Pearls are one of the most beautiful and sought-after gems in the world. They come in various types, shapes, sizes, colors, quality, and luster. When purchasing pearls, it’s crucial to consider these factors to choose the best-quality within your budget.
In this guide, we will discuss and compare freshwater vs saltwater pearls, highlighting how these different types of pearls are formed, their price ranges, and how to choose the right ones.
How Pearls Are Formed?
Pearls are formed naturally or culturally through mollusks.
Natural Pearls
Natural types of pearls form when an external irritant gets inside the shell of pearl-bearing mollusks and the mollusk secretes nacre to coat the irritant and protect itself. The layers of nacre develop into a pearl after some years.
Cultured Pearls
To create cultured pearls, a foreign object is inserted into the mollusk to stimulate it to secrete nacre. Over some years, this nacre develops into pearls. This formation of pearls requires human effort and maintenance.
Types of Pearls
There are 4 main types of pearls, classified into freshwater and saltwater pearls. Saltwater pearls include South Sea, Tahitian, and Akoya pearls.
Freshwater Pearls
These pearls are found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are the most affordable and popular types of pearls seen among jewelry designers and shoppers due to their availability and wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Origin: These pearls originate from Japan, but are now mostly grown in Hyriopsis cumingii mollusks in freshwater bodies in China. China is currently the largest producer of these pearls and production is expanding in south-east Asia.
- Shape: Freshwater pearls have a wide range of sizes and a more irregular shape than most saltwater pearls. Their size typically ranges from 2-3mm to 11-12mm, with some varieties up to 15mm.
- Color: They are available in an extensive range of colors, from white to black, with pink, lavender, and peach being the most common colors.
- Luster: Freshwater pearls have good luster but are less lustrous and glossy than most saltwater pearls.
- Nacre Thickness: Freshwater pearls have a very thick nacre because the foreign object around which the nacre forms is small. They have a nacre thickness between 0.5mm and 4mm.
- How is it Made: These cultured pearls are produced in rivers, lakes, & ponds, and are often implanted with as many as 25 to 30 pearls grown in a single mussel.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are the most familiar saltwater pearls in the US and Western markets. They have been cultivated for over a century and are considered classic pearls.
- Origin: These gems are produced by the Akoya oyster, called Pinctada fucata martensii, and mainly grow in colder waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Japan and other waters across Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Shape: Akoya oysters are very small and as a result, they produce some of the world’s smallest pearls. Typically, these types of pearl shapes are round but can be baroque and range between 2-10mm in size.
- Color: Akoya pearls are mostly white with a hint of rose, cream, or ivory.
- Luster: They have high luster because they grow in relatively cool temperatures, which allows them to form slowly and create compact layers. These tight layers result in a bright, glossy surface.
- Nacre Thickness: These lustrous gemstones have good nacre thickness of between 0.2mm and 0.8mm, as they develop slowly, leading to dense, tight, and compact nacre.
- How is it Made: Akoya pearls are cultivated in an Akoya oyster and can only be grown with one pearl in an oyster at a time.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are also called “Queen of Pearls,” because they are the largest and most sought-after among the 4 types of pearls. They are considered one of the best types of pearls as they are beautiful, luxurious, and highly valuable.
- Origin: South Sea pearls are produced by Pinctada maxima and Pinctada margaritifera. They are found in the South Pacific region of the world, especially Australia, Burma, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Shape: South Sea pearls are usually round. The oval, baroque, or pear-shaped South Sea pearls are not as valuable as the perfectly round pearls. Their sizes are generally between 9-20mm.
- Color: South Sea pearl colors include white, silver, cream, yellow, and gold. Gold-colored South Sea pearls are the most valuable.
- Luster: Having a very high luster, these kinds of pearls are priced for their iridescence. They are some of the most lustrous pearls in the world.
- Nacre Thickness: Due to a long growth period, they are known to have the thickest nacre of all the saltwater pearl types with nacre thickness between 2-6mm.
