When it comes to timeless gemstones, pearls stand in a league of their own. But not all pearls are created equal. In fact, there are several different types of pearls—from natural to cultured varieties including Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater pearls. Each type differs in rarity, appearance and value. Let’s explore the main types of pearls and what makes each one truly unique.
Regardless of the occasion, pearls are always a good idea! These gorgeous marvels infuse elegance into your outfit and have the potential to take it to a whole new level.
Real pearls have always enjoyed an esteemed position in the fine jewelry industry, but what if we told you that all of them weren’t the same?
Continue reading to know more about the different varieties of this gem…
Different Types of Pearls
When we talk about the different types of pearls, the first distinction to understand is between natural pearls and cultured pearls.
1. Natural Pearls
Natural types of pearls are formed when an oyster or mussel, from either saltwater or freshwater sources, produces a pearl in response to a biological intrusion. To be more specific, when an irritant enters the mussel or oyster, it gets covered with layers and layers of nacre. The nacre is a composite material made up of hexagonal-shaped platelets of aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) set together in extremely thin layers. Over a period of time, this secretion solidifies and results in an awe-inspiring pearl.
Today, natural pearls are almost extinct. Due to their rarity, along with lack of uniformity in structure, majority of the pearls currently found in the market are cultured.
2. Cultured Pearls
They are created in the controlled environments of pearl farms. While some human intervention is involved in the conception of these gorgeous jewels, they are still born inside a living mussel or oyster and are absolutely genuine. The procedure of implantation of the ‘irritant’ is carried out with surgical precision and utmost care. As a result, cultured pearls usually tend to be much larger and more lustrous than natural pearls.
Cultured pearls are broadly classified into two main categories that are mentioned below…
1. Freshwater Pearls
They are created from freshwater mussels and are evaluated based on the shape, size, color, and luster of the pearl. It’s common for freshwater pearls to undergo treatments, such as bleaching, in order to enhance their overall appearance. Some may get polished with wax before being sold to improve the pearl’s luster.
In comparison to other varieties, freshwater pearls are more economical due to ease of availability and mass production.
2. Saltwater Pearls
Born within different types of oysters, cultured saltwater pearls are created by surgical implantation of several tiny pieces of mantle tissue inside the oyster. This leads to the creation of a sac, followed by the secretion of nacre around it.
Below we’ve mentioned the most sought-after varieties of cultured saltwater pearls.
1. Tahitian
These beauties are loved for their untreated and dramatic hue, which can range from peacock black to a grayish black. Their rarity, which stems from an extensive and long culturing process, adds to the Tahitian pearl’s overall value.
2. Akoya
Known for their attention-grabbing, highly reflective surface and a comparatively rounder shape, the Akoya pearls are a specialty of Japanese pearl farms. People state that their glow is so bright that it makes them look larger than other pearls.
3. South Sea
Available in white and golden hues, South Sea pearls are actually the largest and rarest of all cultured pearl types in the world. These jewels are born within a special kind of oyster named Pinctada Maxima that are farmed in Australia, Philippines and Indonesia. A cultivation time of almost four years results in thick layers of nacre and a superior, satiny soft glow.
How Many Types of Pearls Are There?
While pearl experts classify them in various ways, most shoppers usually come across about 9 types of pearls, including freshwater, Japanese Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, golden South Sea and more.
Final Thoughts
Pearls are a great way to radiate sophistication and timelessness that will make you stand apart from the crowd. With the above information, we’re sure that you’ll be able to pick the right one for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of pearls?
Pearls are broadly divided into two categories: natural pearls and cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are further classified into Japenese Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater pearls.
2. How do cultured pearls differ from natural pearls?
Natural pearls form on their own in oysters or mussels, while cultured pearls are created with human assistance by implanting a nucleus inside the mollusk. Both are genuine and real, but natural pearls are much rarer.
3. Which types of pearls are the most valuable?
Among the different types of pearls, South Sea pearls are considered the most valuable due to their large size, rarity and thick nacre. Tahitian and Akoya pearls also hold significant value.
