A Guide To The Different Types of Pearls

Women and men who spend time searching for pearl jewelry will soon find that a pearl is never just a pearl.  Not only is there a myriad of pearl terminology to learn, but there are also different pearl origins. Also, every single pearl is unique and no two are exactly alike.  For a person looking for pearl jewelry, the differences can be undeniably confusing. To help women and men find the perfect pearl for their budget, we’ve created a handy guide to the different types of pearls.  We hope that our guide to pearls will help clear the muddy waters of pearl purchasing.

Freshwater Pearls

Price: $

Rarity: Most common type of pearl

Origin: Freshwater pearls are the most common and affordable pearls due to the way they are grown. The pearls are cultured in different places in the world in freshwater (lakes, rivers and ponds) using mussels. Freshwater pearls are generally mantle-nucleated, meaning that a tiny piece of a mussel shell is inserted into another mussel to begin the pearl-making process in which the nacre is formed around the inserted mantle.

Saltwater Pearls: Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian

Akoya Pearls

Price: $$

Rarity: Less common than freshwater, more common than South Sea & Tahitian pearls

Origin: Akoya pearls are the most affordable saltwater pearl. The akoya pearl comes from the akoya oyster and was first harvested in Japan, although now much of the harvesting is done in China as well, with only the large akoya pearls originating in Japan. It is the most affordable saltwater pearl, and has a more impressive luster than freshwater pearls.

South Sea Pearls

Price: $$$

Rarity: Very Rare

Origin: Golden and White South Sea pearls are saltwater pearls that are grown inside oysters between the southern coast of China and the northern coast of Australia. Due to the large size of the South Sea oyster, the resulting pearls are the largest of all saltwater pearls. South Sea pearls are also more expensive because the oyster can only grow one pearl at a time, and takes longer to create the pearl than do Akoya oysters or Freshwater mussels.

Black Tahitian Pearls

Price: $$$

Rarity: Very Rare

Origin: Black Tahitian pearls (as pictured in the necklace at top) are grown solely in French Polynesian salt water, and are considered to be the most beautiful pearls in the world. The oyster that produces the Tahitian pearl is very large – around 10 inches across – and is very delicate, which is why the Tahitian pearls are rare and the price is so high.  Tahitian black pearl jewelry is extremely desirable, although the ‘black’ label is a bit of a misnomer: Tahitian black pearls come in shades ranging from dark green to gray to purple to chocolate.

We hope our guide to pearl types has given you some insight into the pricing and value of the different kinds of pearls available. Apples of Gold proudly carries pearl jewelry to suit any budget and taste, from freshwater and Akoya to the coveted South Sea and Black Tahitian pearls.

Pearl Earrings for Your Wedding Day

Other than diamonds, pearls are the most popular gem for wedding day jewelry. Not only are pearls beautiful and one of a kind, they have also long symbolized qualities that embody a woman on her wedding day. Since they have been used in fine jewelry for thousands of years, pearls have come to symbolically represent virtue, purity and beauty. They are also often used as a representation for faith since the Bible refers to religion as a pearl. For these reasons, choosing a gorgeous piece of pearl jewelry is perfectly befitting a bride.

Since most brides are already wearing their engagement ring on their wedding day (and will soon also be wearing a wedding band), additional ring jewelry is not commonly worn as a bridal accessory.  Although this convention has been challenged with the adorable trend of bridal cocktail rings, pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings are still far more common bridal accessories than pearl rings. We love the look of wedding day pearls and want to highlight some of our favorite options for pearl bridal jewelry. This week we’re focusing on the timeless pearl earring, which we think perfectly frames the face of a glowing bride.

Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Opera Dangle Earrings

When it comes to pearls, a Tahitian black pearl is the rarest and most coveted. For women infusing their wedding with vintage glamour, this pair of opera dangle earrings is sheer perfection. Just make sure to pair them with very simple additional accessories to let them take center stage and shine.

10 mm White Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings

These pearl and diamond drop earrings (pictured at top) are the ultimate classic. They could have been worn in the 1940s or 50s and have looked just as stunning and apropos as they would on today’s modern bride.  Even better, they are the kind of earring that can be dressed up or down and taken just about anywhere. When making a jewelry investment, wearability is a key influencer in the  item’s worth; precisely why this gorgeous pair of earrings is worth every cent.

Golden Pearl and Sapphire Earrings

Two golden South Sea pearls dangle alluringly from a clean row of amber colored sapphires in this lovely pair of earrings. Though this is the same design as the earrings above, they make an entirely different statement in the warm hue. The amber sapphires and golden pearls make these earrings an ideal choice for a cozy autumn wedding.

South Sea Pearl Diamond Pave Stud Earrings

These stunning little studs are perfectly ladylike. They would be absolutely lovely paired with a bateau neckline wedding gown or other high-neck creation, or worn as a set with a pretty white pearl necklace.  Like the white pearl and diamond drop earrings, this is one piece of jewelry that can be worn with anything and will stand the test of time.

Anniversary Gemstone Gifts

If your anniversary is around the corner and you are still wondering what to give, go with a gift that she’s guaranteed to love: a beautiful piece of jewelry. Forget the boring etiquette anniversary suggestions – who wants paper for their anniversary? Instead, buy jewelry according to the gemstone anniversary gifting guide. We have summarized the important anniversaries with their corresponding gemstones, and also have a few pretty gift suggestions for each. That’s right – we did all the hard work, all you have to do is take credit and reap the rewards.

First Anniversary: Peridot

Peridot is a beautiful green stone that compliments most skin stones beautifully. Its striking color makes it a popular stone for cocktail rings. Take a peek at a round peridot and diamond cocktail ring, or go big with a large peridot emerald-cut statement ring.

Fifth Anniversary: Sapphire

Sapphire is usually thought of only as a dark blue stone, but it also comes in a pretty pink color. Treat your wife with a gift of classic sapphire and diamond stud earrings or add some sparkle to her wrist with a stylish pink sapphire watch.

Tenth Anniversary: Diamonds

For a ten year anniversary, commemorate your love with diamonds. A beautiful tennis bracelet is the perfect pick. Watch her eyes light up when she sees a stylish and unique bracelet encrusted with white and chocolate colored diamonds.

Twentieth Anniversary: Emerald

Emerald symbolizes faith, love and hope. It’s the perfect gemstone for an anniversary that fondly looks back at years of history together as well as forward to the hope of many more to come. Consider a pair of emerald-cut emerald earrings surrounded by a halo of diamonds. These earrings marry the symbols of love and hope with the symbol of forever – a very romantic promise and perfect gift.

Thirtieth Anniversary: Pearl

Commemorate 30 years of marriage with pearls. If she loves earrings, a set of diamond pearl-drop earrings will thrill her. For women who prefer necklaces, a stunning Tahitian black and South Sea white pearl necklace will be her new favorite piece.

Fortieth Anniversary: Ruby

Rubies are symbols of devotion and desire. A ruby and white gold flowered cross necklace can symbolize your wedding day vows.  For a non-religious gift, a ruby and gold ring in an antique setting is a beautiful alternative.

Fiftieth Anniversary: Gold

After 50 years of marriage, honor your Golden Anniversary with – what else – gold.  A solid gold mesh necklace is a substantial piece of jewelry that she can wear with almost anything, and a gorgeous solid gold rosary is a keepsake to pass down through generations.