- How is it Made: South Sea pearls are produced from the silver-lip and the golden-lip pearl oyster, and each oyster typically produces one pearl. At maturity, the Pinctada maxima grows up to 1 foot in diameter and is the largest pearl-producing oyster in production.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are commonly called “black pearls” or “black South Sea pearls” because of their wide range of dark natural colors. These pearls are the most exotic and second most valuable commercially farmed pearls in the world.
- Origin: Tahitian pearls are cultivated primarily around the islands of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and the Micronesian Islands, and are grown in the oyster species called Pinctada margaritifera cumingii.
- Shape: These black gems come in several shape varieties, including round, button, circle, oval, teardrop, and baroque. They have a size range from 8-16mm.
- Color: Tahitian pearls come in a wide range of colors, from pale dove grey to brown and black. They also shimmer with iridescent overtones of blue, green, cherry, or aubergine.
- Luster: Many of these pearls have a satiny luster, but they can also have a bright luster that produces distinct reflections.
- Nacre Thickness: Tahitian pearls are renowned for their great luster and market desirability, largely due to thick nacre. Their nacre thickness usually falls between 0.8-2mm.
- How is it Made: Exotic Tahitian pearls are made from large black-lip pearl oysters and are grown individually in a single oyster.
Comparison of 4 Pearl Types
Each pearl type has unique qualities that make them attractive, beautiful, and valuable. In general, freshwater pearls are more affordable than saltwater pearls. This is because the oysters that bear the freshwater pearls can yield up to 25 to 30 pearls at once, while saltwater pearl oysters can only form one pearl at a time.
Freshwater pearls are popular for their wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and their attractive prices, Akoya pearls are loved for their perfect shape and enchanting shine. Tahitian pearls are rare, exotic, and luxurious. South Sea pearls are rarer and more valuable than the other pearl types.
Here is a quick comparison of the 4 types of pearls:
| Characteristic | Freshwater | Akoya | Tahitian | South Sea |
| Origin | Freshwater mussels (China) | Akoya oysters (Japan, China) | Black-lipped oysters (French Polynesia) | Silver-lipped or gold-lipped oysters (Australia, Indonesia, Philippines) |
| Size Range | 2-15mm | 2-10mm | 8-16mm | 9-20mm |
| Shape | Wide variety, including round, baroque, and off-round | Mostly round, high sphericity | Mostly round and near-round, some baroque | Round, drop, oval, and baroque |
| Typical Color | White, cream, pastel colors, can be dyed | White, cream, with rose or silver overtones | Dark colors: black, gray, green, with peacock or iridescent overtones | White, silver, cream, gold |
| Luster | Good to excellent, satiny or metallic | Very high, sharp, reflective | High, metallic or iridescent | Excellent, satiny or soft glow |
| Nacre Thickness | Thick (0.5-4mm) | Thin to medium (0.2-0.8mm) | Thick (0.8-2mm) | Very thick (2-6mm) |
| Price | Most affordable | Moderate to high | High | Most expensive |
How Much Are Pearls Worth?
The Gemological Institute of America established 7 factors that should be considered when determining the value of a pearl. These factors wholly represent the main components of a pearl. They are shape, size, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching.
Freshwater Pearls: Affordable and Versatile
- Value Range: $20 to $5,000 or more
- Ideal For: $65
Akoya Pearls: Classic and Mid-Range in Value
- Value Range: $100 to $6,000 or more
- Ideal For: $400
South Sea Pearls: Luxurious and Highly Valued
- Value Range: $200 to $135,000 or more
- Ideal For: $1200
Tahitian Pearls: High Value for Unique Colors
- Value Range: $250 to 36,000$ or more
- Ideal For: $1000
Pearls Value By Pearl Type-From Most Affordable to Most Expensive
A pearl’s value depends on a variety of factors, which vary significantly across pearl types. Here is a fairly broad price range of the 4 major types of pearls.
| Pearl Type | Typical Price Range |
| Freshwater Pearls | US$20-US$5,000+ |
| Akoya Pearls | US$100-US$10,000+ |
| Tahitian Pearls | US$500-US$20,000+ |
| South Sea Pearls | US$1,000-US$100,000+ |
Please note that the price ranges of pearls are very broad and these prices are only estimates for a general guideline.
