How to Buy Pearls: Your Ultimate Guide

How to Buy Pearls: Your Ultimate Guide
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Key Takeaways

  • Deciding whether you're wanting to invest in Saltwater pearls like Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls, or Freshwater pearls is the first step when learning what pearl type is suitable for you.
  • Pearls are still in fashion, and continue to be a staple for any occassion.
  • Choosing the right pearl to complement your style, and also your preferred metal type. This includes considering the pearls size, shape, colour and lustre.
  • Understand the characteristics or virtues of a pearl to better understand what makes a pearl highly valuable, and how to tell if it's real.
  • How to care for your pearl jewellery, whether it's set in solid gold or sterling silver.

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Pearls are a timeless choice for both men and women offering a unique and elegant touch to any jewellery collection. As the only gemstones formed entirely within a living organism, pearls come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed purchase. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the types of pearls, how to choose the right one, and how to care for your pearl jewellery.

What are the different types of pearls?

Saltwater Pearls

Saltwater pearls are grown across Australia and Asia, and there are three main types of saltwater pearls, which include South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls and Akoya pearls and these are considered to be more valuable than freshwater pearls. This is because Saltwater pearls take longer to cultivate, only produce a single pearl at a time, and have a thicker nacre. They also have a beautiful lustre and colour.

Akoya Pearls

An Akoya pearl is a type of saltwater pearl that comes from the Pinctada fucata. These pearl shells are mainly found in the colder waters off the coast of Japan, as well as Vietnam, Korea and Australia. Our Akoya pearls are cultivated in NSW, at our Broken Bay Pearl Farm. As the Akoya shell is much smaller than the Pinctada maxima and is the smallest of all the pearl-producing molluscs, this is one of the reasons Akoya pearls are generally smaller than South Sea pearls, with most Akoya pearls measuring between two and eight millimetres. The colour of Akoya pearls can vary, so while most people think of white pearls when they think of Akoya pearls, there are many other colours to choose from. 

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are a type of saltwater pearl and are considered the rarest of all types of pearls. They come from the Pinctada maxima shell, where the name “South Sea” originates from the location of the shell, as these shells are found in the southern hemisphere – particularly around northern Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Burma, and French Polynesia. Our South Sea pearls are sustainably cultivated in the pristine and remote waters of our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, located on the Kimberley Coast, WA. 

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are grown in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds – most of them coming from China. Freshwater pearls are usually less lustrous, have a thinner nacre, produce multiple pearls at a time and are cultured for a shorter time than their premium Saltwater pearl counterparts. It’s important to further note that freshwater pearls spend more time in a chemical bath to enhance their colour and lustre than they do growing inside a shell. At Pearls of Australia, we do not chemically alter or enhance our pearls – we sell them exactly as nature intended with their natural colour and lustre.

Keshi Pearls

A Keshi or seedless pearl can form in the pearl sac or in the oyster’s outer tissue in addition to a cultured pearl. Sometimes the host shell rejects the implanted seed and a Keshi grows in its place in the pearl sac for the full cultivation period. Our Keshi pearls are grown at our Australian pearl farms. They are a beautiful by-product of pearling and are the rarest pearls in our harvest.

Buying Loose Pearls

Did you know we offer the opportunity to purchase loose pearls at our locations? Visit our:

  • Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Gallery
  • Broken Basy Pearl Farm Shellar Door
  • Cygnet Bay Broome Showroom
  • Perth Studio

To view, select and buy your very own loose pearls.

Buying Loose Pearls GuideVisit Us

Are pearls still in fashion?

Absolutely! Pearls continue to be a fashion staple, seamlessly integrating into both classic and contemporary styles. From elegant strands to chic pendants, pearls are versatile and suitable for any occasion.

Pearls truly never go out of fashion, and even most recently, they continue to take centre stage in the fashion world.

Style and Fashion:  Choosing the Right Pearl

Pearls in any form, from showstopping strands to petite pendants, are versatile for any occasion and you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Just like us, pearls come in a myriad of colours, shapes, and sizes so there’s bound to be something to suit every taste, and occasion.

