Exquisite Pearl
Shop Smartly With a Guide to Different Types of Pearls
Pearl jewelry has been for years, one of the most treasured and coveted personal items a person can have. Its simplicity and sheen truly makes it a unique jewel that marks the sign of good taste and wealth. When we think of a pearl, generally we think of a small white sphere. What we don’t think about is the many different types and colors of pearls available. Different types of pearls come in not only different colors, but also shapes, nacre, luster and with different surfaces. Knowing each type and their differences can help you gain an understanding of pearls and help you make the best choice in pearl jewelry that fits your specific needs and even your pocketbook.
The most common pearl most people are familiar with are Freshwater Pearls. Freshwater Pearls are exactly what they sound like. They come from mussels located in freshwater lakes and rivers. Today, China is the leading exporter of Freshwater Pearls, with the majority of pearl farming taking place about 300 miles outside of Shanghai. Recently, however, Chinese pearl farmers have switched their emphasis from the quantity of Freshwater Pearls to the quality. This ensures that the pearls exported are of the best conditions and beauty.
Freshwater Pearls range in size from 4mm to 11mm. The majority is of oval, button and coin shape. Unlike saltwater pearls, they are not quite a perfect circle. Colors range from white, cream, gold, peach, pink, and purple. Some may even have a rose and/or a green over tone to it. Freshwater Pearls tend not to have the same intense luster by comparison to Akoya Pearls, but still have an excellent sheen to them. This and the general oval shapes they come in, tends to make Freshwater pearl jewelry less expensive than other types, and thus making them very popular. Freshwater Pearls do have a thicker nacre, however, which makes them more durable against chipping and general wear and tear.
Akoya Pearls are considered to have the best luster of all the types of pearls. Saltwater pearls, these derive from the Akoya oyster, which is the smallest of the pearl oysters. Therefore, Akoya Pearls tend to be the smallest of pearls. Sizes range from 2mm to 10 mm, but on average, you will find an Akoya Pearl that is 6mm to 7mm. Harvested primarily in Japan and China today, cultured Akoya’s were actually introduced early in the 20th century.
Akoya pearls are closest to being a perfect sphere compared to other pearls. On average, they are 70% to 80% round or near-round. The rest tend to be baroque or semi-baroque. The surface of an Akoya ranges from a clean surface to lightly or moderately blemished, while the nacre can be thick, medium, or thin. Again, the thicker the nacre of the pearl, the more durable it will be. Akoya’s also range in a variety of natural colors including white, cream, some yellow, pink, and blue. Some may even have a rose or green overtone as well.
Tahitian Pearls were first introduced internationally quite recently in the mid-1970’s. Cultivated from black lipped oysters, it is important to know that a pearl is a Tahitian Pearl only if it is cultured in Polynesia. Black lipped oysters tend to be large, with some weighing as much as 10 pounds! So their pearls also can be abnormally large as well. However, on average, Tahitian Pearls are generally 9 to 10 mm and can span anywhere from 8 to 14mm. Tahitian Pearls generally appear black, which some are. However most are a deep grey or green color that appears to be black. Other colors also include blue, peacock, aubergine and pistachio. The luster of the pearl can be quite beautiful from the dark shades of colors present in Tahitian Pearls. The shape of the pearl is split between mostly round or near-round and baroque or semi-baroque. The last 20% of average pearls generally have an oval, button or drop shape to them. With the dark colors, Tahitian Pearls also tend to have a variety of surface types; with clean, lightly, moderately or heavily blemished. So depending on the surface, this will affect the quality and pricing of your Tahitian Pearl jewelry. These types also come with a thick nacre, making them strong against nicks and other wear and tear.
Lastly, we have South Sea Pearls. South Sea Pearls derive from anywhere on the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Generally, 60% of your South Sea Pearls will come from Australia. However, those that are more creamy or yellow are generally produced in Indonesia. Today, South Sea Pearls are considered to be the most cultivated type of pearl on the market.
Traditionally, South Sea Pearls are larger, ranging in size from 9mm to 18mm. On average, however, you will find a pearl about 13mm. The shape of it tends to be oval, button, or drop shaped 40 to 60% of the time. However, you can find a variety of baroque or round pearls as well. South Sea Pearl jewelry tends to be a little pricier because of its unique characteristics. The luster of the pearl tends to look more satiny and has a distinct shine to it. The surface of the pearl is also quite naturally good, with a range from clean to lightly blemished. In addition, South Sea Pearls come in colors that are not common in other types of pearls, which include gold, white, and silver. The golden hues are especially exquisite with the natural satin finish of the pearl. You can also find South Sea Pearls in blues, creams, with possible overtones of rose or green. The nacre of the pearl also tends to be much thicker than other types of pearls as well, making it quite durable.
