Types of Pearls

Learn the Different Types of Pearls and What Makes Them Special

Here at Pearl Classic, we offer 4 of the major types of pearls, which are Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. Each type of pearl has its own unique qualities and differences making them special from each other. Knowing these qualities allows you to make an informed decision when selecting your own pearl jewelry.

Our certified pearl experts understands the differences in these 4 types of pearls. We travel the world looking for the perfect collection of pearls that we can put together to create the beautiful sets of pearl jewelry featured on our web site. Here you can read the overall characteristics of each type of pearl we select to gain an understanding of the quality of the pearl you are interested in.

  Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls were the firs spherical cultured pearls, introduced early in the twentieth century.

The Akoya oyster's scientific name Pinctada Fucata, are smaller than other pearl oysters, saltwater pearls produced in Japan and China.

Akoya Pearls value factors

  Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls cultured in mussels scientific name Hyriopsis Cumingi (Triangle shell mussel), produced primarily in China, Japan and some in North America. Most of the Chinese freshwater pearl farming takes place within about 480 km (300 miles) of Shanghai. Lately Chinese pearl farmers have gradually changed their emphasis from quantity to quality.

Most freshwater pearl farmers nucleate mussels with mantle tissue only, while saltwater nucleator insert mantle tissue and bead nuclei.

Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearls value factor

  Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls first introduced to international market in the mid-1970s, cultivated in black lipped oyster, scientific name is Pinctada margaritifera cumingi. The island of Tahiti is the center of commerce of French Polynesia, five island groups make up French Polynesia. A pearl is a Tahitian pearl only if it is cultured in Polynesia.

Tahitian pearls value factors

  South Sea Pearls

South sea pearls are cultivated in either silver-lipped oyster or gold-lipped oyster, the names are derived from the color of the shell interior's outer edge, scientific name Pinctada maxima. In the cost of Australia, Indonesia, and Philippines are the birthplace of South sea pearls.

Australia began commercial pearl culturing in the mid-1950s, and supply about 60% of the world's supply of South Sea pearls. Indonesia focuses on the gold-lipped oyster, and produce more cream and yellow pearls than Australia. Generally, South Sea pearls are the largest cultured pearls on the market.

South Sear pearls value factors