Baroque Pearls

Baroque pearls offer a modern twist on pearl jewellery and are considered more organic in shape while offering a unique statement for the wearer.

Keshi Pearls

Keshi pearls are a beautiful by-product of pearling. They’re irregular in shape and are as close to a natural pearl as you can get in a farmed environment. Keshi pearls are known for their exceptional lustre and their unique shape makes this type of pearl extremely popular today.

Round Pearls

Classic and timeless round pearls are the quintessential choice for any jewellery collection.

Layering your Pearls

For a trendy, modern look, try layering pearl pieces of different shapes and sizes. Try mixing pearl bracelets, stacking pearl rings – the choice is yours!

Buying Pearls for Women

Determine the Metal Preference:

  1. Determine the metal preference: Choose the metal that complements her style, whether yellow, rose, or white gold. Then determine if they prefer 9ct or 18ct gold.
  2. Select the pearl type: Decide between South Sea, Akoya, or other pearls based on size, shape, and colour preferences.
  3. Choose the pearl size: Popular sizes range from 7mm to 11mm. Akoya pearls are typically 6mm to 9mm, while South Sea pearls can be 8mm to 20mm.
  4. Evaluate the grade: Look for pearls with higher lustre and cleaner surfaces for better quality. Our grading system ranges from Excellent to Poor for lustre and from A1 to B2 for surface quality.
  5. Consider the colour: Akoya pearls offer a wider range of colours, while South Sea pearls are usually white, silver, or rare gold.
Our MaterialsChoosing Your Pearl

Buying pearls for men

The early 2020’s has seen pearls for men as the newest trend taking the world by storm. Specifically – pearl necklaces for men have risen in popularity, but traditionally have been worn by men throughout time.

Like buying pearls for women, buying pearls for men is down to personal preference and how they express their individuality. Whether you’re looking for a ring to mark an important milestone, a necklace to add a touch of luxury to your everyday look, or a bracelet to show your personality, we have something to suit every taste.

 

Men's Pearl Jewellery

Matching Pearls to personal Style

Pearl jewellery comes in many different styles and designs that can suit various occasions and the personal style of the wearer. One of the most popular choices is the classic pair of pearl stud earrings, which can be worn for any occassion! At Pearls of Australia we offer pearl stud earrings in a variety of pearl types - to suit the personal style of any individual.

For a show-stopper, a beautiful classic pearl strand necklace is the perfect choice for any formal events or to simply dress up your everyday attire. A strand of matched pearls elevates any outfit, but multiple pearl strands worn together adds an extra level of sophistication.

Both pearl bracelets and pearl rings are a fantastic way to showcase not only your personal style, but also the versatility of the pearl. We offer pearl bracelets paired with stunning gemstones as an option to showcase some colour in an outfit, or beautiful pearl rings complemeted by white sparkling diamonds to add drama to a cocktail event outfit.

how to choose the best type of pearl: a guide on pearl virtues

When you’re buying any type of pearls it’s important to look for the following virtues of the pearl:

lustre: the quality of the pearl's shine

Pearls of Australia jewellery exclusively features pearls of good to excellent lustre. It is observed below the pearl surface and expressed through the sharpness of the image it reflects.

Our grading system for both South Sea & Akoya categorises Lustre as:

  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Poor

Surface: The cleanliness of the pearl’s surface

Pearls of Australia jewellery features only clean to lightly blemished pearls. Lightly and moderately blemished pearls can be matched as strands.

Our grading system categorises South Sea Pearls Surface as:

  • A1 – Clean
  • A2 – Very lightly blemished
  • A3 – Lightly blemished
  • B1 – Moderately blemished
  • B2 – Heavily blemished.

Our grading system categorises Akoya Pearls Surface as:

  • AAA – Clean / lightly blemished
  • AA – Moderately blemished
  • A – Heavily blemished

Shape

Pearls of Australia jewellery features all shapes of pearls however there is generally a larger diversity in shape from South Sea Pearls than Akoya Pearls.

