The best quality pearls are generally South Sea pearls (especially White and Golden from Australia) for their large size, thick nacre, and luminous luster, followed closely by rare, top-grade Hanadama Akoya pearls for their sharp luster, and exotic Tahitian pearls known for deep overtones like Peacock. Quality is judged by exceptional luster (sharp reflections), thick nacre (glow), clean surfaces, and unique overtones, with South Sea pearls often considered the "Queen of Cultured Pearls" for their size and glow, making them highly valuable investment pieces.
South Sea pearls, grown in Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, are prized for their large sizes and glowing, satiny luster, often fetching premium prices. These pearls are considered the pinnacle of sophistication and elegance in the pearl world, and are known as the "Queen of Cultured Pearls".
The more lustre=the more layers (you can see a pearl center under iridescent layers) , the higher the grade. The more ``perfect'' in roundness, void of flaws= higher quality. The larger the size and the richer the color=higher quality. The better the individual pearls match each other=higher quality.
Certified Hanadama Akoya pearls are the finest Akoya pearls available; there is no grade above Hanadama, and there are no “levels” within the Hanadama grade. They are all top-notch. Mikimoto, by contrast, offers four different grades of Akoya pearls, with A being the lowest and AAA being the best.
The type of pearl significantly impacts its price. South Sea and Tahitian pearl are the most expensive since they are rare and of great grade. Akoya pearl, known for their perfect round shape and outstanding beauty, are next. Freshwater pearl are the cheapest since they are wide in variety.
Because Tiffany & Co. has a major brand reputation to uphold, their pearls will of course be good quality: lustrous, beautifully matched and strung and with minimal surface blemishing.
She accessorized with Queen Elizabeth's Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, which Kate frequently wears—most recently during the Qatar State Visit and on Remembrance Sunday.
If you're shopping for a first pearl necklace or timeless gift, we recommend an Akoya pearl strand for its unmatched luster and round beauty. For everyday wear or a more affordable gift, opt for high-grade Freshwater pearls — they offer fantastic value with plenty of style.
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.
The best pearls in Australia are the highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls, known for their large size, thick nacre, and magnificent luster, cultured from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters of Western Australia, with top producers including brands like Kailis Jewellery, Paspaley, Pearls of Australia, and Willie Creek Pearls. These pearls are considered among the finest globally, with some farms also producing unique Akoya and Keshi pearls, offering exceptional quality and environmental benefits.
The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place to sell them and you won't get much from a jeweller or by putting them on eBay. Our advice is to keep them as a memento or give them to someone who'll appreciate them.
Japan is the source of Akoya pearls and is the best place to buy these high-quality pearls. By buying pearls in Japan you can be assured that you are safely purchasing pearl products even if they are non-branded products.
Mikimoto grades their pearls: A, A+, AA and AAA Quality, which is their highest/best pearl grade. Their AAA Quality Akoya are so rare, and so expensive, that there are only one or two strands produced each year.
Genuine Akoya pearls, including cultured pearls, may have irregular textures on the surface. They also have a luster with multiple tones and clean drill holes. Real Akoya pearls tend to be denser than fake pearls, making real Akoya jewelry heavier than inauthentic pieces.
Harvesting cultured pearls often kills the oyster, as many farms kill the animals after the first harvest for their meat and shell, though some try to recycle them for multiple harvests, while wild pearl harvesting kills thousands of oysters for just a few pearls. While some techniques allow oysters to survive and produce more pearls, especially with skilled intervention, the overall industry often involves stress, harm, and eventual death for most mollusks.
Akoya pearls are also known for lasting for life, making them idea to pass down. This makes them a great choice for jewelry that will be worn often and gifted.
Diana's love for pearls started early in her life. While her school friends often wore diamond studs, the future princess usually chose pearls. At the age of 15, Lady Diana Spencer was first seen wearing a pair of simple pearl earrings; she wore them as a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.
She revealed that the most likely answer is that the shade of orange doesn't suit Princess Kate: "I think the answer lies in DNA and Kate's awareness of how certain colours [are] less flattering compared to other colours."
At Costco, we take pride in the fact that our pearl jewelry meets the industry's highest quality standards. Our process ensures our pearls have good luster, shape, color and no obvious blemishes, and that the size of the pearls match where applicable.
Neither Cartier nor Tiffany is definitively "better"; they are both top-tier luxury jewelers, but cater to slightly different preferences, with Cartier often seen as more prestigious, regal, and expensive, known for complex craftsmanship like the Love Bracelet, while Tiffany & Co. offers wider appeal, iconic engagement rings (like the Tiffany Setting), and more accessible sterling silver options, focusing on diamond brilliance and modern simplicity, though their silver can tarnish. Your choice depends on your style, budget, and what you value most in a piece.
While also thinking about the best metal for pearls, consider how you'll wear it. Silver is lightweight and easy for everyday wear, while gold—whether yellow, white or rose—can bring in a more elevated feel. And if you want something that is durable, hypoallergenic and luxe, platinum is your go-to.