Types of Pearls Explained: From Freshwater to Australian South Sea Pearls

Baroque Pearl Pendant Necklace by Lyastone

Not all pearls are the same. Some grow in freshwater lakes, others in tropical seas. Some are perfectly round, others are wonderfully irregular. And a few are so rare that they're treated as treasures. Knowing the main types of pearls helps you understand what you're buying, why prices vary so much, and which pearls suit the way you like to wear jewellery.

First, how pearls form

A pearl forms when an oyster or mussel coats an irritant with layers of nacre, the same lustrous material that lines its shell. Natural pearls form entirely on their own and are extremely rare. Almost every pearl sold today is a cultured pearl: a real pearl grown after a pearl farmer gently places a small nucleus or piece of tissue inside the mollusc. Cultured pearls are genuine pearls, not imitations.

The main types of cultured pearls

1. Freshwater pearls

Grown in: freshwater mussels, mostly in China's lakes and rivers.
Look: white, cream, pink, peach and lavender, in round, oval, button and baroque shapes.
Why people love them: real pearls at an accessible price, perfect for everyday jewellery.

Because one mussel can produce many pearls at once, freshwater pearls are the most affordable real pearls. The Natural Freshwater Pearl Bracelet is an easy way to wear them every day.

2. Akoya pearls

Grown in: saltwater Akoya oysters, mainly in Japan and China.
Look: small to medium (usually around 6–9 mm), very round, white with a mirror-like shine.
Known for: the classic "pearl necklace" look, often chosen for weddings.

The finest Akoya pearls are sometimes sold as Hanadama, a term used in Japan for top-grade Akoya pearls with exceptional lustre and thick nacre, usually backed by a certificate.

3. Tahitian pearls

Grown in: black-lipped oysters in French Polynesia.
Look: naturally dark pearls in grey, green, blue and aubergine tones.
Most prized: "peacock" pearls, with a dark body and shimmering green-pink overtones.

4. Golden South Sea pearls

Grown in: gold-lipped oysters, mainly in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Look: large pearls in shades from soft champagne to deep, rich gold.
Most prized: a deep, natural golden colour.

Australian South Sea pearls: the queen of pearls

If there is one pearl Australians can be especially proud of, it's the Australian South Sea pearl. Often called the "queen of pearls", it is widely regarded as one of the finest cultured pearls in the world.

The oyster: Australian South Sea pearls grow in the Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl oyster in the world, known for its silver-white lip.
Where they come from: the warm, clean waters of northern Australia, from Broome in Western Australia across to the Northern Territory. Broome's pearling history stretches back well over a century.
Size: typically around 10–20 mm, far larger than most other cultured pearls.
Nacre and lustre: they grow slowly and build up thick layers of nacre, which gives them a soft, satin-like glow rather than a hard, mirror shine.
Colour: white and silver, sometimes with delicate pink, cream or champagne overtones.

Because each oyster usually produces only one pearl at a time, and the pearls take years to grow, Australian South Sea pearls are rare and highly valued. A strand of well-matched Australian South Sea pearls is considered an heirloom piece.

The rarest pearls of all

Beyond cultured pearls, there are a few pearls so rare that most people never see one in person:

Natural pearls: pearls formed with no human help at all. Historic natural pearls, such as those from the Persian Gulf, are prized by collectors and can achieve remarkable prices at auction.
Conch pearls: pink pearls from the queen conch, a sea snail found in the Caribbean. They are not made of nacre, but show a beautiful "flame" pattern on the surface, and are almost impossible to cultivate.
Melo pearls: rare orange pearls from the melo melo sea snail in South-East Asian waters, also non-nacreous and found only by chance.
Abalone pearls: naturally formed pearls from abalone, often with vivid blue and green colours and unusual shapes.

Pearl types at a glance

Pearl	Origin	Typical size	Signature look	Rarity
Freshwater	China (lakes and rivers)	Small to medium	Pastel colours, many shapes	Most accessible
Akoya	Japan, China	About 6–9 mm	Round, bright white shine	Classic
Tahitian	French Polynesia	Medium to large	Naturally dark, peacock tones	Premium
Golden South Sea	Philippines, Indonesia	Large	Champagne to deep gold	Premium
Australian South Sea	Northern Australia	About 10–20 mm	White, silver, satin glow	Top tier
Natural, conch, melo	Various	Varies	Unique	Extremely rare

Pearl shapes explained

Round: the most classic and traditionally the most prized.
Near-round and oval: subtle and elegant, often more affordable.
Button: flat on one side; ideal for stud earrings.
Drop: teardrop-shaped; beautiful in pendants and drop earrings.
Baroque: irregular, organic shapes, every one unique.

Why baroque pearls are so popular

Baroque pearls have moved from "imperfect" to highly fashionable. Their organic shapes feel modern and relaxed, and no two are ever the same, so your piece is truly one of a kind. The Baroque Pearl Pendant Necklace shows how beautiful an irregular pearl can be.

Pearl, mother-of-pearl and imitation pearls: what's the difference?

Pearl: grown inside an oyster or mussel, layer by layer.
Mother-of-pearl: the shimmering inner lining of the shell itself, cut into shapes such as petals and butterflies. It shares a pearl's lustre but is not a pearl.
Imitation, faux or glass pearls: beads (often glass or shell) with a pearly coating. They can look lovely and are often used in fashion and vintage-inspired designs.

At Lyastone, each product page states which one you're getting, so you always know exactly what you're buying.

Which pearls should you choose?

For everyday wear: freshwater pearl studs or a simple pearl bracelet.
For a modern look: baroque pearls, or pearls mixed with gold.
For a classic, formal look: round, well-matched Akoya pearls.
For colour: naturally dark Tahitian pearls, golden South Sea pearls or pastel freshwater pearls.
For a lifetime heirloom: Australian South Sea pearls, chosen for their size, thick nacre and soft glow.

Small and easy to wear, the Pearl Knot Studs pair freshwater pearls with S925 sterling silver. Browse all pearl earrings and pearl necklaces; each product page lists the exact pearl type.