“The best pearls to buy depend on your style, budget, and desired luster — Akoya for classic shine, Freshwater for value, Tahitian and South Sea for luxury.” – Ashley McNamara, Pure Pearls
If you're wondering what the best pearls to buy are, the vast majority of buyers will opt for the lustrous and classic Akoya pearl for occasions like birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays and more. Buyers on a budget will find Freshwater pearls offer the most value and still retain that "classic pearl" look.
No matter what the occasion and budget, look no further than the experts at PurePearls.com, as we offer an extensive selection of all types of pearls, from heirloom pearls like Japanese Akoya to budget-friendly Freshwater pearls from China, colorful black Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia and luxury-grade White and Golden South Sea pearls from Australia and the Philippines.We’re here to help make buying pearl jewelry as painless as possible with a quick and simple guide that will help you choose what is the best pearls to buy based on quality, style, occasion, and value.
As trusted pearl specialists for over 20+ years, Pure Pearls offers high quality pearls that meet the most discerning standards. From investment-worthy South Sea pearls to timeless Japanese Akoya necklaces, we’ll help you discover the best pearls for your unique needs to make a gorgeous purchase that you and your family will admire for generations to come.
| Pearl Type | Origin | Size Range | Luster / Qualities | Price Range | Ideal For |
| Akoya Pearls | Japan | 5.0 – 9.5mm (most common ranges 7.0–8.0mm) | Bright, mirror-like luster with rose or silver overtones; perfectly round | From a few hundred to $20,000+ depending on quality and size | Classic buyers seeking timeless, traditional white pearls
|
| Freshwater Pearls | China | 5.0 – 12.0mm (most common ranges 6.0–10.0mm) | Soft, satiny luster; warm hues; wide variety of shapes and colors
| Very affordable to mid-range — $50 to several thousand
| Perfect for young buyers, layering styles, or budget-friendly luxury
|
| Black Tahitian Pearls | French Polynesia | 8.0 – 17.0mm (most common ranges 8.0–13.0mm) | Naturally dark body colors with peacock, green, and charcoal overtones; strong luster
| Individual pearls: hundreds; strands: several thousand and up.
| Buyers wanting something exotic and unique, dramatic elegance |
| White & Golden South Sea Pearls | Australia and the Philippine Islands | 8.0 – 20.0mm + (most common ranges 8.0–14.0mm) | Luxurious, satiny luster; thick nacre; silvery White or rich Golden tones | High-end: several thousand to $100,000+ for fine strands
| Discerning collectors, heirloom buyers, milestone gift-givers
|
Deciding which pearl is best is as much an art as it is a matter of taste. Each pearl type - from the mirror-like perfection of Japanese Akoya to the radiant glow of Golden and White South Sea - possesses its own rare beauty and character. To truly understand what is the best pearl to buy, it helps to know the 7 Value Factors that define quality: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre thickness, and matching. These elements work together to determine not only a pearl’s value, but also its allure.
Ultimately, the finest pearl is the one that resonates with your heart: a piece that captures a moment, a milestone, or a memory. Whether you fall in love with the refined elegance of Akoya, the soft romance of Freshwater, or the opulent drama of Tahitian and South Sea pearls, each is a timeless treasure meant to be cherished for generations.
Some of the most important value factors to consider include:
These value factors are the best way pearl specialists have to grade and value pearls, however, the best kind of pearls to buy for a client also depends on your priorities: are you looking for something to wear daily, looking for a special gift for heirloom pearls, or require very special pearls for long-term investment?
One person’s “best” pearl necklace or pair of earrings isn’t necessarily another’s. Let’s dig a little deeper …
Japanese Akoya pearls are considered by pearl lovers around the world as the best pearls to buy for timeless elegance and classic style. Their glossy luster and perfect roundness of shape and practically perfect matching throughout any layout or pair of Akoya pearl earrings make these pearls “The” universal standard for traditional pearl jewelry. When buyers ask: "What is the best pearl to buy?", the answer is typically Akoya pearls from Japan.
