Pearl Guide | Genuine Pearls

Pearls are one of the world's oldest and most valued natural materials in jewelry.

Unlike most gemstones, pearls are created in a living organism: a clam or oyster, without mining.

Here is a short basic guide to help you understand what types of pearls exist and what affects their quality.

The page only discusses cultured pearls, not wild-caught ones.

Where do cultured pearls come from?

Pearls are usually divided according to the environment in which they grow. Most often into two main categories: Saltwater pearls and Freshwater pearls.

Saltwater pearls

Grown in the sea/seawater.

The most common:

- Akoya (Japan, China)

- South Sea (Australia, Indonesia, Philippines)

- Tahiti (French Polynesia)

Saltwater pearls are often very round, have a high shine, and are therefore more valuable.

Freshwater pearls

Grown in lakes and rivers, mainly in China.

Features:

- Wide range of shapes and colors.

- Often a thick layer of pearl.

- Excellent value for money.

Today, many freshwater pearls are of very high quality and are even available in heart shapes!

MV pearls are Pioni Pearls Finland's area of ​​expertise and you can find handy quality/shape tables for them in the menu or by following the direct link to the page:

xxx (coming soon!)

Different types of beads

The four most common types. You can find more information about each one either through the menu or by clicking here for a direct link to the PPF information page!

Akoya | https://pionipearlsfinland.store/pages/helmytypit-akoya

South Sea | https://pionipearlsfinland.store/pages/helmytypit-south-sea

Tahiti | https://pionipearlsfinland.store/pages/helmytypit-tahiti

Freshwater | https://pionipearlsfinland.store/pages/helmytypit-makeanveden-helmet

Why do pearls have different colors?

The color of a pearl is affected by the type of mussel, water conditions, the internal structure of the pearl, and natural pigment.

Many types of pearls have characteristic shades, for example:

- Akoya | White, rose, silver

- Tahiti | Dark greenish and gray

- South Sea | Gold and white

- Freshwater | White, peach, lavender

How is the quality of pearls assessed?

The quality of pearls is usually assessed based on these factors:

- Shine | How well a pearl reflects light.

- Surface | Scratches and natural flaws.

- Shape | Roundness or intentional irregularity.

- Size | Larger pearls are generally rarer.

- Pearlescent layer | Affects durability and appearance.