Pearls are classified according to size, shape, color and luster, which
depend on the type of mollusk and its habitat. First of all pearls are divided
into sea pearls and freshwater pearls. Any cultured pearl produced by mollusks
living in salt water, is considered to be a marine pearl.
Here are four most common types of pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, Freshwater
cultured pearls.
This type of pearls is produced by oysters called "Pinctada fucata martensii", also known as AKOYA oyster. This mollusk is farmed in Japan and China. Akoya Pearl differs with its special luster and is considered to be classical. These pearls are usually white or cream-colored with shades of pink and silver, and are usually small in size ranging from 2 to 11 millimeters. In addition, they usually have round or nearly round shape, which makes them ideal for use in jewelry such as strands and bracelets.
This type of pearls are mostly large with a diameter exceeding 10 mm, made by "Pinctada maxima" oysters, in the warm waters of the Southern Seas, in the southern part of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. South Sea Pearls are one of the major commercial species, procured in the world. Most of the gems are in the range from 9 mm to 20 mm and the average size is 13 mm. The color of pearls depends on the species of "Pinctada maxima" oysters and the color of its inner surface can be white, silver and yellow-gold.
Tahitian pearls are made by black oyster called "Pinctada margaritifera", dwelling around Tahiti, French Polynesia and the islands of Okinawa. These pearls are unique because of their natural dark color. The size of Tahitian pearls is quite large, about 8 - 15 mm. Most of the "black" Tahitian pearls are not really pure black, and have shades of purple, silver and green. Pure black pearls of are the most beautiful pearls in the world and are extremely rare. To create a necklace many black pearls are needed which match in size, shape and color and their selection may take several years.
Despite the fact that the traditional source of pearls are marine mollusks, freshwater mussels that live in ponds, lakes and rivers, can also produce high quality pearls. The major world producer of freshwater pearls is China. In addition to China the USA is also considered to be a large producer. However, in recent years due to excessive production and increasing environmental pollution mussel population, capable of producing high quality pearls is much reduced.
Freshwater pearls are generally not as round as sea pearls, and do not have such a bright shine. However, they come in many different shapes and natural colors, and are less expensive than sea pearls, which make them very popular among young people and designers. In addition freshwater pearls are more durable, and have high resistance to wear.
