“Four main pearl types dominate fine jewelry. Japanese Akoya, black Tahitians and White or Golden South Sea are all saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls from China round out the set.” – Ashley McNamara, Pure Pearls

Here's a quick breakdown of each major pearl type before I give a more detailed overview about what to expect. Here we'll list the various pearl types and quality ranges, so you can quickly identify which pearl type is best for you.  

This short, visuals-rich overview will provide you with the “Quick-Start” info you need to make an informed decision about which of the different types of pearls you’d like to buy.

Bonus link:  How To Buy Pearls

There are many different types of pearls, each with its own beauty and story. Most pearls you see today are cultured pearls, which means they are carefully grown with the help of pearl farmers who place a tiny bead or tissue inside an oyster or mussel to begin the pearl’s growth. The cultured types of saltwater pearls are the ones grown with an internal bead nucleus, while most types of Freshwater pearls are tissue-nucleated (with some exceptions). Natural pearls form on their own in the wild without any human help, making them extremely rare and valuable. Both types share the same magical shimmer: pearls are a symbol of purity, elegance, and timeless style.

Among the types of cultured pearls, four stand out for their unique charm.

• Akoya pearls are known for their classic round shape and mirror-like shine, often seen in traditional jewelry.
• Freshwater pearls come in many shapes and colors, making them playful and perfect for everyday wear.
• Tahitian pearls are bold and mysterious, famous for their dark, exotic tones that range from deep green to silver-grey.
• South Sea pearls are the largest and rarest, glowing with soft golden or white hues that capture pure luxury.

Together, these different types of pearls show the endless beauty nature can create ... each one is a small, yet precious treasure from the sea.

Now let's get into a detailed breakdown of each pearl type: it's origin, size ranges, colors, estimated values and when or why you as a customer would choose a particular pearl type to buy.

Knowing how to identify different kinds of pearls allows you to recognize their value and beauty at a glance. Each pearl type has distinct traits shaped by its origin, water temperature, and mollusk species. By learning these differences (color, size, shape, and luster), you can easily tell an Akoya from a Tahitian or South Sea, and ensure that the pearl you choose truly suits your taste and purpose.

The chart below will help you quickly identify each of the major pearl types by color, size range, what their luster will look like and other distinctive traits and origins.

Choosing the best pearl type for your budget starts with knowing that every pearl - from the most affordable to the most luxurious - carries its own distinct beauty and charm. Whether you’re seeking your first classic pearl necklace or investing in a lifelong heirloom to be passed down through the generations, there’s a pearl to match every vision and price range.

Each one of the unique kinds of pearls offers something special to admire (and I freely admit I have a fondness for the underdog - Freshwater pearls - for their luminous, subtle glow and lower price points because I truly want pearls to be accessible to everyone!). From luminous simplicity to breathtaking opulence, no matter your budget, the natural, organic beauty of the pearl is something that every jewelry lover can enjoy. What truly matters is finding the pearls that resonate with your heart and your story.

At Pure Pearls, every piece - regardless of price - is handcrafted by skilled jewelers who uphold the highest standards of quality; we want every piece of pearl jewelry to become a lasting symbol of love, joy, and cherished memories.

There are four main types of cultured pearls: Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian, and South Sea.

• Each one of the different kinds of pearls varies by origin, size, and luster

• Akoya Pearls: Classic, perfectly round pearls from Japan, known for their bright, mirror-like luster and timeless elegance.

• Freshwater Pearls: Grown in freshwater rivers and lakes in China, offering soft pastel colors, varied shapes, and exceptional value.

• Tahitian Pearls: Naturally dark pearls from French Polynesia, admired for their bold size and exotic peacock, blue-green and silver hues.

• South Sea Pearls: The largest and rarest pearls, cultivated in Australia and the Philippines, glowing with a soft white or golden color.
  

 Four major kinds of pearls that dominate fine jewelry, with several rare natural varieties.

• Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian, South Sea are the primary cultured pearl types.

• Pink Conch pearls, Keshi pearls, iridescent Clam pearls and orangey-yellow Melo pearls are wild, natural pearls or specialty collector's items.

Akoya pearls are known for the sharpest, mirror-like luster.

• Hanadama Akoya pearls above all pearl types are prized for their crisp, sharp and mirror luster. They are certified by the PSL of Tokyo, Japan

• High nacre density, and tight crystalline nacre layers combine to create brilliant light return, no matter the pearl type.
  

Freshwater pearls are the most durable and affordable for daily use, from office to casual to Holidays.

• Freshwater pearls offer solid crystalline nacre and minimal care needs.

• They are available in many sizes and colors, all of which are versatile and occasion acceptable.

 White and Golden South Sea pearls are the rarest and command the highest value.

• White South Sea pearls are more valuable than Golden South Sea pearls in general due to popularity; the exception to this rule is 24K Deep Golden South Sea pearls which are incredibly rare and the deepest, most saturated Golden hue these pearls can achieve.

• Luxuriously large sizes ranging from 8.0-16.0mm all the way up to 21.0mm at their very largest, and touchable, glowing luster make these gems investment-grade pearls that will last generations.

• Both White and Golden South Sea pearls are often used in luxury jewelry, couture designs and heirloom pieces.
  

 Freshwater pearls are grown in rivers and lakes; saltwater pearls are cultured in oceans.

• Freshwater are much more abundant and lower-cost than other saltwater pearl types.

• Saltwater pearls (Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea) have higher luster and rarity per harvest.

Neither pearl type is “better” in that both serve different preferences. When it comes to Akoya vs South Sea pearls, you'll need to decide between luxurious sizes over razor-sharp luster, and discover which pearl type is more valuable to you.

• Akoya are smaller, with sharper luster

• South Sea are larger, with softer, satiny glow
  

Freshwater pearls offer the best quality-to-price ratio; these are one of the best types of pearls and value.

• Freshwater pearls are both widely available and very durable, and will look beautiful for generations to come.

• Beautiful natural colors like pink, peach, lavender and white at lower costs than any other pearl type.
  

 You can identify your pearl type using color, size, quality of luster and overtone.

• Akoya: perfectly round in shape, typically white with a faint rose overtone, high, mirror-like luster and versatile sizes ranging from 5.0-9.5mm. Dyed black Akoya pearls are available and display a stark, uniform, Midnight Blue-Black color.

• Freshwater:varied shapes like off-round to ovals and egg-shapes, softer, more satiny luster, colors are pink, peach, lavender and usually a creamy white. Dyed black Freshwater pearls are available and display an iridescent, usually denim blue hue, although purples and coppers are also commonly seen. Sizes range from 6.0-12.0mm typically.
  

• Tahitian: varied shapes from perfect round to drops, baroques and circled baroques, body color will be charcoal grey to near jet black, and typical overtones will be an iridescent peacock (mix of gold, green and rose), green, blue-green, silve and rose among others. Sizes will range larger, from 8.0-16.0mm and up. Luster will be somewhat satiny to very sharp for high quality pearls.
• White and Golden South Sea: varied shapes from perfect round to drops, baroques and circled baroques, body colors are natural white and gold, with overtones for white typically silvery-white, rose and cream/ivory. Golden overtones are neutral gold, rose, aquamarine and bronze. Sizes are large, ranging from 8.0-16.0mm up to 21.0mm at the largest.  

Both White South Sea and top-grade Hanadama Akoya pearls make enduring heirlooms, suitable for families to pass down throughout the generations.

• Both pearl types feature exceptional nacre thickness for longevity.

• White South Sea and Hanadama Akoya pearls both hold long-term aesthetic, branding and market value.