The thicker layers of nacre in South Sea pearls create more of a satiny luster than the mirror-like sharpness of an Akoya pearl. They tend to glow from within rather than reflect. South Sea pearls are not treated or bleached in any way post-harvest and are prized for their unusual natural body color.
Fine South Sea Baroque Pearls are much more valuable and desirable than Baroque Akoya Pearls. Because of the large size difference in the two primary varieties, a South Sea Baroque Pearl is more likely to have a critical mass of lustrous surface.
South Sea pearls have the highest value and command the highest prices of all types of pearls. As with other saltwater oysters, the South Sea pearl oyster is bead-nucleated. However, the growth period is approximately 2-4 years, unlike the akoya pearls, which develop in less than half that time.
While the akoya pearl is considered to be (overall) more rare and valuable than the freshwater pearl, it is only the third most valuable commercially produced pearl, falling behind South Sea and Tahitians. It is still common to find top-quality akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000, however.
South Sea pearls, grown in the Pinctada maxima saltwater pearl oysters, are known to have the thickest of all nacre layers. The harvests consist of pearls ranging from 9.0mm to 16.0mm in size, and sometimes even larger.
South Sea. South Sea pearls are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of pearls. They are the largest and most valuable pearls grown today, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 15 millimeters. South Sea pearls grow in a large pearl oyster native to Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.
Perfectly round South Seas pearls are the most highly prized, but baroque (non-round) South Sea pearls can also be highly sought after for the beauty of their organic shapes.
Cultured Akoya pearls are graded using the Japanese Pearl Grading System, using the A-AAA Scale with the addition of Hanadama Akoya pearls representing the highest pinnacle of the pearl type. The A-AAA system evaluates pearls according to Surface Quality, Luster, and perfection of Shape (roundness and symmetry).
When considering Japan's pearls, the cultured sea pearls known as Akoya pearls are most often regarded as the country's loveliest pearls. While Akoya pearls are now cultured in other waters(China & Vietnam), it's the Japanese Akoya pearl that owns the largest market share.
Saltwater pearl oysters produce a variety of colors, but the classic white pearl remains the favorite for the Akoya. Soft overtones of rose, cream and silver lend subtle differences to these white pearls, so it's worth exploring the spectrum to find what feels right.
Choose Akoya pearls if you want a “luxury level” white pearl necklace with very bright, highly reflective luster, perfectly round pearls and perfect matching. The somewhat higher price is worth it if those are the pearl necklace features that you just cannot live without.
South Sea pearls have been enchanting buyers with their shimmering luster for years. These pearls have the thickest average nacre of any pearl variety, giving them a softer look that sets them apart from other pearls.
When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.
Should You Wear Pearls Every Day? There's a straightforward answer to this question. It's really up to you and what you're comfortable with. If you're someone who takes very good care of their belongings and is cautious with how you handle them, then wearing your pearls every day shouldn't be a problem.
A person suffering with tensed mind, indecisiveness, depression and instability in life is advised to wear pearl stone. It pacifies anger, mental inconsistency and helps in strengthening the heart.
The best quality of pearl is known as Lingha pearl obtained from marine oysters. The duration of formation of pearl is about 7 years. The pearl oyster belongs to genus Pinctada, family pteriidae, and class bivalvia and phylum mollusca.
– Australia: home to some of the finest quality pearls in the world, with a variety of colors ranging from white to black. The Australian pearl industry is worth an estimated $500 million per year. – Japan: known for its akoya pearls, which are small but of a high quality and can be found in several different colors.
Authentic Pearls: Natural and Cultured Pearls
First and foremost, both natural pearls and cultured pearls are 100% authentic pearls because both are produced by mollusks such as oysters and mussels. The primary difference between these two types of pearls is how the pearl formation process begins.
It was worn by kings and queens in paintings – and eaten by Elizabeth Taylor's puppy. Matthew Wilson traces a history of La Peregrina – and of pearls in art.
Valuable Pearl Attributes
Because Akoya pearls have become The Standard when it comes to the classic white pearl necklace, and meet the higher quality standards for pearls (particularly in the Luster and Shape category), they are more highly valued by consumers and the Professional Jewelry market.
The most popular Akoya pearl necklace size range starts at 7.0-7.5mm up through 8.0-8.5mm. This size range is considered the most popular and versatile for all occasions and builds. For young girls and "first pearls" necklaces, we recommend the smaller sizes of 6.0-6.5mm and 6.5-7.0mm.
The A-D System, or Tahitian System
A is the highest grade in this system, with D being the lowest. The A-D system is based on a French Polynesian government standard and sometimes substituted by the AAA-A system in other parts of the world. D: The lowest rating doesn't look at luster but only surface defects.
Do not wear pearls when their string is wet. Wet strings stretch and attract dirt, which is hard to remove. Do not hang pearls to dry. Take your pearls off when applying cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume, or when showering or swimming.
The varying hues in between are often referred to as yellow and champagne. Each of the colors may be beautiful in their own right, but the most valuable is gold. South Sea pearls are quite large, and they tend to have very thick nacre.