Pearl Types

Major Pearl Varieties

The pearl color, pearl size, and pearl shape depend on the type of oyster or mussel that created it. There are four major pearl types commonly available today.

The Black pearls from Tahiti are naturally dark, and are an exotic choice. Of all the pearl varieties, these are one of the very popular types of pearl today. Learn more about Tahitian Black Pearls and Black Pearl Jewelry.

South Sea pearls from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the largest pearl type, and come in two main pearls varieties: white south sea pearls (or silver) and golden south sea pearls. These are also the most valuable type of pearl. Learn more about White South Sea Pearls and south sea pearl jewelry, and also discover Golden South Sea Pearls and golden pearl jewelry.

Akoya cultured pearls are from the Akoya oysters of Japan and China, and are the classic small, white pearl. Most every woman wants a classic akoya pearl strand in her collection. Learn more about Akoya Cultured Pearls.

Freshwater cultured pearls come naturally in lighter colors, including white, pink, peach, lavender, and other pastels. Produced in China, freshwater pearls are one of the great pearl varieties in terms of value for the money, usually costing much less than the other pearl types. Learn more about Freshwater Cultured Pearls and the best in pink pearl jewelry.

Other Pearl Types

Keshi Pearls. These unique pearls, found in Japan, Australia, French Polynesia, Indonesia and the Philippines, are "accidental" in that they are natural byproducts of the traditional pearl cultivation process. Tiny organisms or fragments are accidentally inserted with the nucleus. These intruders detach and result in the creation of pearls without a man-made nucleus. Keshi pearls thus possess a natural authenticity that commands high prices. They generally measure 4 to 15 millimeters, and come in an array of interesting shapes (though almost never round) and colors. Keshi pearls are prized by pearl lovers for their unique origin and distinctive shapes. They make a fresh addition to any pearl collection.

Mabe Pearls. These are not pearls in the traditional sense, but rather are semi-manufactured. You commonly see these in brooches. In this case, the surface of a mabe pearl is cut from the inside of the mollusk's shell. The shell backing is then removed and the interior is filled in with epoxy to create that "half-pearl" look.