Pearl Type

Pearls come in many types and varieties, each shapes by the pearl species, water conditions, and environment in which they grow.

Understanding pearl types helps you identify the qualities that make each one unique.

The most well-known include:

South Sea pearls: Grown in Australia (like at our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm), Indonesia, and the Philippines, these are some of the largest and rarest pearls in the world. Their thick nacre and stunning lustre make them highly prized by collectors.

Akoya pearls: Cultivated mainly in Japan and Australia, like our Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Akoya pearls are known for their mirror-like lustre and variety of colours. They're the classic choice for Akoya pearl stud earrings and other refined akoya pearl jewellery.

Tahitian pearls: Produce by the Black Lip Pearl Oyster, these pearl display natural dark hues ranging from charcoal to peacock green.

Freshwater pearls: Grown primarily in lakes and rivers, they come in a wide range of shapes and colours. When comparing the difference between Akoya and freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls with typically better lustre, while freshwater pearls provide variety and affordability.

Keshi pearls: Formed with no nucleus, as a by-product of the cultured pearl farming process, keshi pearls re known for their organic shapes and beautiful nacre. They are considered one of the more rare types of pearls.

Mabe pearls: A type of half-pearl grown against the shell interior, ideal for bold rings and earrings.

Our Provenance and Eternal collections feature both our Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls side by side, so you can see the difference between our precious gems set in unique designs.

Each pearl type has its own story and value. To learn more about pearls, visit our Pearls of Wisdom article.

Pearls are naturally formed gemstones, and their colour and variety are influenced by the species, growing environment and water conditions. Understanding pearl colours and varieties helps explain why certain pearls pair so beautifully with specific metals, particularly white gold.

Australian-grown pearls are celebrated for their natural lustre and nuanced tones, ranging from soft white and silver to more warm, golden hues. Cooler pearl tones are especially enhanced by white gold and sterling silver settings, which reflect light without overwhelming the pearl's surface. Different pearl varieties also have distinct characteristics:

Australian South Sea pearls are known for their larger size, stunning lustre and subtle colour variations.

Akoya pearls are prized for their variety of colours, from blue, to silver, golden to pink, with high lustre and a smaller size.

When selecting jewellery, consider how the pearl colour interact with the metal. To explore how pearl colour, shape, and material selection influence jewellery design, visit our How to Choose Your Pearl Guide, where we share the different types, sizes, shapes, colours and grades of our pearls.

South Sea pearls:

• Among the largest cultured pearls worldwide
• Grown within the Pinctada maxima pearl shell
• Thick nacre, giving them a soft, elegant glow
• Cultivated at our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm in Western Australia
• Rarer and often more valuable due to their longer cultivation times
• Ideal for statement pieces and heirloom jewellery

Akoya pearls:

• Smaller, and high in lustre
• Grown within the Pinctada fucata pearl shell
• Traditionaly cultivated in Japan, and also in Broken Bay Pearl Farm (NSW)
• A favourite for classic strands and everyday Akoya pearl jewellery
• More accessible in price compared to South Sea pearls, making them perfect for gifting

In short, South Sea pearls embody larger size and whiter tones while Akoya pearls offer a variety of colours and intense lustre. Both are saltwater pearls, but the species and environments to cultivate these pearls are different.

Luxury jewellery brands carefully select pearl types based on rarity, lustre and origin. While all pearls are naturally unique, certain varieties and pearl types and more synonymous with high-end jewellery due to their exceptional quality.

Australian South Sea pearls are among the most coveted in luxury jewellery, prized for their large size, high lustre and natural white, silver and golden hues. Australian Akoya pearls are equally iconic, celebrated for their bright lustre and variety of colours. Tahitian pearls, with their naturally dark and iridescent tones, are favoured for statement designs, while Freshwater pearls offer versatility.

At Pearls of Australia, we focus on pearl types that reflect our commitment to provenance, quality and responsible farming. Each pearl used in our jewellery is selected for its natural beauty and connection to place: From the pristine Kimberley waters that product our Australian South Sea pearls to the lower Hawkesbury River, where our Australian Akoya pearls are carefully cultivated.

Choosing the right pearl type is more than appearance, it's about how the pearl tells a story that will endure for generations.