How to Choose the Right Type of Pearl for You?
Purchasing pearls requires considering cogent factors like budget, jewelry purpose, color References, and personal style.
Budget
Pearls come in an extensive range of prices, from affordable and common freshwater pearls to rare and luxurious South Sea pearls. Hence, it’s important to set your budget for purchase before shopping. With a clear budget in mind, you can specify your options, reduce alternatives, and find the best piece within your estimated budget.
Jewelry Purpose
When selecting from different types of pearls, It’s crucial to consider your purpose of buying. This will influence the quality, size, color, and type of pearl that you choose. Your choice of pearl shows your intention and thoughtfulness, especially when giving a pearl gift.
Color References
There are many types of pearl colors with diverse meanings and references. For example, black pearls symbolize sovereignty, power, and wealth. Gold-colored pearls convey prosperity, influence, and optimism. White pearls are used to represent purity, elegance, truth, and fresh beginnings.
Personal Style
When choosing between different types of pearl jewelry, consider how the design complements your taste and style. If you prefer vintage, formal, exotic, or any specific theme, make sure the pearl you choose aligns with your preferences. Additionally, the pearls must match the formality of the event and help to enhance your appearance.
How Can I Quickly Tell What Kind of Pearl I Have at Home?
By considering the following characteristics, you can quickly tell the type of pearl you have at home (Freshwater pearl or Saltwater pearl):
Luster: Saltwater pearls tend to have a sharper, more reflective luster than freshwater pearls.
Size: Freshwater pearls are typically smaller in size than most saltwater pearls like Tahitian and South Sea pearls.
Shape: Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of shapes including round or oval, while saltwater pearls are mostly round, baroque, or teardrop-shaped.
Uniformity: Saltwater pearls are generally more uniform in shape than freshwater pearls.
FAQs
How Can You Tell If Pearls Are Real?
You can tell by rubbing the pearl surface against your teeth. Real pearls will have a slightly rough surface while fake pearls, made from glass or plastic, are smooth.
What is the Rarest Type of Pearl?
The rarest types of pearls are the white and golden South Sea Pearls. These pearls are valued at much higher prices because of their scarcity and large size range.
What Color Pearl is the Rarest?
Gold and black-colored natural pearls are the rarest. Also, pink, light-blue, and lavender-colored natural pearls are not easily found.
What Type of Pearl is the Most Expensive?
Among the types of pearls most expensive, South Sea pearls are the topmost. Depending on the quality, shape, and size, a South Sea pearl strand can cost within the range of $10,000 to $1,000,000.
What Are the M
ost Expensive Pearls in the World?
The most expensive pearls in the world are South Sea pearls. These pearls are rarer, larger, and cost more than other pearl types.
What Color of Pearl Is the Most Valuable and Expensive?
The most valuable and expensive pearl color is the white and golden South Sea pearl, which is rare and highly sought-after. Other valuable pearl colors include black Tahitian pearls and deep purple or blue Akoya pearls.
How Much is a Pink Pearl Worth?
A pink pearl is worth between $300-$2000
What is the Biggest Pearl?
The Giga Pearl is the biggest. This pearl weighs 27.65kg and has a length of 228.6mm, height of 393.7mm, and width of 209.5mm.
What is the Highest Grade of Pearls?
The AAA-A System grades pearls from AAA to A, with AAA being the highest. Grading is evaluated based on surface quality, luster, and perfection of shape.
Key Takeaway
When buying pearls, understanding the different types of pearls, their unique qualities, and the factors that affect a pearl’s value is important for making a smart purchase. Shape, size, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching are important factors in evaluating a pearl’s worth.
Your budget, jewelry purpose, color preference, and personal style will help determine if you will purchase the valuable South Sea and Tahitian pearl or the more affordable Akoya and freshwater pearl.
