Different Types of Pearls

Pearls come from all over the world, and are found in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Provided they are not imitation, real pearls are either formed by natural or cultured means, in either fresh or saltwater. Although natural pearls may cost more because they are harder to find, the fact that they are natural alone does not make them of higher quality than their cultured counterparts. Read the summaries below to be able to shop for pearls with confidence.

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

The term "natural" is given to those pearls formed inside a mollusk without intervention by people. The chances of someone coming across a perfectly rounded natural pearl are extremely slim, which is why most pearls on the market today are in fact "cultured" pearls.
Cultured pearls are what happens when man steps in. Acting much like a chef with a recipe, a pearl farmer coaxes the process along by placing the proper ingredients, so to speak, into a mollusk to then naturally form a perfectly shaped pearl.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are grown inside mussels or oysters in rivers, lakes or ponds that are filled with freshwater. These pearls are less expensive than saltwater, are considered very durable, and tend to form in more irregular shapes than those formed in saltwater. China produces almost 96 percent of today's freshwater pearls. Typical freshwater pearls range in size from 4 to 10 mm.
Saltwater pearls are grown in salty seas and oceans. They are typically more valuable, although not necessarily of any better quality, than freshwater pearls, because they tend to form more perfectly round and with a greater luster.

Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls

Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls are perhaps the best known saltwater pearls. Each has its own distinct features.
Akoya pearls come from the Chinese Akoya oyster cultured not only in China, but in Japan, Sri Lanka and Korea as well. Akoya pearls are round shaped, with hues anywhere from light pink to white or cream colored. When one thinks of a classic string of pearls, the Akoya pearl is what comes to mind.
Tahitian Pearls are also referred to as Black Pearls. Only pearls that are naturally black (versus dyed) and that come from either the rainbow-lipped oyster, the Pinctada margaritifera oyster or the Pinctada mazatlanica oyster can be labelled black pearls.
South Sea pearls come from the largest pearl oyster--the white-lipped oyster. They are usually a silvery-gray color. They are are sometimes referred to as "the queen of pearls" because of their large size, beauty and luster. South Sea Half Pearls look like half-spheres and are the same silvery-gray color.

Seed Pearls

Seed pearls almost look like small poppy seeds. Their shape is usually oval, or oval with some distortions. Seed pearls are used in necklaces, beading and in decorative hairpieces.

Imitation Pearls

Imitation, or faux pearls, are completely man-made from start to finish. The pearls themselves are produced from glass, plastic or other man-made materials. Faux pearls are inexpensive, and are popular as costume jewelry.

Other Pearl Types

There are a few other types of valuable pearls worth mentioning due to their high sale value. Abalone Pearls are hard to find, come in unique shapes with a unique rainbow luster. Depending on their quality, they can sell for as high as $2,000 per karat. Conch Pearls are formed inside the conch shell. Because conch are so rare, even small and poorly shaped conch pearls can sell for over $500 per carat.

Resources

• Shop by Pearl Type at Shecy Pearl Jewelry