The Most Common Types of Pearls
Pearls are beautiful natural treasures, available in a variety of types, each with its own distinctive characteristics, colours and charm. Discover some of the most common types of pearls and what makes them special.
Freshwater Pearls
Today, most freshwater pearls are cultivated in China, although pearl cultivation also has a long history in Japan.
Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable than saltwater pearls, as a single freshwater mussel, such as Hyriopsis cumingii, can produce multiple pearls at once.
They typically range in size from 2 to 9 mm, although larger pearls can occasionally reach 13 mm or more.
Their natural colours include white, cream and delicate shades of pink, while grey and black freshwater pearls are often created through dyeing.
With their soft lustre, beautiful variety of shapes and timeless appeal, freshwater pearls are a popular choice for elegant earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery.
Edison Pearls
Edison pearls are the result of years of research and innovation by Chinese pearl cultivators. These exceptional freshwater cultured pearls can reach up to 16 mm in diameter, making them remarkably large for freshwater pearls.
Known for their impressive size, rich metallic lustre and beautiful range of natural colours, including white, cream, purple and pink, Edison pearls are often compared to luxurious saltwater pearls.
Their striking appearance, vibrant colours and elegant shine make them a popular choice for sophisticated, statement jewellery.
Kasumi Pearls
Kasumi pearls originate from Japan, where they are traditionally cultivated in Lake Kasumigaura.
These distinctive freshwater pearls typically range from 9 to 13 mm in size and are admired for their unique shapes, often including elegant teardrop and irregular forms.
They are especially prized for their beautiful natural colours, ranging from soft cream and delicate pink to rich purple, often enhanced by a captivating metallic lustre.
Due to environmental challenges affecting pearl cultivation in Lake Kasumigaura, similar pearls are now also produced in China.
With their distinctive textures, remarkable colours and natural beauty, Kasumi pearls are a beautiful choice for unique and sophisticated jewellery.
Biwa Pearls
Biwa pearls take their name from Lake Biwa in Japan, where freshwater pearl cultivation began in the 1930s.
These distinctive pearls are particularly admired for their unusual elongated, finger-like shapes and natural beauty.
Although pearl cultivation in Lake Biwa has declined significantly due to environmental pollution, genuine Biwa pearls remain highly valued for their rarity, unique appearance and historical significance.
Their organic shapes and individual character make them especially appealing for distinctive, elegant jewellery.
Mabe Pearls
Mabe pearls are distinctive cultured pearls known for their elegant, dome-shaped appearance and beautiful lustre.
Unlike traditional round pearls, Mabe pearls are cultivated against the inner shell of certain molluscs, creating their characteristic half-round shape.
They can be produced in both freshwater and saltwater environments and often reach diameters of up to 20 mm, making them particularly attractive for statement jewellery.
With their impressive size, refined shine and relatively affordable price, Mabe pearls are a popular choice for elegant earrings, pendants, rings and unique designer jewellery.
Keshi Pearls
Keshi pearls are among the closest cultured alternatives to natural pearls. They form as a by-product of pearl cultivation, often when a mollusc rejects an implanted nucleus but continues producing layers of nacre.
Although they develop without a bead nucleus, Keshi pearls originate from pearl farming and are therefore not classified as completely natural pearls.
The name "Keshi" comes from the Japanese word keshinomi, meaning "poppy seed", referring to their traditionally small size and irregular shapes.
Keshi pearls are admired for their beautiful variety of colours, ranging from classic white and delicate lavender to deep black and luxurious gold.
Their exceptional lustre is one of their most distinctive features. As they consist entirely of nacre, without a bead nucleus, Keshi pearls often display a remarkable depth of shine and natural beauty.
With their unique organic shapes and radiant appearance, Keshi pearls are a beautiful choice for distinctive, elegant and contemporary jewellery.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are a timeless classic of Japanese pearl cultivation, admired for their exceptional lustre, elegant appearance and refined beauty. Although traditionally associated with Japan, they are also cultivated in China, Vietnam and Australia.
Renowned for their brilliant, mirror-like shine, Akoya pearls are often considered a benchmark for lustre in the pearl jewellery industry.
They typically range from 6 to 8 mm in diameter, although larger specimens can occasionally reach 10.5 mm or more.
Akoya pearls are most commonly found in classic white, often featuring delicate cream or silvery overtones. Their beautifully round shapes and radiant surfaces make them especially desirable for sophisticated pearl necklaces, earrings and other timeless jewellery pieces.
With their understated elegance and luxurious appeal, Akoya pearls remain a popular choice for both everyday sophistication and special occasions.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are among the world's most prized cultured pearls, admired for their exotic beauty, impressive size and extraordinary range of natural colours.
Cultivated primarily in the pristine waters of French Polynesia, these luxurious pearls are produced by the black-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera).
Although commonly known as black pearls, Tahitian pearls display a remarkable spectrum of natural colours, including deep charcoal, silver-grey, purple, blue and olive green, often enhanced by captivating iridescent overtones.
They typically range from 8 to 16 mm in diameter, although exceptional specimens can exceed 18 mm.
With their distinctive dark tones, radiant lustre and sophisticated appearance, Tahitian pearls are a stunning choice for elegant necklaces, earrings, rings and statement jewellery.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are among the most luxurious and sought-after cultured pearls in the world, celebrated for their exceptional size, natural beauty and magnificent lustre.
These remarkable pearls are cultivated in the warm waters surrounding Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, using the large pearl oyster Pinctada maxima.
South Sea pearls are particularly admired for their impressive size, often reaching diameters of up to 20 mm or more.
Their natural colours range from elegant white and delicate silver tones to rich champagne and luxurious golden hues.
One of their most distinctive characteristics is their exceptionally thick layer of nacre, which creates a beautiful, deep lustre and a soft, radiant glow.
With their impressive proportions, sophisticated colours and timeless elegance, South Sea pearls are a symbol of luxury and refinement, making them an exquisite choice for elegant necklaces, earrings, rings and exclusive jewellery collections.
Every type of pearl has its own unique story, beauty and charm. From delicate freshwater pearls to luxurious South Sea pearls, there is a perfect choice for every style, taste and occasion.
