This lustrous stone represents purity, peace, and loyalty. In Greek mythology, pearls were thought to be the tears of joy of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Pearls are said to bring love, light, and good fortune. They are symbolic of wisdom acquired through experience and inspire introspection. Pearls are also associated with sacral, solar plexus, and crown chakras – this association helps in the restoration of the natural rhythm of the body. Pearls primarily come from China but are also found in Japan, French Polynesia, and Australia. There are several different types of pearls, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Here are a few of the most popular types of pearls:
Freshwater pearls: Freshwater pearls are pearls that are grown in freshwater mussels, typically found in lakes, rivers, and ponds. They are considered to be a less expensive option compared to other types of pearls like Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls. They tend to be less expensive than other types of pearls and are a great option for those on a budget.
One of the most unique characteristics of freshwater pearls is that they can be found in a wide range of colors such as white, cream, pink, lavender, peach, and even purple. They also have a variety of shapes, from perfectly round to off-round, button, and baroque. The shape and color variations make them a popular choice for jewelry designers and customers alike.
In terms of size, freshwater pearls are typically smaller than other types of pearls, but they can be found in a wide range of sizes, from 2mm to 12mm.
Akoya pearls: Akoya pearls are a type of saltwater pearl that are grown in the Pinctada fucata oyster, also known as the Akoya oyster, which is found in the waters off Japan, China, and other parts of Asia. They are considered to be the classic pearl and have been cultivated for over 100 years.
Akoya pearls are known for their high luster and round shape, which makes them very popular among pearl enthusiasts. They come in a variety of colors such as white, cream, pink, and silver. The most common and classic color is white. Their size can range from 2mm to 10mm, with the average size being around 6mm, which makes them perfect for a wide range of jewelry designs.
In terms of value, Akoya pearls are considered to be less expensive than other types of pearls such as South Sea and Tahitian pearls, but they are still considered to be a luxury item and can be quite expensive.
Tahitian pearls: Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls, are a type of saltwater pearl that are grown in the Pinctada margaritifera oyster, which is found in the waters around French Polynesia, particularly in the islands of Tahiti. They are considered to be one of the most unique and exotic types of pearls.
Tahitian pearls are known for their unique colors, which can range from black to grey, green, and purple. They are usually larger in size than other types of pearls, with sizes ranging from 8mm to 16mm. Unlike other types of pearls, they can be found in a variety of shapes including round, oval, drop, and baroque.
In terms of value, Tahitian pearls are considered to be more expensive than other types of pearls such as Akoya and freshwater pearls. They are considered to be a luxury item due to their unique colors, rarity, and the fact that they are mostly hand-picked.
South Sea pearls: South Sea pearls are a type of saltwater pearl that are grown in the Pinctada maxima oyster, which is found in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are considered to be the most valuable and rarest of all pearl types.
South Sea pearls are known for their large size, high luster, and unique colors, which can range from white, silver, gold, and pink. They are usually larger than other types of pearls, with sizes ranging from 9mm to 20mm, and some can even reach sizes as large as 25mm. They are usually round or near-round in shape, making them highly sought after by pearl enthusiasts.
In terms of value, South Sea pearls are considered to be the most expensive of all pearl types due to their large size, high luster, unique colors, and rarity. They are considered to be a luxury item and a status symbol.
Keshi pearls: Keshi pearls, also known as seed pearls, are a type of pearl that are not grown inside a mollusk, but rather they are a byproduct of pearl cultivation. They are formed when a small piece of pearl nucleus is accidentally released from the mollusk, and then it starts to grow on its own, forming a pearl without a shell.
Keshi pearls are unique in that they can be found in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They can be round, oval, button-shaped, baroque, or irregular in shape. They can also be found in a variety of colors such as white, cream, pink, gold, and black.
Keshi pearls are considered to be more unique and rare than other types of pearls, because of the accidental way they are formed. They are also considered to be more valuable than other types of pearls, due to their unique shape, color, and rarity.
Cultured Pearls: Man-made pearls, also known as cultured pearls, are pearls that are created through human intervention. The process of creating man-made pearls is similar to that of natural pearls, but it is done in a controlled environment, rather than in the wild.
Man-made pearls are created by inserting a small bead or piece of tissue into the oyster or mussel. The mollusk then secretes a substance called nacre around the bead or tissue, creating a pearl.
Man-made pearls are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, and can be found at a variety of price points. They can be created in a laboratory or in a farm, and they can be found in different types of mollusk. They are considered to be less expensive than natural pearls, but still considered a luxury item.
In terms of quality, man-made pearls can vary widely, some are of high quality and have a good luster, roundness, and minimal blemishes, while others may not be of the same quality.
Each type of pearl has its own unique beauty and characteristics, and it's important to consider the type of pearl that best suits your preferences and budget. Keep in mind that as pearls are a natural product, there might be slight variations in color, shape and size from pearl to pearl.
