Japanese Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are the traditional classic from Japan, harvested from saltwater oysters. They usually have a diameter between 2 mm to 9 mm. These pearls are of a high quality; they are usually very round and have a high luster. Although similar in appearance to freshwater pearls, when compared side-by-side, the higher quality of Akoya pearls is obvious.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are an affordable and attractive alternative to Akoya pearls. Most Freshwater pearls come from China, where freshwater mussels are harvested many times, yielding several pearls at a time. BrightDiamond.com has taken great care to select only those freshwater pearls that are mostly round and with a good luster. Jewelry set with Freshwater pearls are an outstanding value.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are of the highest quality cultured pearl used in fine jewelry. Mostly harvested in Australia, the oysters used to produce South Sea pearls are much larger than the oysters used for Akoya pearls. The pearl produced is larger as well, between 9 mm to 15 mm. The best South Sea pearls are white with silver overtones that make your jewelry seem to shimmer.
Mabe
Mabe pearls are dome-shaped pearls cultivated on the inner shell of a mollusk rather than in its body, creating a flat side that is used to fasten to jewelry. Mabe pearls offer a unique look, especially when set in a pendant that allows the pearl to show its true shape. The pearls have a good luster and are usually quite large in size, between 10 mm and 20 mm.
Tahitian Pearls (Black Pearls)
Tahitian pearls offer an exotic black color with a high luster. Farmed in French Polynesia, the black-lipped oyster that gives the pearl its color is usually larger than the oysters used to produce Akoya pearls. The pearl produced is usually larger as well, with a size of up to 13 mm. The beautiful luster of Tahitian pearls contains grey-black and greenish overtones that create a wonderful play of color on the surface of the pearl, defying the mere description of "black."
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