Learn About South Sea Pearl
Among all the cultured pearls in the world, White South Sea pearls are the rarest and most valuable.
South Sea Pearl
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
-
Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June Birthstone
Round
RoundOverview
Pinctada maxima, a marine bivalve mollusk belonging to the Pteriidae family of oysters is responsible for creating marvelous South Sea pearls. It is also commonly known as the South Sea oyster. Pinctada maxima has two different color varieties: the white-lipped oyster and the gold-lipped oyster. They can be distinguished by the hues visible on their interior edges.
Unlike Akoya pearls that are known for their mirror-like shine, South Sea pearls are revered across the world for their soft and satiny glow. Not only are they larger than the average pearl, but are also famed for displaying exceptional smoothness and a perfect round shape.
1. Key Origin
- Currently, areas throughout the Indian and Pacific Ocean, primarily Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar cultivate South Sea pearls.
2. Nucleation
- South Sea pearls are among the largest commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world.
- The intricate process of its birth begins by surgically placing a perfectly round bead nucleus into the gonad (reproductive organ) of the oyster.
Know About Other Gems
South Sea Pearl
“Among all the cultured pearls in the world, White South Sea pearls are the rarest and most valuable.”
- White, Golden
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Round
Know About Other Gems
Freshwater Pearl
A single freshwater pearl mussel can produce up to 50 pearls at a time! Now, isn't that something?
- White
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Tahitian Pearl
Tahitian pearls come from Tahiti? False! These pearls are actually grown in French Polynesia.
- Black
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Hope, Healing, Positivity.
- June
Golden South Sea Pearl
The value of a Golden South Sea pearl depends on its color. The deeper the golden hue, the higher the pearl's value.
- Golden
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Akoya Pearl
Akoya pearl oysters only produce around two pearls per harvest. This makes them a lot rarer than Freshwater pearls.
- White
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Quality & Grading
Unlike other mined gemstones, the pearl is an organic jewel created by a living creature. For this reason, the grading parameters used to assess its quality will be slightly different. But there are six important aspects that you should always keep in mind when looking for a good quality South Sea pearl.
Luster
Surface
Color
Shape
Nacre Thickness
Size
Currently, there is no universally accepted method for evaluation of pearl quality. The below-mentioned features, however, will help you distinguish an heirloom-grade South Sea pearl from the rest.
| Gem Quality | Luster | Surface | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Ultra High | Very minor blemishes with almost clean surface | Ultra High | Top 1% |
Classic South Sea Pearl Solitaire Studs$1569 |
| Best (AAA) |  Very High | Minor blemishes with most of the surface clean | Very High | Top 10% |
South Sea Pearl Pendant with Bezel-Set Diamond$1969 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium | Medium blemishes with moderate imperfections on the surface | Medium | Top 33% |
|
| Good (A) |  Medium | Moderate blemishes with major imperfections on the surface | Low | Top 75% |
South Sea Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents$1749 |
Treatment
South Sea pearls exude a naturally beautiful, satiny warm luster. They do not require any kind of artificial treatment to enhance the color. Several jewelers, however, will bleach a poor quality White South Sea pearl in order to make it fit enough for use in jewelry. Always bear in mind that genuine South Sea pearls are never treated in any way. In order to avoid being deceived, we recommend that you buy only from a reputed jewelry brand like Angara, which does not sell artificially treated South Sea pearls.
Why Choose
01 How valuable is a South Sea Pearl today?
It’s safe to assume that South Sea pearls demand a high value because not only are they visually enticing, but are scarce and unusually large as well. Quality, shape and size play an important role in determining the final price, but both varieties of the South Sea pearl can easily retail for thousands of dollars.
Baroque-shaped South Sea pearls are also treasured and used in jewelry for their ‘imperfect’ look and unique natural beauty. Their shape makes them more affordable than the perfect-round South Sea pearls.
02 What makes South Sea pearls a must-have?
- Thickest nacre of all cultured saltwater pearl types: The average nacre of an Akoya pearl is 0.35 to 0.7mm, whereas the nacre of a South Sea pearl (both White and Golden) measures 2 to 6mm. The unusual thickness causes this gem to showcase a unique sheen that is often perceived to be soft yet captivating.
- A fine blend of luxury and rarity: In comparison to all pearl types, South Sea is the rarest. This can be attributed to several factors, such as their limited implantation possibilities and large size. It also takes a minimum of two years to harvest a single South Sea pearl, which further contributes to its specialty.
Style & Care Tips
01 The right way to flaunt South Sea Pearls
Care Instructions
South Sea pearls are delicate treasures and need to be treated with love and care. Keep the following simple tips in mind to ensure they look brand new for years to come.
FAQs
1. What makes South Sea pearls so special?
South Sea pearls are often called the ‘Queen of Pearls’ for a reason! These luxurious beauties are renowned for their impressive size, satiny luster and natural hues ranging from classic white and silver to stunning golden tones. These cultured pearls grow larger and develop thicker nacre than most other pearls, making them a symbol of unmatched luxury and elegance.
2. How long does it take for South Sea pearls to develop?
South Sea pearls take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to develop inside the oyster. This extended growth period allows them to form a thick layer of nacre, which gives them their signature satiny luster and impressive size.
3. Are South Sea pearls the most expensive type of pearl?
Yes, South Sea pearls frequently top the list when it comes to price. Their impressive size, glowing luster and scarcity make them highly desirable. Golden and white varieties, in particular, are incredibly rare, which drives their value even higher.
4. What is the size range of South Sea pearls?
South Sea pearls are the largest of all cultured pearls, with sizes ranging from 8mm to 20mm, and an average of around 12mm. While it's extremely rare, some South Sea pearls have been discovered to exceed 20mm, adding to their exclusivity and allure.
5. What factors affect the value of South Sea pearls?
The value of South Sea pearls depends on several factors, including their size, shape, luster, surface quality and color. Pearls that are larger, have a smooth surface and possess a rich, even color are typically more valuable. Additionally, the origin of the pearl can also influence its price.
