Pearls, come in, many, varieties and can look different from each other due to the location that they are grown in. There are many different types but there are only 4 major types of pearls that are widely popular in the fashion world today.

 1. Freshwater Pearls  

Freshwater Pearl

Pearl Type Freshwater Pearl

Origin Mainly from China, a small amount from Japan, the United States

Mother of Pearl Hyriopsis cumingii

Aquaculture Production very large

Quality characteristics The shapes are round, oval, flat, etc. The colors are white, yellow, and red as the mainstream colors, and the skin is delicate

 

Freshwater Pearls Overview：

Freshwater pearls comprise 90% of the pearl market. The production of freshwater pearls is often higher than seawater pearls for this reason. Every fresh water shell can produce 6-8 freshwater pearls. Does this mean that seawater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls? Not really. Pearls produced for jewelry are valued based on four criteria: shape, size, luster and color. Although freshwater pearls have a high yield, only one perfect pearl can be picked out of hundreds of pearls, so the price of good freshwater pearls is not low. Angela Q's pearl jewelry uses only the highest quality freshwater pearls. These pearls are perfectly shaped and consistent in color. These captivating pearls inspire designers and jewelers to create fabulous jewelry.

The Birth of Freshwater Pearls：

                  

                        

                        Hyriopsis cumingii

               

                    

                       Hyriopsis schlegeli

Freshwater pearls are produced in many countries including in Japan, the United States and China. 

These pearls are found in freshwater mussels. The two most common types of freshwater mussels are the triangle shell (Hyriopsis cumingi) and Biwa shell (Hyriopsis schlegeli) mussels. We, at Angela Q, believe that harvesting pearls in freshwater helps sustain the environment while producing excellent pearls in an inland environment. 

The oysters are nucleated with a bead composed of mother-of-pearl and a small piece of mantle tissue. This bead becomes the nucleus of the pearl and is the reason Angela Q’s pearls are perfectly round. This shape, combined with a high pearlescent luster  gives Angela Q’s pearl jewelry high value.

Freshwater pearls are popular among fashion designers.  Freshwater pearls, with their spherical shape, are the perfect gemstone for gorgeous modern designs and fashion trends. More and more clothes and accessories are being studded with the unique shapes and colors of freshwater pearls creating a new fashion sensation!

Freshwater Pearls Size ：

 

The diameter of freshwater pearls is usually between 3-14MM, those below 8MM are more common.

Freshwater Pearls Color：

Freshwater pearl colors are white, silver, pink, purple, and gray. White pearls with a little rose tone are the most popular. Be cautious when considering, black or golden fresh water pearls, as they may be dyed.

Freshwater Pearls Price：

Freshwater pearls necklace

the price of a big name

         

                            $160,000.00

 

AngelaQ

            

                                  Iluka

                       $ 999.99 $1,299.99

 2. Saltwater Pearls

 South Sea Pearls Overview：

South Sea Pearls

Saltwater Pearl
Pearl Type South Sea Pearl
South Sea White Pearl	South Sea Gold Pearl
Origin  Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, etc.	Origin  Parts of the North West Coast of Australia
Mother of Pearl Pinctada maxima	Mother of Pearl Pinctada anomioides
Aquaculture Production  Normal	Aquaculture Production Limited
Quality characteristics Pearls are huge, silvery white and round	Quality characteristics Pearls are large, golden and round

By contrast the output of seawater pearls is low, accounting for only about 10% of pearl production. Generally, a shell can only breed 1-2 seawater pearls, and the mortality rate of the shell is relatively high. Only one jewelry-grade pearl may be produced for every 3 shells. Seawater pearls only cultivate one pearl per mother oyster to ensure that no other pearl disturbs it during the growth cycle. This ensures that the shape of the sea pearl is more rounded, and can become a perfect sphere. 

Large size and bright luster are the characteristics of seawater pearls. Since some seawater pearls are too large, such as 13mm or more, they are not suitable for earrings, rings and other accessories, but are more suitable for pendants and brooches. The different colors of seawater pearls are white, gold, and black. The halo of seawater pearls is unique to each pearl and seawater pearls are also more layered, and more textured.

The most valued sea pearls worldwide are, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls, Mabe pearls, and conch pearls. 

