Pearls Around the World: A Journey Through Nature’s Most Lustrous Gem

by Kat Morrow

There’s something truly magical about pearls—each one born from the depths of the ocean or freshwater rivers, shaped by time, and kissed by nature’s touch. But did you know pearls come in a dazzling variety of shapes, sizes, and colors depending on where they’re cultivated?

Let’s embark on an around-the-world tour to explore the different types of pearls, from classic white rounds to rare, exotic hues. Whether you love timeless elegance or unique organic beauty, there’s a pearl waiting to capture your heart.

Japan & Australia: The Classic Akoya Pearls

Type: Akoya Pearls
Color: White, cream, silver, rose overtones
Shape: Perfectly round
Size: 2mm – 10mm
Where They’re Found: Japan, China, Vietnam, Australia

Akoya pearls are the definition of classic elegance—when you think of that perfect white pearl strand, you’re picturing Akoya. First cultured in Japan in the early 1900s, these pearls are admired for their high luster and perfectly round shape.

Did You Know? The legendary Kokichi Mikimoto perfected the art of culturing Akoya pearls, making Japan the pearl capital of the world!

Perfect for: Classic pearl strands, stud earrings, and bridal jewelry.

China: The Rise of Freshwater Pearls

Type: Freshwater Pearls
Color: White, pink, lavender, peach, multi-hued
Shape: Round, oval, baroque, coin
Size: 2mm – 15mm
Where They’re Found: China, the U.S. (Tennessee River Pearls)

Freshwater pearls are some of the most versatile and affordable pearls in the world. They’re cultured primarily in China, where farmers have perfected the process of growing these gems in lakes and rivers.

Unlike Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls come in a rainbow of natural shades like soft lavender, peach, and pink, making them a favorite for playful, modern jewelry.

Did You Know? The U.S. once had a booming pearl industry! The Tennessee River Pearl is the official state gem of Tennessee.

Perfect for: Bohemian pearl jewelry, multi-strand necklaces, fun and colorful designs.

Philippines & Australia: The Golden South Sea Pearls

Type: South Sea Pearls
Color: Gold, champagne, cream, white
Shape: Round, oval, baroque
Size: 8mm – 20mm
Where They’re Found: The Philippines, Australia, Indonesia

South Sea pearls are the largest and most valuable pearls in the world. These golden beauties are cultured in warm tropical waters, where they develop their signature deep golden hues.

Did You Know? The Philippines is the only country in the world which officially recognizes a pearl as its national gem—the Golden South Sea Pearl!

Perfect for: Statement necklaces, bold earrings, luxury heirloom jewelry.

French Polynesia: The Exotic Tahitian Black Pearls

Type: Tahitian Pearls
Color: Black, peacock green, blue-gray, aubergine, silver
Shape: Round, baroque, oval, teardrop
Size: 8mm – 18mm
Where They’re Found: Tahiti & other French Polynesian islands

Tahitian pearls are mystical and exotic, famous for their natural dark hues. Unlike dyed pearls, these beauties naturally develop shades of deep black, shimmering peacock green, silver-gray, and even rich eggplant purple.

Did You Know? Not all Tahitian pearls are jet black—some have a mesmerizing rainbow effect under light!

Perfect for: Edgy, modern jewelry, unisex designs, statement rings and pendants.

Fiji: The Rare and Vibrant Fijian Pearls

Type: Fijian Pearls
Color: Natural bronze, copper, pistachio, blue-green
Shape: Baroque, oval, freeform
Size: 8mm – 16mm
Where They’re Found: Fiji

One of the rarest types of pearls, Fijian pearls are known for their earthy and rich hues, ranging from deep bronze to vibrant pistachio green. These pearls are not mass-produced, making them a collector’s dream.

Did You Know? Because of their rarity, Fijian pearls can fetch incredibly high prices in the luxury market.

Perfect for: Unique collectors, artistic and unconventional jewelry designs.

Mexico: The Mysterious Sea of Cortez Pearls

Type: Cortez Pearls
Color: Iridescent rainbow, dark gray, aubergine, blue
Shape: Baroque, freeform
Size: 8mm – 15mm
Where They’re Found: The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico

Cortez pearls are one of the rarest pearls on Earth and have a mesmerizing, almost oil-slick-like iridescence with colors that shift in the light. Produced by the Pinctada Mazatlanica oyster, these pearls have a history dating back to the Aztecs!

Did You Know? Cortez pearls are naturally dark and never dyed—their magical rainbow shimmer is completely natural.

Perfect for: One-of-a-kind artisan jewelry, heirloom pieces, avant-garde designs.

Worldwide: The Wild & Whimsical Baroque Pearls

Type: Baroque Pearls
Color: Varies (white, gold, black, pink, blue)
Shape: Irregular, freeform
Size: 8mm – 20mm+
Where They’re Found: Worldwide

For those who love organic, free-flowing beauty, baroque pearls are a dream. These pearls form naturally in irregular shapes, meaning no two are ever alike. They can come from any pearl-producing region, including Akoya, South Sea, Freshwater, and Tahitian pearls.

Did You Know? Some baroque pearls resemble animals, teardrops, or even human faces—making them ultra-special for artistic jewelry.

Perfect for: Bold, creative designs, asymmetrical earrings, statement rings.

Which Pearl Speaks to You?

From the classic elegance of Akoya pearls to the dramatic beauty of Tahitian black pearls, the world of pearls is as diverse as it is breathtaking.

Are you looking for a delicate white strand, a rare golden heirloom, or a one-of-a-kind baroque beauty? No matter your style, there’s a perfect pearl waiting for you.

Let’s find your dream pearl together! Connect with me for exclusive access to authentic, luxury, one-of-a-kind pearls.