Our grading system for both South Sea & Akoya categorises Shape as:

  • RD – Round
  • NR – Near round
  • OV – Oval
  • DR – Drop
  • SD – Semi drop
  • HB – High button
  • BU – Button
  • BQ – Baroque
  • CR – Circle
  • K – Keshi (Seedless Pearl)
  • MB – Mabe (Half Pearl)

Size: Measured in millimetres

South Sea Pearl size usually range from 8 to over 20mm. Australian South Sea Pearls average size is bigger than their Indonesian and Philippines counterparts. Relative proportion and balance come into play here rather than size alone.

Akoya Pearl size ranges from 4mm – 10mm with the average sitting around 6.5-8mm.

Our grading system for both South Sea & Akoya expresses Size as:

millimetres (mm) or momme (3.75g) – which is the Japanese weight measure for pearls and commonly used for the international market.

Colour

Pearls of Australia jewellery only features the natural colours of pearls we grow.

Our grading system for both South Sea & Akoya categorises Colour as:

  • Blue
  • Silver Pink
  • Silver
  • White Pink
  • White
  • Cream (Classic)
  • Champagne
  • Gold

Most Australian South Sea pearls sit on the Silver – White Spectrum whilst Australian Akoya will produce the full range above.

Provenance

Each of our pearls comes from our own pearl farms and are backed with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This certificate contains full transparency around the virtues of the pearl, including its lustre, surface quality, shape, size, colour and purity.

Purity

Pearls are the only gems born of a living organism. All Pearls of Australia pearls are of natural colour and lustre – never undergoing any chemical enhancement or treatment.

Any mechanical or chemical treatment or enhancement applied to a pearl may dramatically affect its structure, aspect and durability and must be disclosed.

How to tell if a pearl is real

Both saltwater and freshwater pearls are genuine but ensure authenticity by purchasing from reputable sources. Pearls of Australia provides a Certificate of Authenticity with every purchase, guaranteeing the pearl’s origin and quality.

 We do have a guide to help you discern whether pearls are real or fake in our article.

It’s important to note that at Pearls of Australia, we only ever sell pearls that we grow at our very own pearl farms and each purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity that highlights the origin, species, and details of that very pearl. By buying a Pearls of Australia jewellery piece you have peace of mind knowing that your pearl is indeed real.

Real vs Fake Pearls

How to care for pearl jewellery

If cared for properly, your Pearls of Australia jewellery will remain as stunning as the day it was purchased. Read about our tips to learn more about taking care of your pearl jewellery.

How to Care for Pearls
  • A woman wears her elegant Seagrass Pearl Necklace featuring Broken Bay (NSW) grown Australian Akoya pearls set on a gold chain.
  • A woman wears her Save the Children Pearl Ring featuring a Cygnet Bay (WA) grown Australian South Sea Mabe pearl set in gold or sterling silver.
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Find the perfect pearls just for you!

south sea pearl jewellery

Our Australian South Sea pearls come from our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm just north of Broome. They are cultured within the Pinctada maxima pearl shell. With pearls featured in the purest of white, this range boasts elegant jewellery pieces in rings, bracelets and pendant necklaces.

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Akoya Pearl Jewellery

Our Akoya pearls Pinctada fucata are cultured at our Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the mouth of the Hawkesbury River just north of Sydney. This range features elegant options of pearl earrings, rings, necklaces and more. With high lustre these pearls are the perfect choice for a more vibrant and beautiful look.

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Why Choose Pearls of Australia for your Pearl Jewellery?

Our collection of Australian-grown pearls offers unparalleled purity, rarity, and provenance. Explore our jewellery selection and use this guide to make an informed decision. Each Pearls of Australia piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring the quality and origin of your pearl.

Now that you’re a pearl expert, we invite you to explore Pearl’s of Australia’s pearl jewellery and discover the perfect piece for you. We encourage you to use our pearl buying guide to make the best decision the next time you purchase a pearl jewellery item.

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A person a rests their hands on their lap, while wearing their stunning pearl ring featuring an Akoya pearl on one finger, and a Mother of pearl ring featuring our Cygnet Bay grown Mother of Pearl shell on another finger.

Find the Perfect Pearl Jewellery for you!

Prefer to talk to one of our Jewellery and Pearl experts before purchasing one of our Australian pearl pieces? They would love to help you in any way, please contact them either by sending an email to hello@pearlsofaustralia.com.au or call (08) 6478 6886.

