Tahitian South Sea Pearls

This darker variety of South Sea pearl is cultured on the beautiful islands of Tahiti in French Polynesia. These pearls are produced by the “Pinctada margaritifera’” or “Black Lip Oyster”. Tahitian pearls prices are determined by their luster, color, shape, size, nacre thickness and beauty. Their color ranges from light to very dark gray, but they are also produced in natural fancy colors like green, pink, lavender, blue and brown.

Akoya Pearls

For centuries, the beauty of Akoya pearls has enchanted the world. This is the most traditional of pearls. Originally produced only in Japan, they have recently begun producing these pearls in Vietnam & China. Akoya pearls come from “Pinctada Martensii” or “Akoya” oysters, which are usually cultured. These pearls have natural colors that range from light pink to white to yellowish. Akoya pearls are known for their high luster and rich color.

White South Sea Pearls

White South Sea pearls are valued for their brilliant luster and large size. Cultured White South Sea pearls are produced by one of the largest pearl-bearing oysters, the Pinctada Maxima oyster, along the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The oyster which produces White South Sea pearls, commonly known as the Silver-Lipped Oyster, can grow to the size of a dinner plate but it is highly sensitive to the culturing process. This is one of several factors which contribute to the cost and rarity of South Sea Pearls. Another factor is the time it takes to culture South Sea Pearls. It typically takes 1-4 years to culture a South Sea pearl, while, in comparison, Freshwater pearls can be produced in 1–12 months. It can take many years to collect pearls from several harvests, in order to create just one of the magnificent strands you can find at Baggins Pearls.

Golden South Sea Pearls

Golden South Sea pearls are valued for their brilliant luster, large size and rarity. Cultured Golden South Sea pearls are produced by one of the largest pearl-bearing oysters, the Pinctada Maxima oyster, along the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The oyster which produces White South Sea pearls, commonly known as the Gold-Lipped Oyster, can grow to the size of a dinner plate but it is highly sensitive to the culturing process. This is one of several factors which contribute to the cost and rarity of South Sea Pearls. Another factor is the time it takes to culture South Sea Pearls. It typically takes 1-4 years to culture a South Sea pearl, while, in comparison, Freshwater pearls can be produced in 1–12 months. It can take many years to collect pearls from several harvests, in order to create just one of the magnificent strands you can find at Baggins Pearls.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are primarily cultured using the “Hyriopsis cumingii”, or “Triangle shell” pearl mussel. Freshwater pearls are arguably the most diverse type of pearls produced today. They grow in a huge variety of shapes, a broad range of sizes, and have a natural pastel color palate that ranges from dark purple, to light pink and white. The majority of Freshwater pearls are produced in China, with limited production in Japan.

Thanks to Baggins Pearls for the information presented here and to you for reading. Read the rest of the article including Pearl Hunting, Pearl Production, Pearl Types, Pearl Quality, Pearl Jewelry, Pearl Care. If you have questions please get in touch.