All four of these pearls have their positives and differences. Knowing what makes each distinct and special will help you make a knowledgeable decision when selecting your own pearl jewelry. You can ask the right questions, make the right choices, and hopefully select an exquisite piece of authentic pearl jewelry that you will enjoy and care for, for years to come.
About the Author
Pearl Classic offers a variety of pearly jewelry for affordable prices. Located in California with an expert team of Pearl jewelers, you can shop everything from Freshwater Pearls to Tahitian Pearls. Free shipping is available on any order. For more information, visit http://www.pearlclassic.com
Exquisite Pearl Designs – Jewelry by Truly A Treasure
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1 15/16″ EXQUISITE MOTHER OF PEARL SHELL GENUINE OPAL 925 SILVER pendant $21.95 |
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exquisite 8-9mm pink akoya pearl necklace 42″ $35.00 |
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1 3/4″ COOL EXQUISITE CITRINE BIWA PEARL 925 SILVER pendant $21.95 |
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Good! Exquisite 18K Gold Plated Shell Pearl CZ Pendant Earring $0.01 |
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Exquisite 3-Strands 24.5mm dia. Mabe Pearl SS Clasps $42.05 |
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Exquisite Ladies’ Pearl Strand Bracelet In Silver Alloy $29.99 Bracelet Style: Strand Gender: Ladies’ Occasion: Wedding, Engagement, Gift Stone Type: Pearl Metal Type: Alloy Metal Color: Silver Stone Color: White Length: 6.3 quot;(Approx.16cm) Width: 0.39 quot;(Approx.1cm) Tips: Color amp; Style representation may vary by monitor. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors Net Weight: 0.1Kg Shipping Weight: 0.15Kg Processing Time: 4-10 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Exquisite Silver Alloy Rhinestone And Pearl Hair Comb $19.99 Category: Hair Combs Gender: Women Occasion: Wedding, Special Occasion Materials: Alloy Gemstones Colors: As the Picture Materials Color: Silver Gemstones: Pearl, Rhinestone Stones Shapes: Round Height: 2.36 quot;(Approx.6cm) Diameter: 5.12 quot;(Approx.13cm) Net Weight: 0.02Kg Shipping Weight: 0.05Kg Processing Time: 4-10 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Exquisite Alloy With Rhinestone And Pearl Bridal Tiara $19.99 Category: Tiaras, Forehead Jewelry Gender: Women Occasion: Wedding, Special Occasion Materials: Alloy Gemstones Colors: As the Picture Materials Color: Silver Gemstones: Pearl, Rhinestone Stones Shapes: Round Height: 0.78 quot;(Approx.2cm) Diameter: 5.12 quot;(Approx.13cm) Net Weight: 0.02Kg Shipping Weight: 0.05Kg Processing Time: 4-10 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Pearl Exquisite Ladies’ Jewelry Set (50 cm) $29.99 Category: Jewelry Sets Gender: Ladies’ Occasion: Anniversary, Wedding, Engagement, Birthday, Gift, Party, Daily Material type: Alloy Gemstones: Pearl, Rhinestone, Cubic Zirconia Material Colors: Silver Gemstones Colors: White Length of Necklace: 19.7 quot;-23.6 quot;(Approx.50cm-60cm) Necklace Closure Type: Lobster Clasp Length of Earrings: 1.97 quot;(Approx.5cm) Earrings Type: Earclip Tips: The necklace and earrings can be worn together or by themselves. Net Weight: 0.05Kg Shipping Weight: 0.08Kg Processing Time: 4-10 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Heart Pearl CZ Charm $379.95 Beautiful and exquisite heart pearl charm studded with diamond cubic zirconia stones. Pearl measures 8mm.. |
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JeGem Sterling Silver Exquisite Paved CZ, Pearl Ring $117.99 Material: sterling silverStone(s): 10 mm top-grade cultured freshwater white pearl and high-grade round brilliant-cut CZ (cubic zirconia)Ring Face Dimension: 1.0 x 0.75 x 0.5 inchWeight: 8.9 gramsRing Size: 6Stamp / Mark: 925 |
