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Cultured · Saltwater

South Sea pearls

The largest of the main cultured pearls. Grown in Pinctada maxima oysters off Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, usually 8 to 18 mm, with thick nacre and a soft, satiny glow.

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Illustration of a typical south sea pearl. Move your pointer to turn the light.

At a glance

WaterSaltwater
MolluskPinctada maxima (silver-lipped oyster)
WhereAustralia, Indonesia and the Philippines
Typical size8 to 18 mm
ShapesRound to baroque
How it startsBead-nucleated; one pearl per oyster
Growing timeOften 2 to 4 years
0 mm5 mm10 mm15 mm20 mm

Typical size range from GIA. See sizes at actual size.

WhiteSilver

South Sea pearls are the largest of the four main cultured pearl types. They grow in the oyster Pinctada maxima, farmed off Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The silver-lipped form of the oyster gives white and silver pearls; the gold-lipped form gives golden South Sea pearls (GIA).

Why South Sea pearls look different

South Sea pearls have exceptionally thick nacre, and that gives them a soft, satiny luster rather than the hard, mirror-like shine of an akoya (GIA). Each oyster grows one bead-nucleated pearl, and growth often takes 2 to 4 years.

Size

GIA gives a typical range of 8 to 18 mm. A 13 mm South Sea pearl is common for this type and would be exceptional for an akoya. See the sizes side by side on the pearl size chart.

White, silver and golden

  • White and silver come from the silver-lipped Pinctada maxima.
  • Golden, from pale champagne to deep gold, comes from the gold-lipped form. See golden South Sea pearls.

Watch for

  • Ask whether the color is natural. Dyed golden South Sea pearls are difficult to identify, so for a golden pearl ask for lab documentation (Jewelry Business).
  • Ask for the same seven value factors you would for any pearl: size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre and matching. See pearl grading.

What people paid for south sea pearls

Real prices readers paid, not estimates. A figure appears only once at least 5 people have reported the same kind of piece, and we never show individual reports.

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Tahitian vs South Sea pearls Akoya vs South Sea pearls

Frequently asked questions

What are South Sea pearls?

Saltwater cultured pearls from the Pinctada maxima oyster, grown off Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are the largest of the main cultured pearl types.

How big are South Sea pearls?

Typically 8 to 18 mm, according to GIA.

Why do South Sea pearls look softer than akoyas?

Their nacre is exceptionally thick, which gives a soft, satiny luster rather than a sharp, mirror-like one.

How long do South Sea pearls take to grow?

Often 2 to 4 years, with one pearl per oyster (GIA).

Questions from readers

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. How we check our facts.