The most expensive pearls are South Sea pearls. These pearls are the largest and most luxurious pearls produced. These beautiful large pearls come from the Celebes Sea. Countries in the region include Indonesia and the Philippines, which are very successful in producing these pearls. Because these pearls require specific locations and conditions to grow, they are unique to the South China Sea.

The Birth of South Sea Pearls ：

 

                    Golden Lipped Pearl Oyster

 

                         Silver Lipped Pearl Oyster

 

South Sea pearls come from the pinnacle oyster in the region. In most cases, South Sea pearls spend at least 2 to 4 years in oysters, growing slowly. Because they require multiple layers of nacre and specific conditions to grow to their famous size they are very expensive.

South Sea Pearls Size：

South Sea pearls are the largest of all round pearls. Usually more than 12mm, the most common South Sea pearls are 9-14mm in size, and South Sea pearls over 14mm are about the size of a small coin. They usually have similar characteristics to Akoya pearls, but are much larger in size. Large South Sea pearls are usually only made into necklaces and bracelets because they are too large and heavy for earrings and rings

South Sea pearls are perfect for those who want to show off their wealth and status. With the size of the pearls, the owner will be the center of attention wherever they go.

South Sea Pearls Color：

South Sea pearls come in colors such as white, cream or gold. White South Sea pearls are generally more expensive than Akoya pearls because of their larger size and lustre. The most famous and rare South Sea pearls are golden pearls. The closer the color is to gold, the more precious it is. It is one of the most valuable and popular pearls on the market.

South Sea Pearls Price：

Golden South Sea Cultured Pearl necklace

the price of a big name

                      

                                 $75,00.00

 

 

AngelaQ

                      

                                    Nerissa

                              $259.99 $289.99

 

 

Tahitian Pearls

 

 

Tahitian Pearls Overview：

 

Saltwater Pearl

Pearl Type Tahitian Pearl

Origin   French Polynesia

Mother of Pearl  Pinctada Margaritifera

Aquaculture Production  Rare

Quality characteristics Pearls are large, black and round

The second most expensive pearl  is the rare and unique Tahitian pearl, also known as black pearls. They are known for their value from their extraordinary color. The French Polynesian Islands, the origin of Tahitian pearls, produce 95% of the world's black pearls and can be found in the South Pacific south of Hawaii. The best Tahitian pearls are only produced in French Polynesia, which makes them very rare, and very expensive and difficult to produce. Only 50 out of 100 oysters have pearls, and only 5 out of 50 oysters harvested have true dark colors and perfectly round shapes. This makes these pearls a very precious commodity.

 

                           Azra

Natural Tahitian pearls are so precious that only one natural pearl can be found in every 15,000 oysters. Historically, royal families around the world like to wear jewelry with Tahitian pearls, so Tahitian Pearls enjoy the reputation as the "Queen’s Pearls". The most prestigious of these natural black pearls is the Azra, the centerpiece of the Russian Tsar’s necklace.   

                                           Pinctada Margaritifera

 

The Birth of Tahitian Pearls：

Mother-of-pearl is a Pinctada Margaritifera that secretes black nacre

 

Tahitian Pearls Size：

 

The formation of Tahitian pearls is a long process that generally takes more than 2-3 years. Their size ranges from 8mm to 15mm, and Tahitian pearls above 15mm are considered rare collectibles. Tahitian pearls over 18mm are very rare. The largest Tahitian pearl ring to date is 21mm in diameter. Known for their black color and luxurious appearance, Tahitian pearls are perfect for those who want to show off their refined taste and wealth. These rare pearls are sure to amaze everyone with their size and unique color.

 

Tahitian Pearls Color：

 

The unique beauty of the black pearl lies in its natural black tone, and the amazing varieties of those black tones. The most admired of these black pearls are iridescent colors such as malachite green, dark purple, and sea blue. The strong metallic luster changes with the rotation of the pearl and this rare and dazzling color quality is beyond compare.

Tahitian Pearls Price：

Twist Black South Sea necklace

the price of a big name

     

                               $5,000.00

AngelaQ

                 

                                     Iluka

                           $399.99 $459.99

 

Akoya Pearls

Akoya Pearls Overview：：

   

Saltwater Pearl

Pearl Type Akoya

Origin Japan

Mother of Pearl Pinctada fucata martensii

Aquaculture Production   very large

Quality characteristics Pearl beads are smaller and rounder than the other two kinds of sea beads.