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Exquisite Ladies’ Rhinestone Strand/Tennis Bracelet In White Pearl $18.99 Bracelet Style: Strand, Tennis Gender: Ladies’ Occasion: Wedding, Engagement, Gift Stone Type: Rhinestone Metal Type: Pearl Metal Color: White Stone Color: Clear Width: 1.57 quot;(Approx.4cm) Diameter: 2.36 quot;(Approx.6cm) Closure Type: Spring Ring Tips: Color amp; Style representation may vary by monitor. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors Net Weight: 0.1Kg Shipping Weight: 0.15Kg Processing Time: 4-10 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Exquisite Pearl-embedded Ladies’ Rhinestone Bracelet In Electroplating Alloy $6.99 Bracelet Style: Chain, Fashion Gender: Ladies’ Occasion: Anniversary, Wedding, Engagement, Birthday, Gift, Party, Daily Stone Type: Rhinestone, Pearl Metal Type: Alloy Metal Color: As the Picture Stone Color: White Width: 0.78 quot;(Approx.2cm) Closure Type: Lobster Clasp Tips: Color amp; Style representation may vary by monitor. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors Net Weight: 0.05Kg Shipping Weight: 0.1Kg Processing Time: 2-5 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Exquisite Two Piece Ladies’ Pearl Jewelry Set (50 cm) $29.99 Category: Jewelry Sets Gender: Ladies’ Occasion: Anniversary, Wedding, Engagement, Birthday, Gift, Party, Daily Material type: Alloy Gemstones: Pearl, Rhinestone, Cubic Zirconia Material Colors: Silver Gemstones Colors: White Length of Necklace: 19.7 quot;-23.6 quot;(Approx.50cm-60cm) Necklace Closure Type: Lobster Clasp Length of Earrings: 1.97 quot;(Approx.5cm) Earrings Type: Earclip Tips: The necklace and earrings can be worn together or by themselves. Net Weight: 0.05Kg Shipping Weight: 0.08Kg Processing Time: 4-10 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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Exquisite Pearl With Rhinestone Ladies’ Jewelry Set (50 cm) $9.99 Category: Jewelry Sets Gender: Ladies’ Occasion: Anniversary, Wedding, Engagement, Birthday, Gift, Party, Daily Material type: Alloy Gemstones: Pearl, Rhinestone, Cubic Zirconia Material Colors: Silver Gemstones Colors: White Length of Necklace: 15.7 quot;-19.7 quot;(Approx.40cm-50cm) Height of pendant: 0.98 quot;(Approx.2.5cm) Width of pendant: 0.59 quot;(Approx.1.5cm) Necklace Closure Type: Lobster Clasp Length of Earrings: 1.18 quot;(Approx.3cm) Width of Earrings: 0.78 quot;(Approx.2cm) Earrings Type: Pierced Tips: The necklace and earrings can be worn together or by themselves. Net Weight: 0.05Kg Shipping Weight: 0.08Kg Processing Time: 2-5 business days Shipping Time: 3-8 business days |
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The Exquisite $7.99 Strange, original, and utterly brilliant–Laird Hunt is one of the most talented young writers on the American scene today." -Paul Auster A spine-tingling, intricate tale of love, betrayal, and psychological gamesmanship in the wake of 9/11. |
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Exquisite $2.75 This book is in Good Used condition |
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Exquisite Idols $9.99 Exquisite Idols |
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Exquisite Corpse $6.49 Exquisite Corpse |
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Pearl $10 Pearl |
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Exquisite Brand New Pin With Precious Stones – Genuine Clean Diamonds and Mother of pearl Well Made in 14K Yellow Gold Length 0.44in $1710 Brand New With Precious Stones – Genuine Clean Diamonds and Mother of pearl Closeout Length 0.44in Solid 14K Yellow Gold11 |
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Exquisite Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Clean Diamonds and 9.0mm Freshwater Pearl Beautifully Crafted in White Gold- Size 7 – Certificate Availa $1039 Brand New Ring With Precious Stones – Genuine Clean Diamonds and 9.0mm Freshwater Pearl Solid White Gold |
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Exquisite Brand New Necklace With Genuine 11mm Tahitian Pearl Beautifully Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold Length 18in – Certificate Available. $1560 Brand New Necklace With Genuine 11mm Tahitian Pearl Solid 14K Yellow Gold Length 18in |