PEARL TYPES
There are several species of pearl oysters that each produce different types of pearls, ranging in colour, size, and lustre. Learn about the different types of pearls featured in our fine jewellery.
Japanese Akoya Pearls
Since the 1930's, Akoya pearls have been the world's best-known white pearl. Grown by Pinctada Fucata oysters off the seas of Japan, they are often very round in shape and are complemented by brilliant lustre, with colours ranging from a base of cream-white to warm pink and gold hues. Akoya sizes vary from 2 mm to 10 mm. These pearls are very popular due to their quality and great price point. A classic strand of white Akoya is commonly worn by brides on their wedding day.
Fresh Water Pearls
Freshwater pearls are grown by Hyriopsis cumingii oysters and their hybrids in the lakes and rivers of China. Improvements in their cultivation has led to a dramatic increase in quality of these pearls resulting in beautiful pearls that are cleaner, rounder, and more lustrous. Freshwater pearl sizes vary from 5mm to 10mm, though larger sizes up to 13mm are also found. These pearls come in a variety of colours, including classic white, pink, coral, and purple tones. At Queen’s Jewellery, freshwater pearls are popular for their affordable price points as entry level pearl jewellery pieces.
Tahitian Pearls
Also known as black South Sea pearls or simply black pearls, Tahitian pearls are cherished for their incredibly exotic colours and mirror-like lustre. Whereas other pearl types are typically limited in colour, Tahitian pearls consist of hundreds of overtones with incredibly exotic colours such as peacock green, blue, grey, purple - just to name a few. These pearls are produced by the black lip oyster (Pinctada Margaritifera), which is found exclusively in Tahiti and several other Polynesian islands.
White and Golden South Sea Pearls
White & Golden South Sea pearls are prized for their classic colours as well as their exceptional sizes. These rare gems are produced by the Pinctada Maxima oyster, found in very deep and offshore waters. White South Sea pearls are typically creamy white in colour with a silver overtone. High-quality Golden South Sea pearls include a wide variation of shades of light champaign to dark golden colours. At Queen’s Jewellery, our golden pearls collection have become popular gifts for anniversaries. Both our White and Golden South Sea Pearls are sourced from Australia.
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