Freshwater pearls are the best pearls to buy for budget-conscious and softly feminine beauty. Their organic shapes and subtle pastel colors appeal to modern buyers who want soft elegance without the high cost of saltwater cultured pearl types. These types of pearls are known for their slightly off-round to near-round shapes and beautiful natural hues of white, pink, peach and lavender.
Here's where pearls can get really fun! I love to recommend Tahitian pearls for clients looking to buy "Statement Pearls". These stunning black pearls offer a dramatic aesthetic with their naturally colored “black” body colors and luxuriously large sizes, and are an absolute perfect fit for discerning buyers asking "what are the best pearls to buy?".
Tahitian pearls have a range of natural "black" body colors that range from silver to very dark charcoal grey and near jet black, and shimmer in an eye catching, colorful rainbow of overtones like peacock, green, blue, rose/cherry, silver, pistachio, bronze and more, creating an exotic, fashionable statement that never fails to turn heads and inspire the imagination. If you're wondering where the best place to buy pearls is, the selection at Pure is always hand-tailored to pick the most interesting and beautiful pearls based on color, shape and luster.
If you're seeking the top pearls in the world to buy, look no further than glowing White and Golden South Sea pearls. These rare gems are the pinnacle of pearl luxury, prized for their eye-catching large sizes, thick nacre layers, luminous appearance, and exceptional sizes. These are indisputably heirloom pearls, worthy of passing down through the generations.
Cultured in the warm, tropical lagoons and atolls of the Philippine Islands and the Northwest Coastal regions of Australia, South Sea pearls have handily earned the nickname “The Queen of Pearls” and are the only cultured pearls worthy of the title, and are widely known around the world as the best pearls to buy if you want to indulge in absolute luxury.
Different moments in our lives call for different pearl jewelry styles. From birthdays to graduations, weddings to anniversaries, there’s a pearl type and style suitable for every occasion, guaranteed to become a cherished part of you and your family’s story. Here's a quick guide for people shopping for the best pearl jewelry for any occasion:
For those wanting a statement of elegance with a hint of modern flair, Freshwater pearl earrings or Tahitian Baroque pearl necklaces are surging in popularity. These styles point to a growing desire for individuality and authenticity among discerning buyers today. Baroque pearls, with their one-of-a-kind organic shapes, speak directly to pearl lovers who enjoy showing off their unique style and artistic selves. And with top-quality AAA-grade luster and symmetry, Pure Pearls offers both traditional and contemporary styles that appeal to a wide spectrum of buyer awareness, from first-time gift shoppers to pearl connoisseurs looking for something rare.
For the customer seeking heirloom quality pearls with unmistakable elegance, nothing compares to Hanadama Quality Japanese Akoya pearls, the highest grade of Japanese Akoya pearls available and certified by the Pearl Science Laboratory of Tokyo, Japan. These investment-grade pearls are independently certified for excellence in luster, surface quality, and thickness of nacre. Hanadama Akoya are more than just pearls: they're a legacy. These are the pearls savvy customers gravitate toward when they want to know which pearl is best when making a meaningful purchase that holds emotional and financial value.
To learn more about these lustrous and stunning pearls visit: The Ultimate Guide to Hanadama Pearls
In today’s crowded online marketplace, choosing the best pearl brands to buy from can feel overwhelming. With so many retailers offering similar promises, discerning buyers know that the difference lies in trust, transparency, and expertise. That’s where Pure Pearls stands out—not just as a jewelry retailer, but as a trusted guide in your search for meaningful, heirloom-quality pearls. Whether you're purchasing your first strand or expanding a lifelong collection, Pure Pearls offers a level of integrity and excellence that’s rare in the industry.
With so many options to choose from, from some of the best pearl jewelry brand names like Mikimoto or Tiffany, to other online vendors like Amazon, eBay and Blue Nile, finding the best place to buy pearls requires trust and transparency. Pure Pearls is known for offering some of the best pearl jewelry online, thanks to:
At the heart of Pure Pearls is an unwavering commitment to transparent grading and education. Every piece includes detailed grading reports, so you know exactly what you're purchasing, from luster and nacre thickness to surface quality and size. Unlike vague descriptions or heavily retouched images seen on mass-market platforms, Pure Pearls equips you with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions. It’s a reflection of our philosophy: that an educated customer is a happy, lifelong customer.
