Freshwater Pearls are the least expensive. They are cultured in mussels produced primarily in lakes and rivers in China. As many as fourteen pearls can be cultured in one mussel. Most freshwater pearls vary in size from 4mm to 11mm. The shape can include round, near round or semi round, oval, button, and coin as well as baroque and semi-baroque. The color can vary from white, cream, gold, peach, pink, or purple. Over time many have grown rose or green. The luster can vary from excellent to fair. The surface can also range from clean to moderately blemished.
Akoya pearls were the first spherical cultured pearls, introduced early in the twentieth century. They are produced primarily in Japan. Akoya pearls are known for their rich color and high luster. They range in size from 2mm to 10mm with an average of 6-7mm. They are mostly round or near round in shape. Their color ranges from white to cream with a few yellow, pink, or blue overtones. Their luster is usually excellent and their surface is usually clean to lightly blemished.
South sea pearls are cultivated in either silver-lipped oyster or gold-lipped oyster, the names are derived from the color of the shell interior's outer edge. South Sea pearls originate in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. South Sea pearls are generally the largest cultured pearls on the market. They range in size from 9mm to 18mm with an average of 13mm. They tend to be more oval in shape but can range from round to baroque. Their color can be white, cream, silver, gold, or blue and is determined by different oyster types. Their luster can be from excellent to fair. Their surface can be clean or lightly blemished.
Tahitian pearls are among the most exotic, sought-after pearls on the market today. They were first introduced to the international market in the mid-1970's. A pearl is a Tahitian pearl only if it is cultured in Polynesia. While very often described as black, their colors cover the full spectrum from dark-black to silver-white, and nearly every color in between, including the most popular green and peacock. Tahitian pearls range in size from 8mm to 14mm with an average of 9-10mm. About 40% of Tahitian pearls are round in shape, with the rest being oval, button, drop, baroque or semi-baroque. Their luster can range from excellent to fair. Their surface can range from clean to heavily blemished.
