What are the two major types of pearl?

There are two primary shape categories that all pearls fall into: traditional and baroque. Traditional pearls are round while baroque pearls are virtually anything else. Some prefer baroque pearls for their unique shapes, although traditional pearls are generally more valuable.

How many types of pearl are there?

There are essentially five pearl types and the experts at Pearl Paradise will walk you through each of them. Click here to learn today.

What is the difference in types of pearls?

Freshwater pearls are often less glossy, but today have been cultured to reproduce a greater variety of shapes and colors. In terms of price, freshwater pearls are generally more affordable due to its abundance, while saltwater pearls have a higher price tag because of their sparkle and near-perfect shape.

Which pearl is best quality?

White South Sea and Golden South Sea pearls are the most sought-after cultured versions of the gems in the world. That's because they are the rarest, and offer the most luster and greatest pearls sizes. Both Golden South Sea and White South Sea pearls are cultivated in saltwater.

Pearl Types: What makes them different

What does grade AAA mean for pearls?

AAA Flawless pearl on at least 80-85% of its surface, with the remaining 15-20% containing only minor imperfections with one or two deep imperfections. AAAA Flawless pearl on at least 95% of the pearl surface, with 5% having slight concentrated imperfections. Luster. A Poor. AA Medium.

How can you tell if a pearl is high quality?

Luster is what gives a natural or cultured pearl its unique beauty.

1. Excellent – Reflections appear bright and sharp.
2. Very Good – Reflections appear bright and near sharp.
3. Good – Reflections are bright but not sharp, and slightly hazy around the edges.
4. Fair – Reflections are weak and blurred.

What is the difference between Akoya and South sea pearls?

South Sea Pearls of 9.5 – 10.5 mm sizes are more common. But the smaller Akoya oyster has a hard time producing a pearl as large as 9.5 – 10.5 mm, making these pearls much rarer, hence the higher price. Akoya Pearls are preferred for someone wanting a bright white/pink lustrous strand in this “overlap” size range.

How can you tell the difference between freshwater pearls and South sea pearls?

Saltwater pearls have a thinner nacre coating, ranging from 0.5mm to 6mm. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are made almost entirely of nacre. The reason for this difference is that the core piece (the one around which the nacre forms) inserted in freshwater pearls is a lot smaller than that put in saltwater ones.

How do you tell Akoya from freshwater pearls?

For Akoya pearls, you'll mainly notice pin prick blemishes, lighter or darker areas of organic conchiolin build up visible just under the surface crystal, and small, white wrinkles in the surface nacre. Freshwater Pearl Inclusions are mostly dull white "chalky spots" and subtle ridges on the pearl surfaces.

What is the most expensive pearl?

The most expensive natural pearl ever sold was Marie Antoinette's pendant. It went for $32 million in a 2018 Sotheby's auction.

What color pearl is the most valuable?

The 22K to 24K Golden tone is a "Very Deep" natural Golden color. Golden South Sea pearls featuring the 22K to 24K hues are the rarest and most valuable (all other factors being equal). Champagne Golden South Sea pearls are very rare. The Champagne color is a mix of very pale, 10K gold, Silver and Rose hues.

What are Akoya pearls?

The akoya pearl is a saltwater cultured pearl from the akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). Because akoya are the most abundant type of saltwater pearl with the longest cultured history, information on akoyas is abundant!

What is the difference between South Sea and Tahitian pearls?

South Sea pearls are naturally delicate pastel in hue and color. They range from being soft white to creamy champagne and pink. Tahitian peals, on the different side of the spectrum, are bold and dramatic, since the natural color is black. Tahitians are very rare.

What's the difference between freshwater and cultured pearls?

The fact of the matter is this: almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, including freshwater pearls. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.

What are natural pearls called?

Natural pearls are composed entirely of nacre, a combination of aragonite and an organic binder called conchiolin. In an effort to protect itself from an intruder, the oyster coats itself with layers of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, the same substance it uses for shell building.

Are Akoya pearls better than freshwater?

When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.

Which is better freshwater or saltwater pearls?

Saltwater pearls have a more brilliant shine and luster than freshwater pearls and are more expensive. Pearl facts: After implanting the seed pearl, oysters are tended to by divers as they grow. The color of the pearl depends mainly on the color of the oyster shell itself.

How do you tell if a pearl is natural or cultured?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth.

Are Mikimoto pearls a good investment?

Even a simple strand of Mikimoto pearls can set you back thousands of dollars. And the princes only get higher the more intricate the pearls. Therefore, we're inclined to say that Mikimoto really isn't worth the money — save your money and stick to the fake stuff.

What is the difference between Akoya and Hanadama pearls?

Hanadama pearls are considered "extra fine", and the highest grade of saltwater Akoya pearls. Each Hanadama-grade strand of pearls must be accompanied by an individual, numbered certificate from the Pearl Science Laboratory of Japan.

What to consider when buying pearls?

Pearl Quality Factors

The combination of surface brilliance and a deep-seated glow, the luster of a good-quality cultured pearl should be bright, not dull. Your reflection should be seen clearly on the surface of a cultured pearl. Any pearl that looks too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

Are old pearls worth anything?

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as pearl type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. So, how much are pearls worth? To keep it short, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.

What are fake pearls called?

Fake pearls are also called “faux”, “costume” or “imitation”. They can be made of glass, plastic, or fish-scale imitations. For example, "majorica pearls" are a form of fake pearls. There is nothing in them that rightly allow them to be called pearls.