Pearl Types

With so many beautiful varieties of pearls to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Our guide breaks down the most popular pearl types, including their origin, size, quality, and value, so you can shop with confidence and find the pearl that’s right for you.

  • Fresh Water

    Freshwater pearls are primarily cultivated in lakes, rivers, and ponds, with the majority coming from China. Advances in pearl cultivation have led to remarkable improvements in quality, producing pearls with beautiful luster, smoother surfaces, and increasingly round shapes. Their wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes—combined with their accessible price point—makes freshwater pearls a popular choice for everyday jewelry. Most freshwater pearls range from approximately 5mm to 10mm, with some varieties reaching 13mm or larger.

  • Japanese Akoya Pearls

    Known for their classic beauty, Akoya pearls have been treasured for generations and remain one of the most recognized pearl varieties in the world. Cultivated primarily in the waters surrounding Japan and China, Akoya pearls are produced by the Pinctada fucata oyster and are prized for their exceptionally high luster and naturally round, symmetrical shapes. Typically ranging from approximately 2mm to 10mm, their refined size and brilliant luster make Akoya pearls a timeless choice—particularly for classic pearl strands, earrings, and bridal jewelry.

  • Tahitian South Sea Pearls

    Known for their dramatic beauty and captivating color, Tahitian pearls are among the most distinctive pearls in the world. Cultivated primarily in French Polynesia, these pearls are produced by the Pinctada margaritifera oyster and are prized for their exceptional luster and naturally dark body colors. Their palette extends far beyond traditional black, with beautiful overtones of peacock green, silver, blue, purple, and eggplant. Each pearl displays its own unique combination of color and character, making Tahitian pearls a striking choice for those drawn to something truly extraordinary.

  • White & Golden South Sea Pearls

    South Sea pearls are renowned for their impressive size, luxurious luster, and naturally beautiful colors. Cultivated by the Pinctada maxima oyster in the warm waters of the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are among the largest and most sought-after cultured pearls.

    White South Sea pearls are primarily cultivated in Australia and are known for their soft, creamy-white colors and beautiful silver overtones. Golden South Sea pearls, most notably cultivated in the Philippines, range from delicate champagne and pale gold to rich, deep golden hues. Their exceptional size, rarity, and distinctive natural colors make South Sea pearls a truly luxurious choice.

Pearl Grading

Understanding how pearls are evaluated can help you make a confident and informed jewelry purchase. Unlike diamonds, which follow established grading systems, pearls do not have one universally accepted grading standard. Factors such as luster, surface quality, shape, size, color, and matching all play an important role in determining a pearl’s beauty and value.

Because pearl quality can vary greatly, it’s important to shop with a trusted jeweler who can help you understand the unique characteristics of each pearl and find the perfect piece for your style and budget.

Freshwater

Freshwater pearls typically range in size from approximately 5mm to 13mm. Pearls under 7mm are considered smaller in size and offer a delicate, classic appearance. Sizes between 7mm and 9mm are among the most popular choices for Freshwater pearl necklaces, providing an elegant balance of beauty and presence. Freshwater pearls measuring 9mm and larger are considered above average in size and are more rare, making them especially sought after for statement jewelry pieces.

Japanese Akoya

Japanese Akoya pearls typically range in size from approximately 2mm to 10mm. Pearls under 6mm are considered smaller in size and offer a delicate, refined look. Sizes between 6mm and 8mm are among the most popular choices for Akoya pearl jewelry, offering a timeless balance of elegance and presence. Akoya pearls measuring over 8mm are considered above average in size and are more rare, making them especially desirable for those seeking a more distinctive pearl.

Tahitian South Sea

Tahitian pearls are known for their impressive size, typically ranging from approximately 8mm to 20mm in rare cases. Sizes between 9mm and 11mm are among the most popular choices, offering a beautiful balance of presence and elegance. Tahitian pearls measuring 11mm and larger are considered above average in size and are often more rare and valuable, especially when combined with exceptional luster, color, and surface quality.

White & Golden South Sea

White and Golden South Sea pearls are celebrated for their impressive size and luxurious presence. They typically range from approximately 7mm to 20mm, with exceptionally large pearls being extremely rare. Sizes between 9mm and 11mm are among the most popular choices, offering a beautiful balance of elegance and statement-making appeal. South Sea pearls measuring 11mm and larger are considered above average in size and are especially rare and valuable when paired with exceptional luster, color, and surface quality.

Pearl Color

One of the most captivating qualities of pearls is their natural range of colors and overtones. While many people picture pearls as classic white, they can also be found in beautiful shades of cream, pink, silver, gold, blue, green, and even deep exotic hues like black and purple. A pearl’s color is influenced by the type of oyster it comes from, the environment in which it is cultivated, and its unique natural characteristics. The combination of a pearl’s body color and delicate overtones creates its individual beauty, making every pearl truly one of a kind.

  • White

    White pearls are the most classic and widely recognized pearl color, admired for their timeless elegance and natural beauty. From Freshwater pearls to luminous Akoya and impressive South Sea pearls, white pearls remain a beloved choice for their versatility and sophisticated appeal.

    Although they may appear simply white at first glance, many pearls display beautiful overtones of silver, rose, cream, or ivory that add depth and character to their appearance. A pearl’s color is influenced by the type of oyster that produces it, along with its unique growing environment.