We take pride in our expert pearl jewelry curation. Each piece in our collection is hand-selected by experienced pearl specialists with an eye for quality and craftsmanship. Ashley’s passion for pearls, and decades of sourcing from elite farms across Japan, China, French Polynesia, and beyond, ensures only the finest selections make it into your jewelry box. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence is why thousands of customers around the world trust Pure Pearls as their preferred source for timeless, authentic pearl jewelry.
Freshwater Pearls: Perfect for everyday wear, Freshwater pearls offer a beautiful balance of durability, resistant to scratches and daily wear and tear, natural charm, and affordability, making them an elegant yet practical choice for daily elegance.
Akoya Pearls: For those who prefer a touch of timeless sophistication, Akoya pearls bring classic refinement and luminous beauty to any look, seamlessly transitioning from day to evening.
Akoya & Hanadama Pearls: For a truly timeless anniversary gift, Akoya pearls embody classic romance and refined elegance - while Hanadama pearls, the finest grade of Akoya, are celebrated for their unmatched luster and mirror-like glow, making them the ultimate expression of love and sophistication.
White South Sea Pearls: Renowned for their luminous radiance and luxurious presence, White South Sea pearls make an unforgettable anniversary gift, a symbol of enduring beauty and devotion that grows more captivating with time.
Freshwater Pearls: Perfect for young daughters or teens, Freshwater pearls offer beautiful luster, impressive durability, and a more approachable price point — making them a thoughtful and practical first piece of fine jewelry she can enjoy every day.
Small Akoya Pearls (5.0–7.0mm): For a slightly more refined option, petite Akoya pearls bring classic elegance in a delicate size ideal for youthful styles, offering a graceful introduction to luxury that she’ll cherish for years to come.
South Sea Pearls: Renowned for their rarity, exceptionally thick nacre, large sizes, and luminous luster White and Golden South Sea pearls are among the most valuable and enduring investments in fine jewelry.
Hanadama Akoya Pearls: Certified for their superior luster, flawless surface, and exceptional quality, Hanadama pearls represent the pinnacle of Akoya craftsmanship and retain strong long-term value for discerning collectors.
Akoya and Hanadama Pearls: Known for their classic, mirror-like luster and perfectly round shapes, Akoya and Hanadama Akoya pearls are the quintessential choice for timeless bridal jewelry that complements any wedding gown.
White South Sea Pearls: With their larger sizes and radiant, natural glow, White South Sea pearls make a stunning statement piece for brides seeking elegance and a touch of luminous sophistication on their wedding day.
Hanadama Akoya Pearls: Renowned for their unparalleled mirror-like luster, Hanadama pearls are widely considered the height of brilliance and surface perfection.
Akoya Pearls: With their classic bright white sheen and reflective quality, Akoya pearls offer exceptional luster that remains highly coveted for elegant jewelry.
Tahitian Pearls: Known for their striking dark tones and natural metallic overtones, Tahitian pearls are an excellent choice for men’s jewelry or cufflinks, offering bold sophistication and a modern edge.
White or Golden South Sea Pearls: For a more classic, elegant look, large White or Golden South Sea pearls provide a luxurious statement piece with luminous, eye-catching presence that can easily pass as masculine, yet refined.
Akoya Pearls: High-luster Akoya pearls can be used for subtle, refined men’s accessories, balancing timeless elegance with versatile wearability.
Top-Grade Freshwater Pearls: AAAA Quality Freshwater pearls provide bright luster and dependable durability at an accessible price point, making them ideal for buyers seeking elegance without compromise.
Mid-Range Akoya Pearls: Offering classic style and remarkable shine, these pearls balance quality and value beautifully, perfect for those who want luxury that’s still attainable.
About the Author
Ashley McNamara, of PurePearls.com, is a GIA-certified expert in Pearls, Diamonds, and Colored Stones and widely recognized as “the expert’s expert” in the pearl industry. With over 20 years of experience, she contributed to the CPAA’s Pearls As One educational course and has been cited by major news outlets nationwide. Ashley's keen eye for color and luster make her a trusted source for classic and exotic pearls alike. Explore her bestselling collections here.
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