What is South Sea pearl?

South Sea pearls are the rarest of all the types of pearls. They are cultivated in saltwater and have thicker nacre layers than any other pear, averaging around 2-4mm thick. Like most saltwater oysters, they are bead nucleated. Their growth period is 2-4 years, about double that of Akoya pearls.

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.

What is so special about South Sea pearls?

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.

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.

Where do 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.

The Story of the Golden South Sea Pearl

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 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 freshwater pearls and South Sea pearls?

Freshwater pearls are primarily farmed in China. They grow in a mussel, as opposed to the oyster of the South Sea pearl. Freshwater pearls naturally grow in the Margaritifera mussel, which can live for over 200 years, however these are now endangered.

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.

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 highest quality pearl?

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.

Which Colour pearl is best?

The most classic and widely preferred pearl color is white. The white pearl is considered a symbol of purity, and is often associated with wedding and graduation celebrations.

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.

Which is better freshwater or saltwater pearls?

Saltwater pearls have a more brilliant shine and luster than freshwater pearls and are more expensive. Pearl facts: After implanting the seed pearl, oysters are tended to by divers as they grow. The color of the pearl depends mainly on the color of the oyster shell itself.

Which country pearl is best?

China is the leading source for freshwater cultured pearls. Cultured pearls from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, are grown in the Pinctada Maxima mollusk.

What are fake pearls called?

Fake pearls are also called “faux”, “costume” or “imitation”. They can be made of glass, plastic, or fish-scale imitations. For example, "majorica pearls" are a form of fake pearls. There is nothing in them that rightly allow them to be called pearls.

Are pearls from the Philippines real?

The Philippines are a traditional source of natural pearls and shells. The Badjao people are well known for their diving skills and the search for rare natural pearls. At present, cultured pearl farming is important. The Philippines are known as an important source of golden South Sea pearls.

Which pearl is best for astrology?

Astrologically, Japanese Pearls or South Sea Pearls should be worn for best results. Among these, South Sea Pearls are the most popular owing to their good quality & affordability.

Are old pearls worth anything?

The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place to sell them and you won't get much from a jeweller or by putting them on eBay. Our advice is to keep them as a memento or give them to someone who'll appreciate them.

How do you take care of a South Sea pearl?

Store pearl jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth to protect it from rubbing against harder gems or abrasive objects. Occasionally clean your pearls gently with a cloth dipped in alcohol diluted with warm water or in mild soapy water. Rinse the cloth in fresh water and wipe pearls clean.

What is Baby South Sea pearl?

Active member. There's no such thing as baby South Sea pearls. You have freshwater pearls from China. On the plus side, they are natural colors and the price was good, so enjoy them!

Where is the best South Sea pearls?

Golden Pearls are From the Philippines: Golden-lipped p. maxima pearl oysters can be and are found in Australia and throughout the South China seas. But the very finest examples of Golden South Sea pearls are known to come from the chain of islands in the Philippines.