South Sea pearls are the rarest type of marine pearls. In jewelry, they are valued for their elegance and nobility since each one is a unique original created by nature. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these natural beauties.
How are South Sea pearls created?
The colors of South Sea pearls
How expensive are South Sea pearls?
What shapes do South Sea pearls come in?
How to take care of pearl jewelry
How are South Sea pearls created?
South Sea pearls are created inside the oysters of the Pinctada maxima species, the largest pearl-producing animals in the world (they can grow to the size of a dinner plate). They occur naturally in the southern hemisphere, mainly in northern Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and French Polynesia.
The pearls are created through a process that requires time and experience. The mollusk must reach the age of three to four before a nucleus can be implanted in it, which the mollusk then begins to coat in layers of nacre. That process takes a further two to three years, resulting in a pearl that’s sometimes perfectly round or that sometimes has an organic, irregular shape.
The colors of South Sea pearls
South Sea pearls come in a wide range of colors, from white to cream, all the way to a deep gold color. There are several factors that influence this and these include the color of the mollusk’s lip, the geographical location of where the pearl comes from, and the nacre.
The basic color of the pearl itself is determined by the lip of the mollusk. Mollusks with white lipped shells, typically found in Australian waters, produce white pearls. In contrast, golden-lipped mollusks are mainly found in the Philippines and produce pearls with colors of gold.
The richer and more radiant the color of a pearl, the higher its value. Therefore those with darker shades of gold are some of the most valuable South Sea pearls. Ultimately, however, personal taste also plays an important role–some people prefer warm colors while others love pure white pearls.
How expensive are South Sea pearls?
Like all types of pearls, South Sea pearls vary in price depending on how rare the combination of size, shape, surface quality, luster, and color saturation is in each pearl.
South Sea pearls are the largest and rarest pearls of all. To give you an idea, approximately 1,500 tons of freshwater pearls are produced annually compared to only 20 tons of South Sea pearls. This means that their value is many times higher than the value of any other pearls.
What shapes do South Sea pearls come in?
South Sea pearls come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and this is one of the main factors to consider when assessing them.
What shapes do pearls come in?
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Round–the rarest and most valuable, making up only a fraction of the total harvested (approximately 10%).
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Near round–appear symmetrical at first glance but have slight irregularities,
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Drop–very elegant and the second rarest shape (approximately 20% of the harvest),
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Oval and button–smooth with small irregularities.
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Baroque–organic, asymmetrical shapes where each piece is completely unique.
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Circled – baroque pearls with concentric rings around the circumference which add to their uniqueness.
Grading South Sea pearls
The value of pearls is generally assessed based on several criteria–luster, nacre quality, color, shape, surface quality, and size. However, determining which pearls are higher quality and more valuable is very difficult since this is ultimately down to perception which is very subjective.
Size
South Sea pearls are some of the largest of all cultured pearls. They range in size from 8 to 20 mm but the most common size found in jewelry is 10 to 15 mm. The white color of South Sea pearls means that they can sometimes be confused with Akoya pearls, however, these tend to be much smaller, only up to 8 mm.
Luster
The luster of a pearl is the way light reflects off the surface and just below the surface of it. The more light that reflects and refracts from a pearl, the brighter it shines. Pearls with a high luster reflect and refract light so brilliantly that they appear to glow from within.
South Sea pearls are popular due to their rich and luxurious luster. Its quality is softer than the mirror-like luster of Akoya pearls but deeper and brighter than the luster of freshwater pearls. The highest quality pearls have a satin luster that is difficult to find in other cultured pearls.
Surface quality
Surface quality is therefore an important indicator of a pearl’s value. Pearls with a smooth surface without any visible flaws are more valuable and conversely, pearls with an imperfect surface tend to be slightly cheaper.
How to take care of pearl jewelry
Caring for jewelry is just as important as choosing it because it’s only with proper care that it will it retain its beauty and luster for many years. Try to ensure that your pearl jewelry doesn’t come into contact with perfume, hairspray, or makeup. To help remember this, there’s an unwritten rule that says, "pearl jewelry should be put on last and taken off first."
If you feel that your pearls are starting to lose some of their luster, wash them in clean water and let them dry freely on a soft cloth. There’s no need to use soap or cleaning agents. You should also store pearls away from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
And the most important care? Wear them! Pearls like contact with the skin—they absorb its natural oils and, in this way, they don’t lose their luster.
TIP: If you want to learn more about jewelry care, read our detailed blog article on the topic.
South Sea pearls in jewelry
Pearls look majestic in jewelry and attract attention because of their natural beauty. Due to their size and luster they often become a dominant element, whether in a single earring, a ring with a single pearl, or a classic pearl necklace.
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Necklaces with a dominant pearl stand out for their simple elegance. The pearl becomes the center of attention and looks elegant even in the simplest of designs.
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A classic strand of pearls is definitely a luxe item, not only because of the number of pearls in it but also because of their size. If you’re looking for something truly exceptional, then this is the right choice.
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Earrings with these pearls are a symbol of clean sophistication. Drop or round pearls gently reflect light and accentuate feminine features.
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Rings are a bolder choice and there, the pearls are often paired with gold or diamonds which highlight their exceptional luster.
South Sea pearls have the ability to adapt to different styles. When paired with white gold, they look refreshingly modern, while in yellow gold, they take on a warm and traditionally opulent character. They are ideal for women who are after jewelry with a distinctive expression and timeless value.
In conclusion
South Sea pearls are true gems of the sea. They are created with great care and patience, and each piece is unique, with its own story. Due to their size, color, and luster, they represent the pinnacle of beauty in pearls and are rightly among the most sought-after pearls in the world. In jewelry, they are naturally elegant with a luxury that never loses its charm.
How rare are South Sea pearls?
South Sea pearls are very rare. Annual production is around 20 tons, compared to approximately 1,500 tons for freshwater pearls. What’s more, only a very small portion of the harvest is ever perfectly round.
Are South Sea pearls valuable?
Yes. Their value is generally higher than the value of other types of pearls due to a combination of size, rarity, luster, and their intense, rich color. Their price is also influenced by the shape, surface quality, and specific color.
Are South Sea pearls real pearls?
Yes. They are formed as a result of a natural pearl-forming process in the Pinctada maxima mollusk. They are cultured marine pearls of natural origin.
Where are South Sea pearls found?
In the southern hemisphere, mainly in northern Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and French Polynesia.
What color of South Sea pearls is the most expensive?
Usually the rich, darker shades of gold. The rule is that the richer and more vibrant the color, the higher the value of the pearl.
Why are South Sea pearls so special?
This is due to their extraordinary size (approx. 8–20 mm versus the more common 10–15 mm), their rarity, and deep luster. Their cultivation process is very time-consuming: the mollusk must grow to the desired size for three to four years and the pearl then forms over another two to three years.
