Are you looking to buy high-quality pearls? Discover the differences in luster, value, and durability across Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls in our expert investment guide.
The type of pearl is based on which oyster or mussel it came from. It does not depend on whether the pearl is natural or cultured. Hence, a natural pearl can be an Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea or Tahitian pearl, and so can a cultured pearl.
Perhaps the most mysterious gemstone of all time, pearls are gifts from nature, created by the mollusc family. These include oysters and mussels, but only a handful have the ability to produce truly beautiful pearls.