What is so special about South Sea pearls?

Fine South Sea Pearls are the superlative pearls, the crème de la crème of pearls, the most coveted and sought-after of all cultivated pearls in the world. They are unique in that they exhibit very high levels of each of the value factors – size, shape, luster/nacre thickness, surface cleanliness and rarity.

Why are South Sea pearls the best?

South Sea pearls are generally much larger than other pearl types and have a unique luster quality – a soft reflection due to the large aragonite platelets that make up the pearl. They also have the thickest average nacre of all cultured pearls. These factors make South Seas both distinctive and valuable.

Are South Sea pearls good quality?

South Sea pearls are the most sought after cultivated pearls in the world. They exhibit the highest levels of perfection in all the value factors – size, shape, surface cleanliness, and luster or nacre thickness.

What does South Sea pearl mean?

South Sea pearls are farmed in salt water and grown in a large oyster shell, the Pinctada maxima. They are mainly produced in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and French Polynesia.

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.

South Sea Pearls Tutorial with GIA Graduate Gemologist Hope Meyer

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.

How can I tell if my South Sea pearl is real?

The first and the easiest way to tell if a pearl is real is by feeling it. When you touch a real pearl, it feels cool and warms up when worn. Fake pearls feel warm, and can be sticky when felt with fingers. A natural pearl has a unique weight.

What colour is the most expensive pearl?

The 22K to 24K Golden tone is a "Very Deep" natural Golden color. Golden South Sea pearls featuring the 22K to 24K hues are the rarest and most valuable (all other factors being equal). Champagne Golden South Sea pearls are very rare. The Champagne color is a mix of very pale, 10K gold, Silver and Rose hues.

What is the rarest pearl color?

Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.

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 pearls?

South Sea Pearls of 9.5 – 10.5 mm sizes are more common. But the smaller Akoya oyster has a hard time producing a pearl as large as 9.5 – 10.5 mm, making these pearls much rarer, hence the higher price. Akoya Pearls are preferred for someone wanting a bright white/pink lustrous strand in this “overlap” size range.

What is the most expensive South Sea pearl?

The color of the Golden South Sea pearl range from a creamy white to deep gold. The deeper the gold, the more expensive this pearl is, as natural (not dyed) gold pearls are rare. For example, a perfect strand of large, deep golden South Sea pearls can go for as much as $100,000.

What is the highest quality pearl?

How do you wear South Sea pearls?

Make sure to wear it on a Monday morning during Shukla Paksh before sunrise. Keep the ring/pendant for 5-10 minutes in the bowl and it can then be immediately taken out of the bowl and cleaned with water and worn on the little finger of the correct hand.

Are yellowed pearls worth anything?

Yellow vs Yellowed Pearls

Pearls come in a range of colors, including yellow and golden. They have been cultivated to acquire this color and are sold as yellow pearls. These pearls are beautiful in their own right and are highly valuable and sought after.

Are old pearls worth anything?

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as pearl type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. So, how much are pearls worth? To keep it short, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.

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.

Why are pearls so special?

Though classified as a gemstone, pearls are extremely unique, largely due to the fact that they are the only gem material formed and found within a living creature. Unlike diamonds, rubies, emeralds and more, pearls require no cutting or polishing before use and are simply stunning the way they naturally form.

Do real pearls burn?

Real Pearls Will Not Burn In Fire

A pearl will not burn or scorch. It also won't give off much of a smell. However, if the imitation pearl is made from glass, wax or plastic, you'll see a scorch mark and it will smell like burning plastic.

What is the best grade of South Sea pearl?

South Sea pearls are famous for their high gloss luster. We have four grades of pearl luster: Very High (AAA), High (AA), Medium (A) and Soft (B). This is the quality of the light reflections from the pearl's surface. Pearls are said to have high, or very high, luster when the reflections are bright and sharp.

Where does South Sea pearls come from?

Golden South Sea Pearls come from the Celebes Sea between Indonesia and The Philippines. The medium-sized 'gold-lipped' Pinctada Maxima oysters native to this particular habitat have a golden mother-of-pearl lip on their shell.

Are Golden South Sea pearls dyed?

Currently, the method can only be found in the South Sea pearls. And some golden South Sea pearls are dyed and even look more beautiful than natural golden ones.

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.