea in the Gulf of California. Color They are available in multiple colors ranging from pink, white, silver to dark hues such as green and black.
Shape They are found in various shapes such as oval, button-shaped, round, and baroque.
Size Their size ranges from 8 MM - 9 MM to up to 11 MM - 12 MM. The larger sized pearls are very rare to find.
Luster They have high iridescence and luster due to their thick nacre layers.
Surface Quality Their surface quality is generally smooth with minimal surface flaws.
Value Their value is high due to their quality, their availability in unique colors, and their rarity.
Sustainability They are cultivated in an Eco-friendly manner with the purpose of promoting environment conservation.
Cultural Significance
They enjoy significant value in indigenous cultures and prized for their symbolism and beauty.
Final Thoughts
You must have realized the fact that each variety of pearl carries with itself an unique charm that has the power to captivate the audience. From the classic elegance of Akoya Pearls to vibrant uniqueness of Tahitian Pearls, the world of pearls provide us with a wide range of treasure with each telling its own fascinating story.
Pearls will never cease the opportunity to inspire and captivate the audience with their charm, whether they are worn as jewelry or are treasured as collector’s items. The beauty of the pearls will keep reminding us about the nature’s amazing ability to create beauty that is beyond comparison.