Contact Us

How To Buy Pearls FAQs

Where can I find reputable pearl retailers in Australia?

Reputable pearl retailers in Australia are typically specialist pearl jewellers and pearl farms that disclose pearl origin, grading standards and treatments. Look for retailers that clearly state where their pearls are sourced from or grown, how they are graded, and whether they can provide certification.

Pearls of Australia is a specialist Australian pearl retailer offering jewellery crafted with pearls grown at our Cygnet Bay and Broken Bay pearl farms in Australia.

Buying from a dedicated pearl jewellery brand like us ensures higher transparency and quality control than general jewellery retailers.

What are the top-rated online stores to buy pearls?

Top-rated online pearl stores are those that focus specifically on pearls, provide detailed production information, and offer authenticity documentation like Certificates of Authenticity. Key trust signals for purchasing online include:

  • Pearl origin disclosure
  • Pearl type disclosure
  • Pearl grading information
  • Certificate of Authenticity
  • Clear photography and details

Pearls of Australia is a leading Australian online destination for Australian-grown pearls set in timeless jewellery designs, with a Certificate of Authenticity included and supporting every purchase.

How much should I expect to pay for high-quality pearls?

The price of high-quality pearls in Australia depends on pearl type, size, lustre, surface, shape and its proof of origin. Typical ranges, as a guide only, include:

Australian-grown saltwater pearls are rarer and typically more valuable than freshwater pearls. They become even more highly valued when the retailer is able to provide the source of the pearls, ie. the pearl farms that the pearls originate from. High-quality pearls should not be priced like costume jewellery, so extremely low prices are often a red flag.

Which pearl brands offer authentic and certified products?

Authentic pearl brands provide traceability, certification and grading transparency. Look for brands that are connected to pearl farms or recognised pearl specialists that understand where their pearls are sourced from.

Pearls of Australia offers certified pearl jewellery backed by a Certificate of Authenticity, so you can purchase with confidence that our products are both authentic and certified.

How do I verify the authenticity of pearls before buying?

To verify pearl authenticity before buying we recommend the following:

  • Check the origin and pearl type is disclosed on the listing of the product and whether it matches the pearl. For example, Australian South Sea pearls should be from Australia and are white or neutral in colour. If someone says a black pearl is an Australian South Sea pearl, they are misinformed or are misinforming you.
  • Ask whether the pearls are natural or cultured, this will help inform whether the retailer understands the difference between the two.
  • Request a Certificate of Authenticity or any proof of origin details and make sure this matches the type of pearl listed.
  • Review the grading information, and ask for a grading guide the retailer or pearl specialist uses.
  • Avoid listings that lack detail or use vague wording.

Pearls of Australia provides Certificates of Authenticity, along with details around the pearl's origin, grade, surface quality and size so you can confidently verify the authenticity of all our saltwater pearls.

Are there any Australian pearl farms that sell directly to consumers?

Yes, some Australian pearl farms and pearl specialists sell directly to consumers through their websites, showrooms or pearl farms. Buying direct from a pearl farm improves traceability and reduces any uncertainty.

Pearls of Australia only sells pearls and pearl jewellery that is connected to our Australian pearl farms. By only selling Australian South Sea pearls from our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm in WA and Australian Akoya pearls from our Broken Bay Pearl Farm in NSW, we ensure direct access to single origin pearls with documented provenance of each one.

How can I tell real pearls from fake pearls?

Real pearls, both natural and cultured, have natural layers of nacre and will vary between each one - no two pearls are alike! Common ways to identify real pearls from fake pearls can include:

  • Surface: Real pearls show slight surface variations, surface blemishes and are not typically uniform.
  • Lustre: Real pearls have a depth in their glow, not a flat shine.
  • Touch: Real pearls feel slightly gritty in texture, and will be cold to touch.
  • Weight: Real pearls feel heavier than most plastic imitations.

The best way to ensure a pearl is real is by buying from a trusted pearl specialist. Pearls of Australia only sells genuine, real pearls set in stunning jewellery designs, each supported with a Certificate of Authenticity.