Unlike crystalline gemstones, pearls are organic gems produced by living mollusks, evaluated primarily by luster intensity, nacre thickness, and surface perfection.
1. Cultured Pearl Varieties Compared
| Pearl Variety | Mollusk Species | Average Diameter | Characteristic Luster & Overtones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Akoya | Pinctada fucata martensii | 6.0mm – 9.0mm | Mirror-like metallic sharpness; rose/silver overtones |
| White & Golden South Sea | Pinctada maxima | 9.0mm – 16.0mm+ | Deep satiny glow; rich champagne and golden tones |
| Tahitian Black Pearl | Pinctada margaritifera | 8.0mm – 14.0mm | Peacock green, aubergine, and graphite dark bodycolor |
| Freshwater (Edison) | Hyriopsis cumingii | 7.0mm – 15.0mm | Wide pastel palette (lavender, peach); durable solid nacre |