How can you tell a South Sea pearl?

Almost universally described by pearlers as “satiny” in look, the South Sea pearl's luster is softer in appearance than that of the Japanese Akoya Pearls. South Sea pearls radiate a gorgeous “glow” that appears to emanate from within, rather than the harder “mirror-like shine” that Akoya pearls are famous for.

How do you know if you have South Sea pearls?

The main identifier for South Sea pearls is their size. They are larger than any other pearls because they are grown in the largest genus of oyster, the Pinctada Maxima. Their size usually ranges from 8-20mm, although they can grow much larger if they are given more time.

How can you tell the difference between Freshwater pearls and South Sea pearls?

How do you identify sea pearls?

Rub the pearls to check surface feel

Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.

Are South Sea pearls valuable?

South Sea pearls are considered the most valuable. They are also the largest pearl variety on the market. A strand of South Sea pearls can range from $1,000 to over $100,000.

South Sea Pearls Tutorial with GIA Graduate Gemologist Hope Meyer

What is the best color of South Sea pearl?

The overall value of these pearls is higher than akoya or Tahitian, and very comparable to white South Sea pearls. The deepest golden color, often referred to as 24 karat, is considered the most valuable color of all South Sea pearls.

What is the price of South sea pearls?

South sea pearls price per carat ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 per carat Plus.

What is the difference between Akoya and South sea pearl?

The average nacre of an Akoya pearl is between 0.35mm to 0.7mm, whereas the nacre of a South Sea pearl measures 2mm to 6mm. This unusual thickness is what gives the South Sea pearl a unique sheen that is often perceived to be soft and captivating.

Are saltwater pearls worth anything?

Natural Saltwater Pearls come from the Pinctada radiata and Pinctada margaritifera varieties and are native to the Arabian Gulf. These natural pearls are incredibly rare and their value can vary significantly from US$500 to over US$2,000 per pearl.

How can you test if a pearl is real?

Simply take the pearl, and gently rub it along the surface of your tooth. If the pearls are real, you'll feel a grittiness similar to sandpaper. In other words, there will be a great deal of friction. If the pearls are fake, on the other hand, it will feel smooth as with plastic or glass.

Can you see your reflection in real pearls?

High quality pearls will have a strong, bright and clear luster and will shine, almost like the light is coming from within, when light hits them. With lustrous pearls, you can usually see your own reflection.

Can you see your reflection in fake pearls?

Fake pearls usually feel smooth, while real ones will feel a little rough or gritty. Check the luster of the pearl as well. High-quality real pearls are bright, shiny, and reflective, while fake ones may appear duller.

Do South Sea pearls have flaws?

Damaging and Non-Damaging Blemishes

It's important to remember that some blemishes won't detract from the beauty or value of a pearl, and this is particularly true with South Sea pearls. That's because it takes these pearls 2 to 3 years to develop, and flawless or slightly flawed South Sea pearls are extremely rare.

Why South Sea pearls have different colors?

Common South Sea Pearls Colors

South Sea Pearls colors come in a variety of five hues. Each is associated with the specific oyster beds from which they are produced.

Which is more expensive Akoya pearl or South Sea pearl?

SHAPE – Round, Off Round, Baroque

Fine South Sea Baroque Pearls are much more valuable and desirable than Baroque Akoya Pearls.

Why is South Sea pearl expensive?

Because South Sea Pearls form over longer periods of time, they are more costly to cultivate. For this reason, there are a limited number of South Sea pearl farms, making the truly prized South Seas exceptionally rare. Not all cultured pearls are good enough to become Assael pearls.

What color pearl is the most valuable?

The larger size makes South Sea pearls and black pearls the most valuable type of pearl. On Mikimoto's website, this strand of South Sea cultured pearls is selling for $32,000. The other notable difference between pearl types is the color.

What is the price of 1 gram pearl?

The cost of 1 gram A-grade freshwater pearl can be as low as INR 40. The cost of 1-gram highest quality freshwater pearl (AAA) is about INR 250.

Is South Sea pearl natural?

Natural Pearl Colors: Golden and White South Sea pearls are admired around the world for their totally natural, organic beauty. Their body colors are completely natural and stunning without any color-treatments or dyes of any kind.

Which country is best to buy pearls?

Japan is the acknowledged leader in Akoya pearl production – known to produce the best, most consistently beautiful Akoya pearls in the world.

Are Tahitian pearls the same as South Sea pearls?

South Sea pearls are naturally delicate pastel in hue and color. They range from being soft white to creamy champagne and pink. Tahitian pearls, on the different side of the spectrum, are bold and dramatic, since the natural color is black.

How do you tell if a pearl is natural or cultured?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth.

Are real pearls heavy or light?

Real pearls are heavy compared to most fakes. They should feel like they have some weight to them, compared to a hollow plastic bead. The surface will feel gritty. Gently rub two pearls in a strand together.

How can you tell real pearls from vinegar?

The vinegar test is exactly what it sounds like. The acetic acid in vinegar will react with the calcium carbonate in the nacre of the pearl. Put a drop of vinegar on the pearl or submerge the pearl in a small cup of vinegar. If you can see bubbles forming from the reaction, your pearls are authentic.