You can tell a South Sea pearl by its large size (8-20+mm), distinctive satiny/silky luster from thick nacre, natural white/silver or gold body colors (with subtle overtones), and often baroque or drop shapes, all produced by the large Pinctada maxima oyster, setting them apart from smaller Akoya or freshwater pearls with sharper shine or varied colors.
High-quality authentic pearls are extremely reflective under the light, and exhibit variations in iridescence and color throughout the surface. Pearls that are perfectly uniform in color and overtones, or demonstrate chipping on its top layer, are imitation.
Australian Akoya pearl shell are the smallest pearl-producing molluscs, which means the pearls themselves are generally smaller than South Sea pearls, typically measuring between 2 and 8 millimetres.
South Sea Pearls Value
A strand of South Sea pearls can range from $1,000 to over $100,000.
Akoya pearls are typically 4mm to 8mm in size, while South Sea pearls are around 9mm to 16mm+ in size. The colour of Australian South Sea pearls are more commonly in the white, silver and cream range whereas Australian Akoya pearls have a greater diversity in colour - ranging from white, silver, cream, blue and pink.
Each type of pearl has its own unique characteristics that give it value.
South Sea pearls are generally considered the most valuable pearls in the world. Their size, rarity, and long cultivation period make them pricier, especially in perfectly round shapes or natural golden tones. Tahitian pearls are also premium but slightly more accessible in comparison.
The price of a natural South sea pearl gems per carat can range from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 per carat plus. Plenty of determining factors are trustworthy for determining the value of an authentic south sea pearl. These factors include hue, shape, luster, carat weight, and treatment.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.
It is advised that you avoid dipping your pearls in water or wear them whilst bathing or swimming as the water weakens the silk thread. We recommend you do not store pearls in a safe for a long period of time as the dry atmospheric conditions dry out the pearls and cause them to crack.
Australia produces the largest harvests and the finest White South Sea pearls in the world.
South Sea pearls are generally much larger than other pearl types and have a unique luster quality – a soft reflection due to the large aragonite platelets that make up the pearl. They also have the thickest average nacre of all cultured pearls. These factors make South Seas both distinctive and valuable.
Another way to check if your pearls are real is to submerge them in vinegar. If they are real, the pearls will form bubbles due to the chemical reaction of vinegar acid and calcium carbonate which is the primary chemical that a real pearl is made of.
The Golden Pearl is the rarest and most exquisite of all the pearls from anywhere in the world. Many different countries produce white pearls, black pearls and even multi-colored / dyed various other colors, but the South Sea Golden Pearl is the most difficult to produce and is all completely natural.
The last time the choker was publicly seen was when the princess attended the Met Gala in New York in December 1996. It has not been seen or exhibited since, and now belongs to Prince William and Prince Harry.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” - Coco Chanel.
People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire). If you're unsure, always get your horoscope checked before wearing a pearl stone.
High-quality pearls, especially rare varieties like South Sea or Tahitian pearls, are more likely to retain or increase in value over time. Natural pearls, given their scarcity, often command the highest prices and are frequently sought by collectors.
The 8 ratti moti price ranges from INR 5000-25000 depending on the color, clarity, type, surface perfection, luster, shape, cut, and origin, besides the weight.
Choosing between Australian Akoya vs. South Sea pearls come down to personal preference: Akoya pearls are smaller, typically more symmetrical, and have a greater variety of colours. South Sea pearls are larger, and can make for a more statement piece when featured in unique jewellery designs.
The Colors of Tahitian Pearls
The natural color of Tahitian Pearls comes from that of the black lip oysters. Although black pearls are the most common, Tahitian Pearls come in color ranges from graphite to metallic silver. You will also find Tahitian Pearls with overtones that are greenish, bluish, or purplish.
The Peacock, Green and Blue colors are extremely rare and difficult to supply. The most common color, which still commands top value is Black Green. When comparing a Black Green strand to a Peacock or Green strand, be prepared to pay up to twice as much for the Peacock and Green pearls!