    Long cherished by brides and jewelry lovers alike, white pearls symbolize purity, new beginnings, and timeless elegance. Their effortless beauty makes them a treasured choice for generations.

  • Black

    With their dramatic beauty and captivating colors, black pearls have fascinated jewelry lovers for centuries. While some black Freshwater and Akoya pearls may be treated to enhance their darker appearance, Tahitian pearls are naturally known for their exotic dark body colors and are cultivated in the warm waters of French Polynesia.

    Black pearls are admired for their unique range of overtones, including shimmering silver, deep blue-green, and the highly sought-after peacock hues that create their signature iridescent beauty. A pearl’s color is influenced by the type of oyster that produces it, along with its unique growing environment and natural characteristics.

    Rare and distinctive, black pearls have long been associated with sophistication, wisdom, and timeless elegance. Their modern appeal combined with their rich history makes them a truly unforgettable choice.

  • Golden

    Among the most treasured pearl varieties in the world, Golden South Sea pearls are admired for their impressive size, warm golden hues, and exceptional beauty. Cultivated in the Pinctada maxima oyster, these rare pearls range from soft champagne tones to rich, deep gold shades, with each pearl displaying its own unique character.

    Golden pearls have held special meaning in many cultures throughout history. In Chinese folklore, they have been associated with prosperity, good fortune, and success, adding to their legendary appeal.

    With their distinctive color, luxurious presence, and natural rarity, Golden South Sea pearls make a stunning choice for those seeking a pearl that is both elegant and unforgettable.

  • Pink

    Rare and beautifully delicate, pink pearls have been admired for centuries for their soft, romantic hues and unique charm. Offering a graceful alternative to classic white pearls, pink pearls bring a touch of warmth and individuality to any jewelry collection.

    Most commonly found among Freshwater pearls, pink pearls can range in color from subtle blush tones to deeper rose shades. Their beautiful coloration is influenced by the type of oyster that produces them, along with the pearl’s unique growing environment and natural characteristics.

    Often associated with love, compassion, and kindness, pink pearls make a meaningful choice for those looking for a pearl with both beauty and sentiment.

  • Peach

    While white pearls remain the classic choice, pearls can be found in a beautiful spectrum of natural colors and overtones. With their warm, feminine hues, peach pearls offer a charming and distinctive alternative that adds a soft touch of color to any jewelry collection.

    Most commonly found among Freshwater pearls, peach pearls range in shade from delicate pastel coral to rich apricot tones. Their unique coloration is influenced by the type of oyster that produces them, along with the pearl’s individual growing environment and natural characteristics.

    Often associated with warmth, romance, and happiness, peach pearls make a thoughtful and meaningful choice for special occasions or everyday elegance.

  • Multicolor

    Celebrated for their individuality and natural beauty, multicolor pearls showcase the incredible variety found throughout the world of pearls. By combining different shades, colors, and overtones, these pearls create a distinctive look that is both elegant and eye-catching.

    From soft whites and blush tones to deeper blues, greens, and rich golden hues, each multicolor pearl strand offers its own unique combination of color and character. The result is a captivating piece of jewelry that highlights the natural artistry of pearls.

Pearl Sizes

Pearl size is measured in millimeters and plays an important role in the overall look of a piece of jewelry. Smaller pearls offer a delicate, classic appearance, while larger pearls create a more dramatic statement. Necklace length also helps define the style, from elegant collarbone-hitting princess lengths (17–19 inches) to longer opera and rope styles that offer a more versatile, layered look. Understanding both size and length can help you find the perfect pearl style for any occasion.

Necklaces

  • 6-7mm Pearls

  • 7-8mm Pearls

  • 8-9mm Pearls

  • 9-10mm Pearls

  • 10-11mm Pearls

Earrings

  • 6-7mm Pearls

  • 7-8mm Pearls

  • 8-9mm Pearls

  • 9-10mm Pearls

  • 10-11mm Pearls

Necklace Length


The length of a pearl necklace helps define its style and how it is worn. Classic princess-length necklaces (17–19 inches) are a timeless favorite, sitting elegantly near the collarbone and complementing a variety of necklines. Shorter choker styles offer a modern look, while longer matinee, opera, and rope lengths create a more dramatic statement and can be styled in multiple ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference bewteen a natural and cultured pearl?

Most pearls available today are cultured pearls, meaning they are grown with human assistance while still forming naturally inside an oyster or mollusk. Natural pearls, which form without human intervention, are extremely rare.

What makes one pearl more valuable than another?

Higher-value pearls typically have exceptional luster, fewer surface imperfections, desirable colors, larger sizes, and excellent shape and matching.

What pearl color should I choose?

White pearls are timeless and classic, while colors like pink, peach, gold, and black offer a more distinctive look. The best color is the one that complements your style and feels meaningful to you.

How should I care for my pearls?

Pearls should be treated gently. Avoid exposing them to perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and harsh chemicals. After wearing, gently wipe them with a soft cloth and store them separately to help protect their luster.

Can pearls be repaired or restrung?

Yes. Over time, pearl strands may need restringing to maintain their security and beauty. Our professional jewelers can inspect and repair your pearls to help preserve them for generations.

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