珍珠种类

珍珠的培育方法是将供体牡蛎的一小块外套膜组织插入寄主牡蛎的外套膜组织中。寄主牡蛎随后被放置在农场或泻湖中，在那里被精心照料，直到珍珠长大成熟，这可能需要长达两年的时间。然后收获珍珠，并根据其大小、形状、颜色和质量进行分类。与其他类型的珍珠相比，海水珍珠的培育过程更复杂、更耗时，这也是海水珍珠价值更高的原因之一。

海水珍珠养殖通常被认为是可持续且合乎道德的。珍珠养殖场通常与环境和谐相处，采用环保的养殖方式，为当地经济做出贡献。然而，重要的是要选择来自信誉良好、遵守道德和环境标准的海水珍珠首饰，并避免购买通过非法或不道德手段获得的珍珠。

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a pearl, including its lustre, surface quality, size, shape, and colour. High quality pearls will have a bright, reflective lustre and few surface imperfections. They will also be relatively uniform in size and shape, with a round or near-round shape being the most highly valued.

Pinctada maxima is the larger of the two pearl shell species, grown at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, and produces the large and rare Australian South Sea pearl. Pincatada fucata is smaller, produces the Australian Akoya pearl and are grown at our Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Together, the two pearl species give you access to our range of Saltwater Australian-grown pearls.

We cultivate two pearl species: Pinctada maxima, grown at our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm which produces the Australian South Sea pearl and the Pinctada fucata, grown at our Broken Bay Pearl Farm and produces the Australian Akoya pearl.

Growing both pearl species across two separate pearl farms lets us offer the full spectrum of Australian Saltwater pearls, all single-origin and farm direct.

Beyond traditional round and drop shaped Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls, peral shell can produce a number of distinctive natural formations and materials that offer completely different textures, shapes and jewellery possibilities.

Keshi pearls are unnucleated pearls formed entirely from nature. Without a round nucleus determining their shape, Keshi pearls develop organically, resulting in highly individual forms and beautiful lustre. Because they are composed of 100% nacre, no two Keshi pearls are ever the same.

Mabe pearls, also known as blister pearls, are cultivated against the inner shell of the pearl shell. This produces their hemispherical shape and flatter side, making Mabe pearls particularly well suited to earrings, rings, and pendants that sit comfortably against the wearer.

Mother of Pearl refers to the nacre lining of the pearl shell itself. Carefully cut and polished, Mother of Pearl can be used for jewellery, cufflinks, inlays and other accessories, showcasing the same naturally iridescent material responsible for forming a pearl.

Together, Keshi pearls, Mabe pearls and Mother of Pearl demonstrate just how diverse pearl-producing pearl species can be beyond the classic round pearl.

Understanding the different Australian pearl species and types of pearl can help you choose a piece that suits your style.

Australian South Sea pearls are generally larger, often beginning around 10mm and reaching 15mm or more. Their stunning lustre and cale make them particularly suited to statement jewellery and gifting for milestone moments.

Australian Akoya pearls are typically smaller, around 6-9mm, with a bright lustre. Their refined proportions make them ideal for classic pearl studs, delicate pendants and jewellery designed for everyday wear.

Keshi pearls offer something more organic and individual, with free-form shapes that lend themselves to contemporary designs.

Mabe pearls provide a larger visual presence while sitting relatively flush against the body, making them an accessible way to wear a statement pearl.

There is no single "best" pearl type, each offers a different balance of size, shape, lustre and personality. Explore our Choosing Your Pearl guide to learn more about selecting the right pearl for you.