Pearl Types & Origins
Pearls have been prized for thousands of years, but not all pearls are the same. The species of oyster or mussel, where it's farmed, and how long it's left to grow all shape a pearl's size, colour and lustre. Here's a guide to the four major types of cultured pearl, and how South Sea pearls, AUTORE's own, compare.
How the Pearl Types Compare
| Type | Typical Size | Natural Colours | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Sea | 8–20mm+ | White, silver, gold | Australia, Indonesia |
| Tahitian | 8–16mm | Charcoal, green, aubergine, blue | French Polynesia |
| Akoya | 2–9mm | White, cream, blue-grey | Japan |
| Freshwater | 2–15mm | White, pink, lavender, multi | China |
Why AUTORE MODA Uses Only South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are the rarest of the four: each oyster produces just one pearl at a time, and cultivation takes years rather than months. Every AUTORE MODA piece uses South Sea pearls sourced from the affiliated AUTORE farms in Australia and Indonesia, traceable from farm to finished jewellery.
To understand how we grade quality, read our South Sea Pearl Classification Guide (the AUTORE Five S's™). For a quick FAQ-style summary of the four pearl types, see What Are The Different Types of Pearls? Or explore the collection itself: shop South Sea pearl jewellery.
which pearl is the most valuable?
Each pearl type has its own unique beauty and appeal, but South Sea pearls are recognised as the pinnacle of cultured pearls. Their exceptional size, naturally thick nacre, limited annual production and the years required to cultivate each pearl make them the rarest and most prestigious pearl variety in the world. These qualities are reflected in both their beauty and their enduring value.