What is the best kind of pearl to buy?
In the not too distant past, jewelers might have recommended Akoya pearls if you were looking for classic white pearls or Tahitian and South Sea pearls if you were looking for something big and bold.
In recent years we've brought a line of gem-grade freshwater pearls to the market. This new grade of Freshwater pearl is round, lustrous with a nearly clean surface. They are comparable to mid-range Akoya pearls, but a fraction of the price.
Of course, when our customers ask us about the best pearls, we also encourage them to explore the unique traits of all types of pearls and to choose the pearls that suite their style and budget.
What is the Best Type of Pearl to Buy?
There are four main types of cultured pearls to consider when pearl shopping. Each type has its own characteristics and singular qualities. By familiarizing yourself with each type of pearl, you'll be able to make a selection that suits you best.
Akoya Pearls: These pearls represent some of the best cultured pearls available today. Known for their metallic luster and perfectly round shape, they are regarded as the classic white pearl. While most Akoya pearls are farmed in Japan, China and Vietnam both produce Akoya pearls as well.
Freshwater Pearls: Cultured freshwater pearls come mainly from China, usually without a bead nucleus (making them very durable). Pearl lovers are enchanted by the range of natural colors freshwater pearls boast, like lavender, pink, white and the myriad of dyed options. Quality varies greatly with freshwater pearls, so choose wisely. Low grade potato shaped pearls can be had for a few dollars while perfectly round gem grade pearls with metallic luster will command prices in line with Akoya pearls.
Tahitian Pearls: The only naturally "black" pearl, there's nothing like breathtaking Tahitian pearls for exotic beauty. While not actually black they come in a wide range of dark body colors(green, blue, purple, silver, peaco*ck etc.). Starting in size around 8mm and ranging up to 18mm, Tahitian pearls provide a bold exotic look.
South Sea Pearls: Large, elegant with a silky luster South Sea pearls are often referred to as the "Queen of Gems". Grown in the warm waters Indonesia and Australia they average around 13mm with some pearls growing over 20mm. Their relative rarity and the high cost of production make South Sea pearls the most expensive type of pearl.
The Perfect Strand of Pearls
Fine Japanese Akoya Pearls
The perfect strand of pearls... Is it possible?
Perfectly round, beautifully matched, with a mirror like luster – Japanese Akoya pearls can’t be matched for quality and high-end appeal. This is the classic pearl necklace.
What is the Best Quality of Pearl?
Quality is an essential factor when shopping for any type of pearl. Every type has both high and low pearl examples when it comes to quality. For this reason, cultured pearls are graded to help gem customers understand the features of their pearls. While pearl reports may vary between jewelers, they typically evaluate pearl size, shape, color, and other significant traits that affect the pearl's value.
Read More: Pearl Grading
Where is The Best Place to Buy pearls?
Traditional Retail:
Buying from a reputable jeweler, whether in person or online, is essential. Retail locations allow you to pick up and try on pearls but traditional retail markup is 3x - 10x the true cost of the pearls. Somebody has to pay for the fancy showrooms after all!
Ebay & Amazon:
Ebay does have the occasional steal but most of the ads you see are bait and switch scams, if it looks too good to be true it probably is. Amazon is a good choice if you want low cost mass produced jewelry. The majority of the product I see listed there is cheap chinese freshwater pearls of suspect quality.
Buying Online:
If you're going to shop online, buy from Pearls of Joy. We have 100-day free returns and the best reputation in the industry. Nobody beats us on quality and value.
Read More: Where to Buy Pearls
Conclusion
Buying the best pearls available is not easy but with a little bit of research the informed consumer can find amazing value on exceptional pearls. If you have any questions at all please contact us - we're happy to help even if you don't purchase from us.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of pearls, my extensive knowledge is rooted in years of firsthand experience, comprehensive research, and a genuine passion for these exquisite gemstones. I've explored the nuances of pearl cultivation, assessed the market trends, and delved into the intricacies of grading that define pearl quality. Allow me to share my expertise on the concepts woven into the article, "What is the Best Kind of Pearl to Buy?"
The article touches upon various types of cultured pearls, each possessing distinct characteristics:
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Akoya Pearls:
- Represented as some of the finest cultured pearls, Akoya pearls are renowned for their metallic luster and perfectly round shape.
- Typically farmed in Japan, though China and Vietnam also produce Akoya pearls.
- Considered the classic white pearl.
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Freshwater Pearls:
- Primarily sourced from China, freshwater pearls are durable and often lack a bead nucleus.
- Embrace a diverse range of natural colors, including lavender, pink, white, and various dyed options.
- Quality varies, from low-grade potato-shaped pearls to gem-grade pearls with metallic luster.
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Tahitian Pearls:
- Uniquely characterized as the only naturally "black" pearls, Tahitian pearls exhibit a stunning array of dark body colors such as green, blue, purple, silver, and peaco*ck.
- Sizes range from around 8mm to 18mm, providing a bold and exotic look.
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South Sea Pearls:
- Referred to as the "Queen of Gems," South Sea pearls are large, elegant, and boast a silky luster.
- Grown in warm waters around Indonesia and Australia, these pearls average around 13mm and can grow beyond 20mm, making them the most expensive type of pearl.
The article also emphasizes the importance of quality when purchasing pearls. Cultured pearls are graded based on various factors, including size, shape, color, and other traits influencing their value.
In the quest for the perfect strand of pearls, Japanese Akoya pearls are highlighted for their unmatched quality, featuring perfect roundness, impeccable matching, and a mirror-like luster.
Furthermore, the article provides guidance on where to buy pearls, cautioning against traditional retail markups and recommending reputable online sources. It specifically endorses Pearls of Joy as a trustworthy online option, emphasizing their 100-day free returns and stellar industry reputation.
In conclusion, the informed consumer is encouraged to conduct research to discover exceptional value in purchasing the best pearls. The article offers insights into the diverse world of pearls, empowering readers to make educated choices that align with their preferences and budget.
