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The Perfect Pearls
Pearl StudioFreshwater pearlsAkoya pearlsTahitian pearlsSouth Sea pearlsSee all: TypesWhite pearlsPink pearlsPurple and lavender pearlsPeach pearlsSee all: ColorsHow to tell if pearls are realReal or fake checkerFake pearlsSee all: Real or fake?Pearl gradingQuality checkerHow much are pearls worth?See all: Quality & valueHow to clean pearlsPearl size chartNecklace lengthsSee all: Care & wearPearl StudioGuess the PearlSee all: Play

Pearl types compared

Six side-by-side comparisons of the pearl types people ask about most. Each one covers size, color, luster, where the pearls come from and typical price, so you can see which suits your budget and style.

All comparisons

The four main types in brief

Type Typical size Common colors Price
Freshwater 2-12 mm White, pink, lavender Lowest
Akoya 2-10 mm (most 6-9 mm) White, cream, silver-blue Moderate
Tahitian 8-14 mm Dark gray, green, peacock Higher
South Sea 9-20 mm White, silver, gold Highest

Sizes and prices overlap, and quality (luster, surface, shape and matching) affects price as much as type does.

Natural vs cultured

Almost all pearls sold today are cultured: a farmer starts the pearl, and the oyster or mussel grows it. Natural pearls form without help, are very rare and are mostly found in antique jewelry.

How to compare two strands

Look at them side by side in daylight. Good luster shows sharp reflections. Check for spots or dents, how round each pearl is and how well they match along the strand. Ask the seller for the pearl type, size range and any treatments in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Which pearls are the most valuable?

Large, round South Sea and Tahitian pearls with high luster usually cost the most. Natural pearls are rarer still.

Are freshwater pearls real pearls?

Yes. They are real cultured pearls grown in freshwater mussels, mostly in China.