Akoya pearls are exclusively produced in Japanese pearl farms. Pearls are obtained from a saltwater oyster called Akoya oyster (scientifically known as Pinctada fucata martensii). Akoya pearls are famous because they were the first artificially cultivated pearls in the 1920s. Currently, Akoya oysters are commonly found in some parts of the Pacific Ocean. How rare and precious are Akoya pearls compared to other types of pearls? Because the global production of Akoya pearls is very low, only 5% of pearl production, more than 90% of Akoya pearls are produced in Japan.

Keep in mind that not all Japanese pearls are authentic Japanese Akoya pearls. Japanese pearls are also divided into freshwater pearls and seawater pearls, but only Japanese seawater pearls from certain regions are called Japanese AKOYA pearls, and only pearls produced from Akoya oysters are considered THE AKOYA pearls. With their perfect spherical shape, these types of pearls are often the perfect choice for wedding gifts, symbolizing purity and innocence, and are also well-suited for a variety of high-end occasions. Lightweight and delicate, these pearls are the perfect size for pearl strand necklaces, earrings and rings. Designers also use Akoya pearls to adorn dresses, bags, and even shoes.

Due to the small size and weak carrying capacity of the marsh oysters that produce Akoya pearls, only one akoya pearl can be bred in one mother oyster making them rare and valuable. 

   

                                        Pinctada imbricata fucata

Akoya Pearls Size ：

The process of cultivating AKOYA pearls is very demanding on oysters. Akoya oysters are very small, and only one Akoya pearl can be produced from one oyster, so Akoya pearls are often smaller than 8MM. If someone wants to sell you an Akoya pearl over 13 MM, there is a high probability that it is fake. Akoya pearls that have been dyed black or gold can also be found in the market. So buyer beware. 

The size of common Akoya pearls is mainly between 5-8mm, the number of Akoya above 9mm is very small, and the price is high, the largest Akoya diameter does not exceed 10 MM.    

  

Akoya Pearls Color：

 

The colors of Akoya pearls are mainly white, cream yellow, and occasionally pink, green, and blue. Among them, white Akoya pearls are the most valuable, and if there is a touch of pink in the white, it is even more valuable. In the US and Europe, Akoya pearls  are the most sought after. 

The surface of Akoya pearls is covered with high-quality calcium crystals, so the luster is more beautiful and shinier than ordinary pearls.

 

Akoya Pearls Price：

32" Akoya Cultured Pearl

                                   $8,130.00

While akoya pearls are considered (overall) rarer and more valuable than freshwater pearls, they are only the third most valuable commercially produced pearls, after South Sea and Tahitian pearls. Top Akoya pearl strands that retail for over $10,000 are still common. However, this would be the average price for a Tahitian pearl necklace and a lower price for South Sea pearls. These are all, of course, much more expensive than freshwater pearl necklaces.

 

Baroque Pearls- The most loved by designer    

 

                Marcelline

             $98.99 $129.99

This category of pearls includes all pearls that are not spherical. Any irregularly shaped pearl is a baroque pearl. Baroque pearls can range in shape from slightly abnormal surfaces to distinctly egg-shaped, curved, extruded or lumpy shapes.

 

Most cultured freshwater pearls are Baroque pearls. Saltwater cultured pearls such as Tahiti, South Sea and Akoya can also be baroque, but tend to be teardrop shaped due to the use of spherical beads placed inside the shell to start the pearl process. 

Baroque pearls, especially in modern fashion in 2022, are growing in popularity. With their irregular sizes, colors and shapes, fashion designers and jewelers are creating more stunning creations with these irregular pearls. These asymmetrical pearls have caught the interest of the younger generation and have become very fashionable.

White is the most classic look of Baroque pearls, but more unusual natural colors are also gaining popularity.

There is no limit to the size of Baroque pearls. The largest natural baroque pearl in the world is the Lao Tzu pearl. This natural pearl was discovered on May 7, 1934 in Palawan Bay, Philippines. It measures 241mm long, 139mm wide and the pearl weighed 6.3kg.